Christmas around the world

England

An English Christmas usually means a visit from Father Christmas. Children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep. Carol singing is also believed to have begun in England. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town, visiting castles and the homes of the rich. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money.

Ireland

Food forms an important part of the Irish Christmas. Plum pudding is the traditional Christmas desert and many special foods such as Christmas fruitcake and mince pies are also made. It is a tradition in these parts to keep mince pies and a bottle of Guinness as a snack for Santa.

Germany

In Germany, things are somewhat different during Christmas. The period between 1 December and the 24 December is called Adventszeit, which means the time before Christmas. During this time, all the houses hang wreaths decorated with ornaments and four candles. The candles are lit on every Sunday until Christmas Eve.

Another traditional Christmas figure is the Christmas Man or the Weinachtmann, who looks like Santa and also brings gifts. Germany has a unique tradition called Christbaumloben, in which people visit friends on 26 December to praise their Christmas tree.

Italy

In Italy, Christmas generally begins after the Feast of Immaculate Conception. By the second week of December festivities are in full swing across the country. Christmas trees are lit across the city and in most houses. An important part of the customary decorations are the presepe. These display a hut with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a donkey and a bow. In addition to the holy family, some include the three wise men along with their respective gifts.

Santa Claus features very little in the traditional Italian Christmas. In fact Italians believe that it is Jesus Christ who visits their houses bearing gifts. Unlike their counterparts in many other countries, Italian children do not hang stockings or sacks on the mantelpiece.

France

In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phrase “les bonnes nouvelles” which means “the good news”. It is a time of festivities and celebrations. The story of Christ’s birth is re-enacted at the cathedral square by players and puppets.

The French children have their own Father Christmas called Pere Noel. They leave their shoes out, before going to bed, hoping to find them filled with gifts the next morning.

Switzerland

Christmas in Switzerland begins with the ringing of the bells. The tinkling of the bell heralds the arrival of the white-clad angel called the Christkindli, who comes along with presents. Three candles are lit when she comes and she hands the presents from the baskets held by her helpers.

Finland

Though not celebrated as fervently as in many other European countries, Christmas in Finland has its own charm. Finnish houses are filled with decorations throughout the celebrations. The Christmas tree is usually decorated a few days before Christmas.

At breakfast on Christmas Eve morning, natives of Finland have rice porridge with cinnamon, sugar and milk. An almond is hidden in the porridge and whoever finds it is believed to have great luck all through the following year.

Unlike most parts of the world, the presents are opened on the eve of Christmas. They believe that since Santa Claus lives in Finland, he visits them first.