NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Christmas worldwide

The Christmas season is celebrated in different ways around the world. For the article about, Christmas around the world, please see Christmas worldwide. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ...

This is an incomplete list of festivals and holidays that take place during the winter in the northern hemisphere, especially those commemorating the season. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ...

Asia

Christmas is a state holiday in India, though only 3% of the population is actually Christian. The celebration by Christians is largely based on the American media depiction. Sincere devotees attend the church services. In many of the schools that are run by the Christian missionaries, the children actively participate in the programmes. This involves singing carols etc. Christmas is officially celebrated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India. The celebrations continue and get mixed up with new year celebrations. For other uses, see Missionary (disambiguation). ... Immediately in front of Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Jaipur Column, topped by a star. ... The President of India (Hindi: Rashtrapati) is the head of state and first citizen of India and the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces. ...

In India, most educational institutions have a mid-academic year vacation, sometimes called Christmas vacation, beginning shortly before Christmas and ending a few days after New Year's Day. Christmas is also known as bada din (the big day). The concept of Santa Claus is relatively new, and up until the mid '90s, Santa Claus was hardly popular. Due to the warm temperature it is difficult to Indianize his concept (however, see the section for the Philippines below). Commercialization and open markets is however bringing more secular-Christmas celebration to the public sphere, even though its is not celebrated religiously. This article is about the date January 1 in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Lebanon

Christmas is a state holiday in Lebanon, though 40% of the population is Christian. Even some Lebanese Muslims celebrate Christmas with Christian friends. Commercialization and open markets is however bringing a more secular celebration of Christmas to the public sphere, even though it is not celebrated religiously.

Korea

South Korea recognizes Christmas as a public holiday. Non-Christian Koreans otherwise go about their daily routine on December 25 but may engage in some holiday customs such as gift-giving, sending Christmas cards, and setting up decorated trees in their homes; children, especially, appear to have embraced Santa Claus, whom they call Santa Haraboji (Grandfather Santa) in Korean, Local radio stations play holiday music on Christmas Day and a few days before, while television stations are known to air Christmas films and cartoon specials popular in the Western countries. In addition, increasing numbers of stores and buildings are displaying Christmas decorations. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2304x1728, 822 KB) The new Cheonggyecheon river in Seoul. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2304x1728, 822 KB) The new Cheonggyecheon river in Seoul. ... Short name Statistics Location map Map of location of Seoul. ...

As in the West, Christian churches in Korea hold Christmas pageants and conduct special services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Young people especially enjoy the fellowship these observances provide; after the Christmas Eve services, for example, they go caroling to the homes of older church members, where they are usually treated to hot drinks and snacks.

South Korea is the only East Asian country to recognize Christmas as a public holiday. East Asia is a subregion of Asia. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ...

Japan

Encouraged by the commercial sector, the secular celebration of Christmas is popular in Japan, though Christmas is not a national holiday. The Japanese adopted the character of Santa Claus in their celebrations, but the Santa image does not carry the same social importance as in western countries. Christmas is not as important as New Year's Day, which is the most sacred holiday in Japan, whereas Christmas is not a holiday at all. In contrast to western customs, Christmas Eve is a day for couples to date and groups to hold parties, while the official New Year's Day holiday is a day of family celebration. Christmas Eve is a time for lovers to exchange gifts, have a special date and stroll under Christmas lights erected by companies and governments to enhance the romantic feel of the day. All Christmas theme decorations come down on the 25th and are replaced by New Year's decorations. A unique feature of Christmas in Japan is the Christmas cake, a white whipped cream cake with strawberries. This article is about the date January 1 in the Gregorian calendar. ... A heavily iced Christmas cake Christmas cake is a type of fruitcake served at Christmas time in the UK, Ireland and many Commonwealth countries. ...

The first recorded Christmas in Japan was celebrated with a mass held by Jesuit missionaries in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1552, although some believe that unrecorded celebrations were held prior to this date, starting in 1549 when Saint Francis Xavier arrived in Japan to begin missionary work. Starting with the expulsion of missionaries in 1587, Christianity was banned throughout Japan beginning in 1612, a few years into the Edo Period, and the public practice of Christmas subsequently ceased. However, a small enclave of Japanese Christians, known as Kakure Kirishitan ("hidden Christians"), continued to practice underground over the next 250 years, and Christianity along with Christmas practices reemerged at the beginning of the Meiji period. In the Meiji period, as spreading of Christian teachings was authorized, churches held their Christmas masses. In upper circles, heavily influenced by American customs, Christmas parties were held and presents were exchanged. The practice slowly spread in major cities, but its proximity to the New Year's celebrations makes it a significantly smaller focus of attention. During World War II, all celebrations and customs, especially those from America, were avoided and suppressed. From the 1960s, with the aid of a rapidly expanding economy, and influenced by American TV dramas, Christmas became popular, but not as a religious occasion. For many Japanese, celebrating Christmas is similar to participating in a matsuri, where participants often do not consider which kami is being celebrated, but believe that the celebration is a tribute nevertheless. From the 1970s to the 1980s, many songs and TV drama series presented Christmas from a lover's point of view. Image File history File links ARTELLIGENT_CHRISTMAS_Roppngi_Hills_2006. ... Image File history File links ARTELLIGENT_CHRISTMAS_Roppngi_Hills_2006. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... Not to be confused with St. ... The Edo period ), also called Tokugawa period, is a division of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868. ... Kakure Kirishitan (éš ã‚Œã‚ãƒªã‚·ã‚¿ãƒ³, Japanese for Hidden Christian) is a modern term for a member of a sect of Japanese Roman Catholicism that went underground after the Shimabara Rebellion in the 1630s. ... The Meiji period ), or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of Emperor Meiji, running, in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July 1912. ... The Meiji period ), or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of Emperor Meiji, running, in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July 1912. ... The kadomatsu is a traditional decoration for the new year holiday. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki TÅjÅ Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Stalls selling food or toys are a familiar sight at festivals throughout Japan. ... â€œMegamiâ€ redirects here. ...

The birthday of the current emperor, Akihito, on December 23 is a national holiday. Christmas itself is not, but shortly thereafter businesses close for the New Year's holidays, usually reopening on the first weekday after January 3. For Prince Komatsu, see Prince Komatsu Akihito. ... is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Jordan

Though Jordan is located in the heart of the Muslim world, the tiny Christian community that makes 6% of the whole population, celebrates Christmas freely. Christmas day is a public holiday in Jordan. All Christian families put the Christmas tree and decorate the house with red and gold lights, and celebrates Christmas Eve with all the family and relatives, and usually would have dinner which is made up from traditional dishes, such as (Grilled Chicken With Rice), and (wara dawale, vine leafs which are folded around Rice and Meat), After dinner some families go to Church to celebrate the Christmas Mass. While other families go to hotels, most five star hotels hold a Christmas party on both 24 and 25 of December. There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: Ù…Ø³Ù„Ù…, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: Ù…Ø³Ù„Ù…Ø§Ù†, Turkish: MÃ¼slÃ¼man, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Christmas tree (disambiguation). ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ...

China, Hong Kong and Macao

In China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. The one percent of Chinese citizens who consider themselves Christians unofficially, and usually privately, observe Christmas.^[1] Many other individuals celebrate Christmas-like festivities even though they do not consider themselves Christians. Many customs, including sending cards, exchanging gifts, and hanging stockings are very similar to Western celebrations.^[2] Image File history File links The New World Centre shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, China on Christmas, 2004. ... Image File history File links The New World Centre shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, China on Christmas, 2004. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Both Hong Kong and Macau designate Christmas as a public holiday on December 25. Both are former colonies of Western powers with (nominal) Christian cultural heritage. This article is about a type of political territory. ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ...

However, it is worthy of note that commercial Christmas decorations, signs, and other symbolic items have become increasingly prevalent during the month of December in large urban centers of mainland China, reflecting a cultural interest in this Western phenomenon, and, sometimes, as part of retail marketing schemes.

Taiwan

In Taiwan, Christmas is not officially celebrated or legally recognized. However, coincidentally, December 25 is the date of the signing of the Constitution of the Republic of China in 1947, officially the Constitution Day (zh:行憲紀念日). Hence there was already an official holiday on that date designated in 1963 by the Executive Yuan,^[3] which is largely, though unofficially, treated as if it were Christmas. In order to avoid having too many legal holidays when phasing in two-day-off-per-week plan, the Constitution Day is no longer a full legal holiday with a day off since 2001. Some people have become disappointed that December 25 has ceased to be a holiday, but there are still unofficial celebrations of Christmas. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (600x800, 80 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Taipei 101 Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (600x800, 80 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Taipei 101 Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Taipei 101 (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: TÃ¡ibÄ›i YÄ«lÃngyÄ«; Wade-Giles: Tai-pei I-ling-i) is a 101-floor landmark skyscraper located in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. ... Nickname: Coordinates: , Country Region City seat Xinyi District (ä¿¡ç¾©å€) Government - Mayor Hau Lung-bin (KMT)1 E9 Area - City 271. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Constitution of the Republic of China (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; Tongyong Pinyin: JhongHuÃ¡ MÃnGuÃ³ SiÃ nFÇŽ) is currently the basic governing document for the areas controlled by the Republic of China (ROC) , namely all of Taiwan Province, Taipei and Kaohsiung municipalities, and Kinmen county and part of... The Executive Yuan (行政院; literally executive court) is the executive branch of the government of the Republic of China. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Malaysia

Christmas is a public holiday in Malaysia, however, much of the public celebration is commercial in nature and has no overt religious overtones. Occasionally, Christian activist groups do buy newspaper advertorials on Christmas or Easter but this is largely only allowed in English newspapers and permission is not given every year. The advertorials themselves are usually indirect statements. For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Christian festival. ...

In 2004, the government organized a national-level Christmas celebration but allegedly imposed an unofficial ban on all Christian religious symbols and hymns that specifically mention Jesus Christ.^[4] The event was jointly organised by the Arts, Culture and Heritage ministry, the government of the state of Selangor and the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM). It has been reported that the Sultan of Selangor and his consort, the Prime Minister as well as assorted cabinet ministers will be in attendance. It will also be televised on TV in a majority Muslim country.

OC Lim, a former lawyer turned Jesuit priest and director of the Catholic Research Centre (also assistant parish priest of St. Francis Xavier's Church) has lodged a formal complaint. He has also stated that "To exclude (such) carols and to use (Christmas) for political gain is outrageous, scandalous and sacrilegious." He also said "To call it a cultural event (as rationalised by Christian politicians who are more politician than Christian) is to downgrade Jesus to a cultural sage such as Confucius." The Society of Jesus (Latin: Societas Iesu), commonly known as the Jesuits, is a Roman Catholic religious order. ... This article is about the person. ...

CFM general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri stated that the government wanted "nothing that insults Islam" during the open house.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim later denied that any such ban had been "issued officially or unofficially". He also added that there is "nothing wrong in singing songs such as Silent Night and Merry Christmas" as they are "joyous songs for the festival".

Lee Min Choon, legal advisor to the CFM and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship issued a statement which said "It means that churches can celebrate Christmas as they have been doing all along. Otherwise, the very meaning of the occasion will be lost." "Now, everybody should take the government at its word and celebrate Christmas the way they normally celebrate and express their religious faith."

Pakistan

In Pakistan, December 25th is a public holiday that coincides with the birth anniversary of Jinnah - the founder of the nation. Christians constitute approximately 1 percent of the population, mostly from Punjab who were once outcaste before British Raj. In Christian households, cards and presents are exchanged. People wear their best new clothes and visit friends houses. In rural areas, people go to Christmas Day services, which in Urdu and Punjabi is called 'Bara Din', the 'Big Day'. Bible Society of Pakistan conducts special programs on this eve. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1996x1426, 516 KB)The St. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1996x1426, 516 KB)The St. ... St Patricks Cathedral in Karachi St. ... Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah (referred to in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam, or Great Leader, which is a legally defined title) (December 25, 1876 - September 11, 1948) was an Indian Muslim nationalist, who led the movement demanding a separate homeland for Muslims in... This article is about the geographical region. ... Anthem God Save The King The British Indian Empire, 1909 Capital Calcutta (until 1912), New Delhi (after 1912) Language(s) Hindustani, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India - 1858-1901 VictoriaÂ¹ - 1901-1910 Edward VII - 1910-1936 George V - 1936 Edward VIII - 1936-1947 George VI ViceroyÂ² - 1858... Urdu ( , , trans. ...

Philippines

The Philippines has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season. Although faint traces of the holiday arise beginning from early September, it is traditionally ushered in by the nine-day dawn Masses that start on Dec. 16. Known as the Misas de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses) or Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish. These Masses are more popularly known in Tagalog as the Simbang Gabi. Christmas Eve on December 24 is the much-anticipated "noche buena" — the traditional Christmas feast after the midnight mass. Family members dine together on traditional noche buena fare, which includes the quéso de bóla ("ball cheese", usually edam cheese) and jamón (Christmas ham). Usually, aside from the already legal holidays which are Rizal Day (December 30) and New Year's Eve (December 31), other days in close proximity such as Christmas Eve (December 24), Niños Inocentes (December 28), and the Epiphany (traditionally, January 6) are also declared as non-working days. In Asia, Christmas is also the liveliest in the Philippines, since the country is the only predominantly Christian nation in the continent besides, Russia, East Timor, Georgia and Armenia. The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, has earned the distinction of celebrating the worlds longest Christmas season. ... For other uses, see September (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Mass (disambiguation). ... Misa del Gallo (Spanish: lit. ... Tagalog (pronunciation: ) is one of the major languages of the Republic of the Philippines. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... Edam is a Dutch cheese that is traditionally sold as spheres with pale yellow interior and a coat of red or yellow paraffin. ... JamÃ³n ibÃ©rico on display on a market in Barcelona, Spain. ... Holidays in the Philippines // New Years Day New Years Day, or Araw ng Bagong Taon is celebrated with the family in or outside the house. ... Rizal Day is a national holiday in the Philippines, occuring on December 30. ... is the 364th day of the year (365th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 362nd day of the year (363rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

However, as in many East Asian countries, secular Christmas displays are common both in business establishments and in public, including lights, Christmas trees, depictions of Santa Claus (despite the warm climate), and Christmas greetings in English and Tagalog. Occasionally such displays are left in place even in summer for example the parol representing the "Star of Bethlehem" which led the Three Kings to the newborn Baby Jesus. East Asia Geographic East Asia. ... A Christmas tree in a German home One of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas, the Christmas tree is normally an evergreen conifer tree that is brought in the house or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the... A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Tagalog (pronunciation: ) is one of the major languages of the Republic of the Philippines. ... Parols are Christmas ornaments from the Philippines. ... Adoration of the Magi by Florentine painter Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337). ... Three Kings can refer to several things: Three Kings, a 1999 American movie. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

In the capital Manila, Christmas Day is the start of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival during which locally produced films are featured in the city's theatres. , For other meanings of the word, see Manila (disambiguation). ...

Singapore

In Singapore, Christmas is a public holiday celebrated by almost everyone (Christian or otherwise). Typically it is also the boom time for retailers as Christmas season is also the time most people get their year-end bonuses. The entire shopping district like Orchard Road and Marina Centre areas is decorated with colourful lights from mid November till New Year's Day. In recent years, a charitable organisation called Celebrating Christmas in Singapore Ltd (with links to the National Council of Churches of Singapore) organised the "Celebrating Christmas in Singapore" during Christmas period with carolling, concerts and parade down Orchard Road. As Christmas is not a native festival here, there is nothing local except for maybe the warmer tropical climate. Christmas celebration in Singapore tends to be borrowed heavily from the American version with turkey dinner and decoration. As Christians only comprise 14% of the population, most of the celebration tends to be secular and commercial in nature. Local companies normally arrange gift exchange programs on the last working day before Christmas. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 716 KB) Summary Christmas light-up along Orchard Road, 2005. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 716 KB) Summary Christmas light-up along Orchard Road, 2005. ... Orchard Road is lit up elaborately nearer the end of every year for the Christmas festive season. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (800x1067, 898 KB) Raffles City, Christmas Light-up 2006, Singapore. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (800x1067, 898 KB) Raffles City, Christmas Light-up 2006, Singapore. ... Raffles City is a major multiplex located in the civic district of Singapore. ... Orchard Road is lit up elaborately nearer the end of every year for the Christmas festive season. ...

North America

Caribbean

Jamaican Christmas is closely in line with its British heritage but with its own flavour. The traditional dances, the parties and festivities, the spirit of charity, and the food defines it.^{[citation needed]}

Mexico

Mexico's Christmas traditions are centered on Mexican Catholicism and popular culture traditions also known as posadas. Over a nine day period, groups of townspeople go from door to door, in a fashion reminiscent of when the soon to be parents of baby Jesus looked for shelter to pass the night when they arrived at Bethlehem, and are periodically called inside homes to participate in the breaking of a gift-filled piñata. Mexican Christmas is not influenced by American Christmas since it is filled with over 30 traditions only found within Mexican Christmas. Children don't receive gifts on Christmas since it is the 6th of January the day when children expect a gift from the Three Wise Men by leaving a note in their shoes that they place below the tree so the kings can deliver on those requests while they bring baby Jesus their three gifts. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1280 Ã— 960 pixel, file size: 264 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Ticul Christmas worldwide... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1280 Ã— 960 pixel, file size: 264 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Ticul Christmas worldwide... Ticul is a small city in Yucatán state, Mexico. ... The Yucatán Peninsula separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. ... For the city in Argentina, see Posadas, Misiones. ... For the animated short, see PiÃ±ata (animated film). ... Three Kings, or Three Wise Men redirects here. ...

What is done instead is that people set a Nacimiento, which is a representation of the barn where Jesus Christ was born, and every year at midnight, millions of families place then the figure of the baby Jesus in the manger as the symbolic representation of Christmas as a whole. A traditional nativity scene from Naples, Italy A nativity scene, also called a crib or crÃ¨che (meaning crib or manger in French) generally refers to any depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus. ... For other uses, see Midnight (disambiguation) Midnight, literally the middle of the night, is a time arbitrarily designated to determine the end of a day and the beginning of the next in some, mainly Western, cultures. ... Manger: A person that stands for freedom and all that is right, wants to be a god person against others, And you can call him a Funfreak A manger is a trough or box of carved stone or wood construction used to hold food for animals (as in a stable). ...

Mexican Christmas festivities have the longest duration in the world,^{[citation needed]} they start the 12th of December with the birthday of La Guadalupana (Virgin of Guadalupe), and end the 6th of January with the arrival of the Three Wise Men to give their gifts to baby Jesus and Mexican children alike. Children usually skip school on this date, and when they go to their rooms they find out not only the toys but that the Three Magic Kings have also appearead at "El Nacimiento". Our Lady of Guadalupe (reproduction) San Juan Bautista, Coyoacán, DF Our Lady of Guadalupe is an aspect of the Virgin Mary, who, according to legend, appeared to Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, an Aztec convert to Catholicism, in the current borough of Gustavo A. Madero, in Mexico City in 1531. ...

United States and Canada

In the United States and Canada, the Santa Claus traditions are essentially the same, except in Quebec and other French speaking areas, with its réveillon and the Père Noël ("Father Christmas" in French). The Celebration^[5] of Boxing Day on the day after Christmas Day is a tradition practiced in Canada, as it is in the UK. According to a study by FOX News, 96% of the people in the United States celebrate Christmas,^[6] while only 78% of Americans are Christian according to the CIA World Factbook.^[7] For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 550 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1139 Ã— 1242 pixel, file size: 890 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Christmas tree at Rockafeller Plaza, New York, 2006. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 550 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1139 Ã— 1242 pixel, file size: 890 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Christmas tree at Rockafeller Plaza, New York, 2006. ... Lower Plaza at Rockefeller Center. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolutionâ€Ž (3,264 Ã— 2,448 pixels, file size: 2. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolutionâ€Ž (3,264 Ã— 2,448 pixels, file size: 2. ... This article is about the capital city of Canada. ... This article is about the Canadian province. ... In France and some other French-speaking countries, a rÃ©veillon is a long dinner, and possibly party, held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Years Day. ... Excerpt from Josiah Kings The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England Father Christmas is the name used in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other Commonwealth countries, for the gift-bringing figure of Christmas... Boxing Day is a public holiday observed in many Commonwealth countries on 26 December. ... Fox News Channels slogan is We Report, You Decide The Fox News Channel is a U.S. cable and satellite news channel. ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... World Factbook 2004 cover The World Factbook is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States with basic almanac-style information about the various countries of the world. ...

South America

Religious themes predominate in Christmas celebrations in heavily Roman Catholic South America. The secular customs and gift-giving in these countries are an admixture of traditions handed down from European and Native American forebears, plus the increasing influence of American culture. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... The European peoples are the various nations and ethnic groups of Europe. ... Native Americans redirects here. ...

Gift giving traditions include Chile's "Viejo Pascuero" (Old Man Christmas), and Brazil's "Papai Noel", the latter two resembling Santa Claus in many ways. South American "Santas" dress more lightly in keeping with the warmer Christmas there, and have adopted a number of means, from ladders to trampolines, to enter homes at night. Gift giving in Argentina occurs both in Christmas and on January 6, "Kings' Day", when children leave shoes under their beds to be filled with snacks or small gifts by the Magi, who stop off on their way to Bethlehem. Arabic Ø¨ÙŠØª Ù„ØÙ… Name Meaning House of Lambs Government City (from 1995) Also Spelled Beit Lahm (officially) Bayt Lahm (unofficially) Governorate Bethlehem Population 29,930 (2006) Jurisdiction 29,799 dunams (29. ...

Nativity scenes are a strong feature of South American Christmas, both in homes and in public places. In regions with large numbers of Native American descendants, such as Peru, the figures are often hand-carved in a centuries-old style. As in Mexico, village processions acting out the events surrounding the birth of Christ are also common. Family Christmas meals are very important, and their contents are as varied as the number of countries on the continent. Christmas lights are a near-universal holiday feature, and with the summery weather, fireworks displays are also found, especially over the cities of Brazil and Argentina. A traditional nativity scene from Naples, Italy A nativity scene, also called a crib or crÃ¨che (meaning crib or manger in French) generally refers to any depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus. ...

Brazil

In most of Brazil, the Christmas is particularly a family celebration and it carries the European traditions, particularly from Portugal, brought by the Jesuits. Between December 24th and January 6th, there is an event in the most traditional regions called Folia de Reis, which consist in processions through the city singing Christmas carols for the "Menino-Deus" (The "Baby Jesus") and the Three Kings. Image File history File linksMetadata DSC04820. ... Image File history File linksMetadata DSC04820. ... The Society of Jesus (Latin: Societas Iesu), commonly known as the Jesuits, is a Roman Catholic religious order. ... For the short novel by Charles Dickens, see A Christmas Carol. ... This article is about the central figure in Christian theology. ...

However, in most of the southern cities, as well as in the largest cities of the Southeastern Region, like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte the celebrations resemble in many ways the traditions in Northern Europe and North America, with the Christmas Tree, the exchanging of gifts and Christmas cards, the decoration of houses and buildings with electric lights and the Nativity Scene. The Christmas Eve is the most important day. In the midnight between December 24 and December 25, the churches celebrate the "Missa do Galo" (the Rooster's Mass). This article is about the city. ... This article is about the Brazilian city. ... Nickname: Location in Brazil Coordinates: , Country Region State Minas Gerais Founded 1701 Incorporated (as city) December 12, 1897 Government - Mayor Fernando da Mata Pimentel (PT) Area - City 330. ... Northern Europe Northern Europe is the northern part of the European continent. ... North America North America is a continent [1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... For other uses, see Christmas tree (disambiguation). ... A traditional nativity scene from Naples, Italy A nativity scene, also called a crib or crÃ¨che (meaning crib or manger in French) generally refers to any depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus. ...

Colombia

Christmas in Colombia is celebrated as a very religious holiday. Presents are brought by “El Niño Dios” (Baby Jesus) instead of “Papá Noél” (Santa Claus). He is still an important Christmas figure, but his role in gift giving has been downplayed by the church. His presence however is still felt in decorations, and Santa Clauses pose for pictures at malls. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1024x768, 208 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide Portal talk:Latin America Portal:Latin America/Featured picture/2006 User:Bastique/Wikimedia Mosiac Portal:Latin... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1024x768, 208 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide Portal talk:Latin America Portal:Latin America/Featured picture/2006 User:Bastique/Wikimedia Mosiac Portal:Latin... Nickname: Location of the city (urban in red) and municipality (dark gray) of MedellÃn in Antioquia Department. ... This article is about the central figure in Christian theology. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ...

While the Christmas decorations may have been put up since early November, the unofficial start of the Christmas festivities in Colombia takes place on December 7, Día de las Velitas, or "Day of the Candles", when at night the streets, sidewalks, balconies, porches and driveways are decorated with candles and paper lanterns, illuminating the city in a yellow glow, all in honor of the Immaculate Conception which takes place the next day December 8. Many activities take place including musical events, firework displays, and many other events planned by the cities. is the 341st day of the year (342nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... DÃa de las Velitas (es: Day of the Candles) is one of the most observed and traditional holidays of Colombia. ... For other uses, see Candle (disambiguation). ... Paper Lanterns Paper lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, as well as various methods of construction. ... Mary, mother of Jesus as the Immaculate Conception. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Fourth of July fireworks in San Diego, California New Years Day fireworks at Seaport Village, California Preparing fireworks at Sayn Castle 4th of July fireworks in Portland, Oregon Fireworks at Epcot Center, Florida, USA. See the Video. ...

In many cities, and even in small rural towns, neighborhoods get together and decorate their whole neighborhood or street, making many streets feel like a tunnel of lights. Many radio stations, and some local organizations hold competitions for the best display of lights, making the competition for the best light show a serious event.

Fireworks were a common item during the holiday season in Colombia, often going on at any time of the day everyday in many cities, but a recent ban of fireworks has decreased the use of fireworks and now only the city or towns get to hold firework displays.

December 16 is the first day of the Christmas Novena, a devotion consisting of prayer said on nine successive days, the last one held on Christmas Eve. The Novena was a call for a understanding the real meaning of Christmas, and a way to fight the commercialism of the season, the Catholic Church promotes this tradition as a staple of Christmas, much like the posadas of Mexico. Villancicos are sung accompanied by Tambourines and bells, and verses from the Bible are read, followed by an interpretation which may change each year. Churches offer nightly masses for the novenas, culminating with the “Misa de Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass) on December 24 at midnight. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1200 Ã— 1600 pixel, file size: 377 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide Metadata... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1200 Ã— 1600 pixel, file size: 377 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide Metadata... Nickname: Location of the city (urban in red) and municipality (dark gray) of MedellÃn in Antioquia Department. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The word Novena is the feminine form of the Medieval Latin word, novnus, nine each, which is from novem, nine. ... A Devotion in Christianity has come to mean time spent alone or in a small group of people reading and studying the Bible in a way as it relates to ones spiritual health and wellbeing. ... For other uses, see Prayer (disambiguation). ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... The name Catholic Church can mean a visible organization that refers to itself as Catholic, or the invisible Christian Church, viz. ... For the city in Argentina, see Posadas, Misiones. ... Villancico (or Vilancete, in Portuguese) was a common lyric form of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Renaissance period. ... â€œBubenâ€ redirects here. ... A bell is a simple sound-making device. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Midnight (disambiguation) Midnight, literally the middle of the night, is a time arbitrarily designated to determine the end of a day and the beginning of the next in some, mainly Western, cultures. ...

Christmas Eve is the most important day of Christmas in Colombia. Families and friends get together pray the last Novena and wait till midnight to open the presents, and parties go on till sunrise on Christmas Day, kids stay up playing with their toys, and fireworks fill the skies. December 25 is less on celebration as Christmas Eve is considered Christmas Day in Colombia. Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Part of the Christmas season, Colombians celebrate the “Día de los Inocentes” or Day of the Innocents also known in English as the Massacre of the Innocents is a day for pranks, equivalent to April Fool's Day in many countries. Prank victims are called inocentes. The Holy Innocents by Giotto di Bondone. ... The Holy Innocents by Giotto di Bondone. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

January 6, the day of the Revelation of the Magi, when according to the tradition is when the Wise Men arrived to see the baby Jesus and offered him gifts, used to be a day of gift giving, but has slowly lost its importance. Some families still give presents, but its also the day godparents usually give their presents, and the day where Christmas decorations are taken down. is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Epiphany may refer to: Epiphany (feeling), a realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something Epiphany (Christian), the Christian feast commemorating the revelation of Jesus to humanity, specifically the visit of the Magi Epiphany (web browser), a web browser for Unix-like systems Epiphany CRM, a customer relationship... Wise men can refer to: The magi who follow the Star of Bethlehem in the New Testament. ... A godparent, in many denominations of Christianity, is someone who sponsors a childs baptism. ...

Chile

In Venezuela on December 16, families bring out their Nativity scenes which are a specially designed and thought out depiction of the nativity scene. is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A traditional nativity scene from Naples, Italy A nativity scene, also called a crib or crÃ¨che (meaning crib or manger in French) generally refers to any depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus. ...

It is customary to attend one of nine posadas that are observed by most Chileans. Firecrackers explode and church bells toll to call worshipers from bed in the predawn hours. The last of the Christmas services takes place on Nochebuena de Navidad Christmas Eve. Families attend a mass on this night and then return home to a huge and fancy dinner. exploding firecracker A firecracker (also known as a cracker, noisemaker, or banger) is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang; any visual effect is incidental to this goal. ... A church bell is a bell which is rung in a (especially Christian) church either to signify the time of the hour or the time for worshippers to go to church, perhaps to attend a wedding, funeral or other service. ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ...

On January 6, the day of the Epiphany, when the children wake up they find that the straw that they had left beside their bed the night before has gone, and in its place are gifts that the children believe that the Magi and their camels have placed, and if they have a black smudge on their cheek, it means that Balthasar, King of the Ethiopians has kissed them whilst they slept. is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Wise Men (Magi) adoring the infant Jesus. ... For other uses, see Magi (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Camel (disambiguation). ... Balthazar can refer to One of the Three Wise Men A size of wine bottle, equal to 16 standard bottles, or 12 litres A 1909 book by Anatole France A 1958 novel by Lawrence Durrell Balthazar Getty, great grandson of J. Paul Getty Hans Urs von Balthasar - 20th c. ... The Emperor (Geez: áŠ•áŒ‰áˆ áŠáŒˆáˆ¥á‰µ, , King of Kings) of Ethiopia was the hereditary ruler of Ethiopia until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975. ...

Oceania

Australia

In Commonwealth countries in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is celebrated on 25 December which falls during the height of the summer season. The Australian traditions are quite similar to those of North America and similar wintry iconography is commonplace. This results in such incongruities as a red fur-coated Father Christmas riding a sleigh, carols such as Jingle Bells, and various snow covered Christmas scenes on Christmas cards and decorations appearing in the middle of a hot summer. Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 1358 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 1358 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... For other uses, see Commonwealth (disambiguation). ... southern hemisphere highlighted in yellow (Antarctica not depicted). ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Excerpt from Josiah Kings The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England Father Christmas is the name used in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other Commonwealth countries, for the gift-bringing figure of Christmas...

As Christmas falls in summer, the watching of television is not a strong part of Australian Christmas traditions, unlike the UK where it is one of the most important television ratings days. In Australia over summer official television ratings are not taken and schedules are mostly filled with repeats of old programs or previously cancelled shows. Some Australia-produced programs have a Christmas special though often it will be shown early December and not on Christmas day itself. Many television stations rerun old Christmas-themed films on Christmas Day, such as Miracle on 34th Street. The Great Escape and The Bridge on the River Kwai are also common fare. Miracle on 34th Street (also titled The Big Heart in the UK) is a 1947 film written by Valentine Davies, directed by George Seaton, and starring Maureen OHara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn. ... The Great Escape, written by James Clavell, W.R. Burnett, and Walter Newman (uncredited), and directed by John Sturges is a popular 1963 World War II film, based on a true story about Allied prisoners of war with a record for escaping from German prisoner-of-war camps. ... The Bridge on the River Kwai is an Academy Award-winning 1957 World War II war film based on the novel Le Pont de la RiviÃ¨re KwaÃ¯ by French writer Pierre Boulle. ...

According to tradition, children are told Father Christmas surreptitiously visits houses on Christmas Eve placing presents for children under the Christmas trees or in stockings or sacks which are usually hung by a fireplace. In recent decades many new apartments and homes have been built without traditional combustion fireplaces, however with some innovation the tradition persists.

In many towns and suburban areas of large cities, it is popular for homeowners to decorate their houses with strings of decorative lights. Displays range from the modest to the extremely elaborate, sometimes with hundreds of individual strings of lights, arranged to depict seasonal motifs such as trees, reindeer or nativity scenes. Some suburbs or groups of streets enjoy an ongoing reputation for the high quality of these displays, and attract a great amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic during the Christmas season. As it is summer in Australia, the typical warm weather on evenings leading up to Christmas creates an opportunity for families to stroll amongst local streets to view such displays. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x1536, 1009 KB) Please note: This image was originally uploaded to commons licensed as noted below, per the uploader. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x1536, 1009 KB) Please note: This image was originally uploaded to commons licensed as noted below, per the uploader. ... This article is about the Australian city; the name may also refer to City of Melbourne or Melbourne city centre. ...

A Christmas tradition that started in Melbourne^{[citation needed]} in 1938 and has since spread around the world is Carols by Candlelight, where people gather, usually outdoors, to sing carols by candlelight on Christmas Eve or other evening shortly before Christmas. This article is about the Australian city; the name may also refer to City of Melbourne or Melbourne city centre. ... Carols by Candlelight is an Australian Christmas tradition that has spread around the world. ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ...

Another popular tradition celebrated in Adelaide is the Adelaide Christmas Pageant. This parade is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting crowds of over 400,000 people. Begun in 1933, the pageant is staged in early November every year, usually on a Saturday morning, marking the start of the Christmas season. It comprises a procession of floats, bands, clowns, dancing groups, and walking performers, all culminating in the arrival of Father Christmas. At the terminus of the pageant Father Christmas proceeds to the Magic Cave in the David Jones department store where he can be visited by children. Smaller scale pageants are also held in regional centres. For other uses, see Adelaide (disambiguation). ... The Adelaide Christmas Pageant is a parade held annually in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. ... Excerpt from Josiah Kings The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England Father Christmas is the name used in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other Commonwealth countries, for the gift-bringing figure of Christmas... David Jones is a common name, particularly in Wales, and there have been several well-known individuals with this name. ...

Traditionally, extended families would gather for a Christmas lunch similar to a traditional Christmas meal including decorated hams, roast turkey, salads and roast vegetables, followed by fruit mince pies and plum pudding. More recently, as appropriate to the typically-hot weather on the day, lighter meals featuring fish and seafood may be served, along with barbecue lunches. However, the typical roast remains popular.

Special events for international tourists away from their families are held on Bondi Beach in Sydney, often involving a turkey barbecue, and such humorous stunts as a fake santa dressed in a santa suit surfing in to appear to the crowd. Bondi Beach Bondi Beach (with a long i) is a hugely popular beach and suburb of Sydney, Australia. ... This article is about the metropolitan area in Australia. ... A barbecue in a public park in Australia A barbecue on a trailer at a block party in Kansas City Pans on the top shelf hold hamburgers and hot dogs that were grilled earlier when the coals were hot. ... For other uses, see Surfing (disambiguation). ...

Two major sporting events traditionally commence on the day after Christmas Day in Australia: the Boxing Day Test cricket test match, and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Boxing Day is a public holiday observed in many Commonwealth countries on 26 December. ... The Boxing Day Test Match is an annual Boxing Day tradition in Australia involving a cricket Test match between the Australian cricket team and the opposition national team touring Australia that summer. ... For the womens version of the game, see Womens Test cricket. ... Map of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race route. ...

New Zealand

Many of Australia's Christmas traditions also apply to New Zealand: as with its larger neighbour, New Zealand celebrates Christmas with traditional northern hemisphere winter imagery, though to some extent the symbols of the holly and ivy common to the British and North American Christmas are replaced by the Pōhutukawa tree, which blossoms annually in late December and is thus often called the "New Zealand Christmas tree". This does not stop New Zealand homes being decorated with the more standard pine tree however. Children in New Zealand are also told of the surreptitious visit of Father Christmas to leave presents. Binomial name Metrosideros excelsa Gaertn. ...

Traditional winter-styled hot roast food also has a role in New Zealand's festivities. One difference to the menu in New Zealand and Australia is the traditional dessert of pavlova. A pavlova bought from a Foodtown in New Zealand. ...

As with Australia, the watching of television is not a strong part of New Zealand Christmas traditions, though some Christmas-specific programmes are usually shown, usually including a mix of religious programmes and special one-off episodes of regular television series (many of them British or American shows). The Queen's Christmas message is also broadcast at some point during the evening. The Royal Christmas Message (currently coined The Queens Christmas Message) is broadcast by the British Sovereign to the Commonwealth at Christmas. ...

The Australian tradition of Carols by Candlelight is popular in New Zealand, especially in Auckland and Christchurch, where there is usually a large outdoor carol-singing gathering known as Christmas in the park. Carols by Candlelight is an Australian Christmas tradition that has spread around the world. ...

There is an increasing but minor trend in New Zealand to celebrate an alternative to Christmas in mid-winter at the Māori midwinter festival of Matariki. This time has become an attractive non-denominational festival with many younger New Zealanders. This article is about the MÄori people of New Zealand. ... In Polynesian mythology (specifically the Maori of New Zealand), the Matariki (small eyes) are the seven gods of the Pleiades, deities of agriculture and patron deities of navigators. ...

Europe

Central Europe

In countries of Central Europe (for this purpose, roughly defined as the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and possibly other places) the main celebration date for the general public is Christmas Eve (December 24th). The day is usually a fasting day; in some places children are told they'll see a golden pig if they hold fast until dinner. When the evening comes preparation of Christmas Dinner starts. Traditions concerning dinner vary from region to region, for example in the Czech Republic the prevailing meal is fried carp with potato salad and fish soup. However, in some places the tradition is porridge with mushrooms (a modest dish), and elsewhere the dinner is exceptionally rich, with up to 12 dishes. Central Europe The Alpine Countries and the VisegrÃ¡d Group (Political map, 2004) Central Europe is the region lying between the variously and vaguely defined areas of Eastern and Western Europe. ... For other uses, see Carp (disambiguation). ...

What's common is that people usually stay in close family circle. Staying alone during Christmas Eve is considered very sad, and many families "bring home" their grandparents at least for Christmas.

After the dinner comes the time for gifts. Tradition varies with region, commonly gifts are attributed to Christkind (Little Jesus) or their real originators (e.g. parents). Children usually find their gifts under the Christmas Tree, with name stickers. An interesting example of complicated history of the region is the "fight" between Christmas beings. During communism, when countries of Central Europe were under Soviet influence, communist authorities strongly pushed Russian traditional Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost") in the place of Christkind. Little Jesus won. Now Santa Claus is attacking, by means of advertising and Hollywood film production. The Christkind (Christ Child) is the traditional Christmas giftbringer in Southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. ... A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ...

Many people, Christians as well as people with just a Christian background, go to Roman Catholic churches for Midnight Mass. It's not uncommon to go to a church only one time a year, for this Christmas Mass. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ...

Other attributes of Christmas include Christmas trees, mistletoe, Christmas garlands, Bethlehem Cribs. For other uses, see Christmas tree (disambiguation). ...

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, Christmas is celebrated mainly on December 24, or Christmas Eve - Štědrý den (pron. "Shtiedree den", means "open-handed day") when the gifts are given in the evening. However, the December 25 and 26 are also free days. According to tradition, gifts are brought by Ježíšek (pron. "Yezheeshek"), or "little Jesus". Many very old Christmas traditions are followed, mostly for fun. People are taught not to eat anything on Christmas Eve until a ceremonial dinner is served, in order to be able to see a "golden pig". The gifts are displayed under the Christmas tree (usually a spruce or pine), and people open them after their Christmas dinner. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1024x768, 139 KB) Own made picture I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1024x768, 139 KB) Own made picture I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... For other uses, see Prague (disambiguation). ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Species About 35; see text. ... For other uses, see Pine (disambiguation). ...

Other Czech Christmas traditions involve predictions for the future. Apples are always cut crosswise; if a star appears in the core, the next year will be successful, while a cross suggests a bad year. Girls throw shoes over the their shoulders; if the toe points to the door, the girl will get married soon. Another tradition requires pouring a little molten lead into water and guessing a message from the shapes that appear when it hardens.

Hungary

In Hungary, celebrations begin with Christmas tree decoration and gift packaging during daytime on 24th December, then comes a family dinner with traditional Christmas meals, and in the evening (Christmas Eve, in Hungarian: Szenteste) the Little (Baby) Jesus (Hungarian: Kisjézus or Jézuska) delivers the presents. This is the most intimate moment of Christmas, featuring warmly lit Xmas tree and candles, soft Xmas music, family singing of religious songs and gift pack openings. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1536x2304, 148 KB) Summary VÃ¡ci utca in Christmas decoration at Budapest (2004 dec 28) Author:Vince Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Budapest User:NCurse... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1536x2304, 148 KB) Summary VÃ¡ci utca in Christmas decoration at Budapest (2004 dec 28) Author:Vince Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Budapest User:NCurse... For other uses, see Budapest (disambiguation). ...

NOTE: in Hungary (and equally in Czech Republic and Slovakia), Santa Claus (Hungarian: Mikulás, Czech: Mikuláš, Slovak: Mikuláš) has nothing to do with Christmas. He visits families earlier, in the dawn of 6th December, and puts candy-bags for the well-behaving children (to be put in their polished shoes they put in the windows previous evening). Hungarian Mikulás never parks his sleigh on roofs and never climbs chimneys, but is usually accompanied by a diabolic-looking servant named Krampusz (in Czech and Slovak regions he is simply "čert", i.e. devil, without any name) who gives birches for kids behaving bad.^[8] A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ...

Poland

In Poland, Christmas Eve is a day first of fasting, then of feasting. The feast begins with the appearance of the first star, and is followed by the exchange of gifts. The following day is often spent visiting friends. Poland is a land of intriguing traditions, superstitions, and legends. Its people have always combined religion and family closeness at Christmas time. Gift giving plays only a minor role in the rituals, emphasis being placed instead on making special foods and decorations. In Poland, Christmas Eve is a day first of fasting, then of feasting. ...

Eastern Europe

Since the 1880s, the Christmas customs of Eastern European Slavic countries have included a similar character known as Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost"). According to legend, he travels in a magical troika — a decorated sleigh drawn by three horses. With his young, blond assistant Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden, said to be his granddaughter) at his side, he visits homes and gives gifts to good children. He only delivers presents to children while they are asleep, and unlike Santa, he does not travel down chimneys, coming instead to the front door of children's homes. It is traditional for children to leave food for Ded Moroz just as American and British children do. Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current national boundaries: Russia (dark orange), other countries of the former USSR (medium orange),members of the Warsaw pact (light orange), and other former Communist regimes not aligned with Moscow (lightest orange). ... Distribution of Slavic people by language The Slavic peoples are a linguistic and ethnic branch of Indo-European peoples, living mainly in Europe, where they constitute roughly a third of the population. ... In the culture of the eastern Slavs the traditional character Ded Moroz (Russian: ) plays a role similar to that of Santa Claus. ... A general meaning of the Russian word troika (Cyrillic alphabet: Ñ‚Ñ€Ð¾Ð¹ÐºÐ°) is threesome, a collection of three of any kind. ...

This Ded Moroz is not identified nor in any way associated with St. Nicholas of Myra, who is very widely revered in Eastern Europe more for his clerical and charitable works as a Bishop. In all likelihood, Ded Moroz is actually in Slavic tradition like the Santa Claus or some similar figure, any connection to the original saint long since disappeared.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, Christmas (Bulgarian: Коледа, Koleda or more formally Рождество Христово, Rozhdestvo Hristovo, "Nativity of Jesus") is celebrated on 25 December (unlike in some other Eastern Orthodox countries) and is preceded by Christmas Eve (Бъдни вечер, Badni vecher). Traditionally, Christmas Eve would be the climax of the Nativity Fast, and thus only an odd number of lenten dishes are presented on that evening. On Christmas, however, meat dishes are already allowed and are typically served. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (2304 Ã— 1728 pixel, file size: 2. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (2304 Ã— 1728 pixel, file size: 2. ... This article is about the capital of Bulgaria. ... Kolyada or koleda is the original Slavic word for Christmas. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. ... The Nativity Fast, practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, is believed to enable participants to draw closer to God by denying the body of worldly pleasure in preparation for celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is held on December 25th (Julian Calendar). ...

Among the Bulgarian Christmas traditions is koleduvane, which involves boy carolers (коледари, koledari) visiting the neighbouring houses starting at midnight on Christmas Eve, wishing health, wealth and happiness and patting the backs of the people with decorated cornel sticks (сур(о)вачка, sur(o)vachka). Another custom is the baking of a traditional round loaf (пита, pita). Koledari (Bulgarian: ; from common Slavic Koleda, Christmas) is the Bulgarian term for Christmas carolers. ... For other uses, see Midnight (disambiguation) Midnight, literally the middle of the night, is a time arbitrarily designated to determine the end of a day and the beginning of the next in some, mainly Western, cultures. ... For other uses, see Pita (disambiguation). ...

As in other countries, a Christmas tree is typically set up and the entire house is decorated. The local name of Santa Claus is Dyado Koleda (Дядо Коледа, "Grandfather Christmas"), with Dyado Mraz (Дядо Мраз, "Grandfather Frost") being a similar Russian-imported character lacking the Christian connotations and thus popular during the Communist rule. However, it has been largely forgotten after 1989, when Dyado Koleda again returned as the more popular figure. In the culture of the eastern Slavs the traditional character Ded Moroz (Russian: ) plays a role similar to that of Santa Claus. ...

Georgia

Georgians celebrate Christmas on January 7 (Julian calendar). Traditional in Georgia is to go on Alilo, a mass walking in streets, dressed in special forms to celebrate and congratulate each other the holiday. Often members of Alilo are children and they are gifted from elders with sweets. The Alilo songs vary in the provinces of Georgia. In most songs these words are used: ოცდახუთსა დეკემბერსა, ქრისტე იშვა ბეთლემსაო otsdakhutsa dekembersa qriste ishva betlemsao - on December 25 Christ was born in Bethlehem. The Julian calendar was a reform of the Roman calendar which was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC and came into force in 45 BC (709 ab urbe condita). ... Province is a name for a secondary, or subnational entity of government in most countries. ... Arabic Ø¨ÙŠØª Ù„ØÙ… Name Meaning House of Lambs Government City (from 1995) Also Spelled Beit Lahm (officially) Bayt Lahm (unofficially) Governorate Bethlehem Population 29,930 (2006) Jurisdiction 29,799 dunams (29. ...

Romania

Christmas in Romania falls on December 25 and is generally considered one of the most important religious holiday. First comes Easter. For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Holiday (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Christian festival. ...

The singing of carols is a very important part of Romanian Christmas festivities. On the first day of Christmas, many carolers walk through the streets of the towns and villages, holding a star made of cardboard and paper on which are depicted various scenes from the Bible. Romanian tradition has the smallest children going from house to house, singing carols and reciting poems and legends during the whole Christmas season. The leader of the group carries with him a star made of wood, covered with metal foil and decorated with bells and coloured ribbons. An image of the Nativity is painted on the star's centre, and this piece of handiwork is attached to the end of a broom or other long stick. This page is about carols in general; for the short story by Charles Dickens, see A Christmas Carol. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library. ... For the Nativity of Jesus, see Nativity of Jesus. ...

Russia

In Eastern Europe, Slavic countries have the tradition of Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost"). He is accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka ("Snowmaiden"). According to legend, he travels in a magical decorated sleigh drawn by reindeer, and delivers gifts to children. He is thought to descend more from Santa Claus than from Saint Nicholas. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... For other uses, see Moscow (disambiguation). ... Distribution of Slavic people by language The Slavic peoples are a linguistic and ethnic branch of Indo-European peoples, living mainly in Europe, where they constitute roughly a third of the population. ... In the culture of the eastern Slavs the traditional character Ded Moroz (Russian: ) plays a role similar to that of Santa Claus. ... Snegurochka pictured in a Russian childrens book Snegurochka (Russian: ), or the Snow Maiden, is a character in Russian fairy tales. ... For other uses, see Nicholas. ...

Christmas celebration in Russia is on the 7th of January (which corresponds to December 25 in the Julian Calendar). The tradition of celebrating Christmas has been revived since 1992, after decades of suppression by the communist government. It is centered on the Christmas Eve "Holy Supper", which consists of twelve servings, one to honor each of Jesus' apostles. The Russian traditions were largely kept alive by shifting some of them, including the visit by gift-giving "Grandfather Frost" and his "Snowmaiden", to New Year's Day. Many current Russian Christmas customs, including their Christmas tree, or "yolka", were brought by Peter the Great, after his western travels in the late 17th century. The Julian calendar was a reform of the Roman calendar which was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC and came into force in 45 BC (709 ab urbe condita). ... Peter the Great or Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov (Russian: ÐŸÑ‘Ñ‚Ñ€ I ÐÐ»ÐµÐºÑÐµÐµÐ²Ð¸Ñ‡ Pyotr I Alekse`yevich, ÐŸÑ‘Ñ‚Ñ€ Ð’ÐµÐ»Ð¸ÐºÐ¸Ð¹ Pyotr Veli`kiy) (9 June 1672 â€“ 8 February 1725 [30 May 1672â€“28 January 1725 O.S.][1]) ruled Russia from 7 May (27 April O.S.) 1682 until his death, jointly ruling before 1696 with his...

Ukraine

Sviata Vechera or "Holy Supper" is the central tradition of the Christmas Eve celebrations in Ukrainian homes. The dinner table sometimes has a few wisps of hay on the embroidered table cloth as a reminder of the manger in Bethlehem. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Map of Ukraine with Kiev highlighted Coordinates: , Country Ukraine Oblast Kiev City Municipality Raion Municipality Government - Mayor Leonid Chernovetskyi Elevation 179 m (587 ft) Population (2006) - City 4,450,968 - Density 3,299/kmÂ² (8,544. ... Cristmas Eve supper. ...

When the children see the first Star in the eastern evening sky, which symbolizes the trek of the Three Wise Men, the Sviata Vechera may begin. In farming communities the head of the household now brings in a sheaf of wheat called the didukh which represents the importance of the ancient and rich wheat crops of Ukraine, the staff of life through the centuries. Didukh means literally "grandfather spirit" so it symbolizes the family's ancestors. In city homes a few stalks of golden wheat in a vase are often used to decorate the table.

A prayer is said and the father says the traditional Christmas greeting, "Chrystos rodyvsya!" which is translated to "Christ is born!", which is answered by the family with "Slavite Yoho!" which means "Let Us Glorify Him!". In some families the Old Slavic form "Сhrystos rozhdayetsya!" is used.

At the end of the Sviata Vechera the family often sings Ukrainian Christmas Carols. In many communities the old Ukrainian tradition of caroling is carried on by groups of young people and members of organizations and churches calling at homes and collecting donations.

Christmas day opens for Ukrainian families with attendance at Church. Ukrainian Churches offer services starting before midnight on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning. Christmas supper, without Lenten restrictions, does not have as many traditions connected with it as Sviata Vechera. The old tradition in Ukraine of giving gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day, December 19th, has generally been replaced by the Christmas date.

In Ukraine, Grandfather Frost visits all the children in a sleigh pulled by only three reindeer and he brings along a little girl named Snowflake Girl. She wears a silver blue costume trimmed with white fur and a crown shaped like a snowflake.[4]

It is also custom to include a spider among the decorations on the Christmas tree.[5]

Northern Europe

In Germany and the Netherlands, the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th resembles the Christmas of the English-speaking world. Sinterklaas, from whom the English and American Santa evolved, is based on the real Saint Nicholas, and brings presents on the evening of December 6 to every child who has been good. He wears a red bishop's dress with a red mitre, rides a white horse over the rooftops, and is assisted by many mischievous helpers called 'zwarte Pieten' (black Peters). In some parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the frightening Knecht Ruprecht also appears, to the chagrin of many children. Saint Nicholas, also known as Nikolaus in Germany and Sinterklaas (a contracted form of Sint Nicolaas) in the Netherlands and Flanders, is the common name for the historical Saint Nicholas of Myra, who lived in 4th century Byzantine Anatolia, (now in modern Turkey) and had a reputation for secret gift... For other uses, see Nicholas. ... Krampus (2003 Perchtenlauf in Woelfnitz, Austria) Knecht Ruprecht, companion of Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas, is also known as Servant Ruprecht, Farmhand Ruprecht, Pelzebock, Pelznickel (Nicholas in furs), and Schmutzli in Switzerland, sometimes associated with Saint Rupert. ...

German-speaking areas of Europe

The Striezelmarkt, Germany's Dresden region, is arguably a worldwide Christmas gift production center which continues for nearly one month. This is the time when Dresden Stollen fruitcake, Pulsnitzer gingerbread, wood carvings from the Erzgebirge Mountains, Dresden Pflaumentoffel, Lusatian indigo print, Silesian ceramics, Bohemian glass, and Meissen porcelain dominate the lives of visitors who come from all over to thoroughly immerse themselves in Christmas. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 520 pixelsFull resolutionâ€Ž (1,224 Ã— 795 pixels, file size: 290 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 520 pixelsFull resolutionâ€Ž (1,224 Ã— 795 pixels, file size: 290 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... For other uses, see Vienna (disambiguation). ... The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is Germanys oldest documented Christmas market. ... Dresden (etymologically from Old Sorbian DreÅ¾Äany, meaning people of the riverside forest) is the capital city of the German Federal Free State of Saxony. ... A stollen can be given as a gift. ... Gingerbread cookies Gingerbread in cake form A Lebkuchen house Traditional ToruÅ„ gingerbread Gingerbread is a sweet that can take the form of a cake or a cookie in which the predominant flavor is ginger. ... This article is about ceramic materials. ... â€œFine Chinaâ€ redirects here. ...

Knecht Ruprecht is a companion of Father Christmas in many different German speaking areas of Europe. Krampus (2003 Perchtenlauf in Woelfnitz, Austria) Knecht Ruprecht, companion of Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas, is also known as Servant Ruprecht, Farmhand Ruprecht, Pelzebock, Pelznickel (Nicholas in furs), and Schmutzli in Switzerland, sometimes associated with Saint Rupert. ... Excerpt from Josiah Kings The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England Father Christmas is the name used in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other Commonwealth countries, for the gift-bringing figure of Christmas...

In some German-speaking communities (particularly in southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein), the character of Santa is replaced by the Christkind (literally "Christ child"). He or Father Christmas brings the presents not on the morning of December 25th, but on the evening of December 24th. A knock on the door heralds Father Christmas's arrival; someone dressed in a red suit and white beard enters with a sack and a stick, supposedly for punishing the children if they have been bad. He asks how well-behaved the children have been, and they have to say a poem or sing a song. For families who lack a suitable figure, or to confuse suspicious children, Father Christmases can be hired to come to homes and play the part. The Christkind, by contrast, is never seen. However, it rings a bell just before it leaves in order to let children know that the Christmas tree and the presents are ready. The Christkind (Christ Child) is the traditional Christmas giftbringer in Southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. ... For other uses, see Christmas tree (disambiguation). ...

It is a tradition to lavishly decorate a Christmas tree in the days preceding Christmas, and late Christmas Eve, for the tree to be unveiled and presents to be exchanged. In Protestant Christian churches, there is often a service in the late afternoon, intended to immediately precede this - this service often caters to families with children. For other uses, see Christmas tree (disambiguation). ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ...

See Saint Nicholas for information about Saint Nicholas Day, a festivity similar to Christmas from which many English and American traditions derive. For other uses, see Nicholas. ...

Germany

In Germany, Christmas traditions vary by region. Following Saint Nicholas Day, (December 6) which is mostly for children, the actual Christmas gift-giving usually takes place on the night of Christmas eve, with gifts put under the Christmas tree after a meal. The culinary feast typically takes place at lunch on Dec. 24 (evening) or Dec. 25, and usually involves poultry (typically roast goose). The gifts may be brought by the Weihnachtsmann, who resembles St. Nicholas, or by the Christkind, a sprite-like child who may or may not represent the baby Jesus. Commercially, the Striezelmarkt is arguably a worldwide Christmas gift production center, boasting the specialities of the Dresden region, from ceramics and prints to various delicacies which are shipped worldwide. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x3072, 4513 KB) Christmas tree on the Potsdamer Platz (Sony Center) in Berlin, Germany. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x3072, 4513 KB) Christmas tree on the Potsdamer Platz (Sony Center) in Berlin, Germany. ... This article is about the capital of Germany. ... The Christkind (Christ Child) is the traditional Christmas giftbringer in Southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. ... The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is Germanys oldest documented Christmas market. ... Dresden (etymologically from Old Sorbian DreÅ¾Äany, meaning people of the riverside forest) is the capital city of the German Federal Free State of Saxony. ...

Denmark

In Denmark, Christmas is celebrated on December 24, which is referred to as Juleaften. An evening meal is eaten with the family consisting of either roast pork, roast duck or roast goose which is eaten with potatoes, red cabbage and plenty of gravy. For dessert rice pudding is served, traditionally with an almond hidden inside, the lucky finder of this almond is entitled to a small gift. After the meal is complete, the family gather around the Christmas tree and sing Christmas songs. Traditionally they would dance around the tree, but due to space constraints of modern homes, this often does not happen. When the singing is complete, traditions varies. In some traditions the family will select one child to hand out the presents other take in turn handing out the presents. They are opened and this is followed by more snacks, candy, chips and sometimes a traditionally Christmas drink called Gløgg. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Glogg (Swedish: GlÃ¶gg, Norwegian: GlÃ¸gg, Danish: GlÃ¸gg, Finnish: GlÃ¶gi), also known as mulled wine, is the Scandinavian version of vin chaud. ...

Danish is somewhat famous for their "Julefrokost", which is a collection of the most danish meals you can find combined with beer and Snaps. These Julefrokoster are popular and used by families, social groups and companies. They would traditionally have taken place leading up to Christmas, but do to time constraints and stress during the christmas month they are today mostly held during November and January(some even have them in summer). The family Julefrokoster is normally held between Juleaften and New Years Eve. During the Christmas month there has also been developed a danish tradition of making a "Julekalender" on TV which normally is a 24 episode series, with one episode for each night of December until "Juleaften". This tradition is obviously a young tradition but extremely popular with kids and some adults. Snaps is a small shot of a strong alcoholic beverage taken during the course of a meal, very much like the German schnapps. ...

Sweden

Swedish Christmas celebrations begin with the first of Advent. Saint Lucy's Day (locally known as Luciadagen) is the first major Christmas celebration before Christmas itself. As in many other countries in northern Europe, Jultomten (a version of Santa Claus mixed with old folklore, see Yule and Tomte) brings the presents on Christmas Eve, the day generally thought of as Christmas. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 796 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (1360 Ã— 1024 pixel, file size: 303 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide G... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 796 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (1360 Ã— 1024 pixel, file size: 303 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide G... Î¼ This article is about the Christian season. ... Lucia by Swedish painter Carl Larsson, 1908 Saint Lucys Day (Sankta Lucia, also known as Saint Lucias Day etc) is the Church feast day holiday dedicated to St. ... One of Jenny NystrÃ¶ms Christmas-themed tomte paintings, a popular image of the modern tomte A tomte or nisse is a mythical creature of Scandinavian folklore, believed to take care of a farmers home and barn and protect it from misfortune, in particular at night, when the... For other uses, see Yule (disambiguation) and Jul (disambiguation). ... One of Jenny NystrÃ¶ms Christmas-themed tomte paintings, a popular image of the modern tomte A tomte or nisse is a mythical creature of Scandinavian folklore, believed to take care of a farmers home and barn and protect it from misfortune, in particular at night, when the... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Christmas is, as everywhere, a holiday of food. Almost all Swedish families celebrate Christmas on December 24 with a Christmas smörgåsbord (julbord). The common part of almost all julbord is the julskinka (baked ham), but there are also other common dishes such as meatballs, pickled herring, square ribs, lutfisk, pork sausage, Janssons frestelse (grated potatoes, onion, anchovy and cream), and rice pudding. The Christmas julbord is served with beer or julmust and snaps, the dishes of the julbord may vary throughout Sweden. Businesses traditionally invite their employees to a julbord dinner or lunch the weeks before Christmas, and people go out privately to restaurants offering julbord during December, as well. Look up smÃ¶rgÃ¥sbord in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Smorgasbord is an anglification of the Swedish word Smörgåsbord. ... For other meanings of ham or Ham, see Ham (disambiguation). ... See MeatballWiki for the article about the wiki about communities. ... A very popular Scandinavian food item, pickled herring has been around for a long time. ... Lutefisk (prounounced loo-te-fisk in America) is a well-known food of Norway and Sweden. ... Janssons frestelse. ... Rice pudding being served during the traditional Scandinavian Christmas meal, in Denmark Rice pudding (Arroz Doce) in a typical Christmas meal, in Portugal Pulut hitam served in a Malaysian restaurant Rice pudding is a dessert enjoyed by people of different cultures all over the world, originating in Japan. ... For other uses, see Beer (disambiguation). ... Julmust is a soft drink that is consumed mainly in Sweden at Christmas. ... Snaps is a small shot of a strong alcoholic beverage taken during the course of a meal, very much like the German schnapps. ...

Examples of candies and treats associated with Christmas are toffee, knäck (quite similar to butterscotch), fruit, nuts, figs, chocolate, dates and marzipan. Another Scandinavian speciality is the glögg (mulled and spiced wine with almonds and raisins), which is served hot in small cups. Image File history File linksMetadata N2_Christmas_tree. ... Image File history File linksMetadata N2_Christmas_tree. ... For other uses, see Stockholm (disambiguation). ... English Toffee (the chewy sort) in cellophane wrapping Toffee is a confection made by boiling molasses or sugar along with butter, milk and occasionally flour. ... KnÃ¤ck is a traditional Swedish toffee prepared at Christmas. ... For other uses, see Fruit (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Nut (disambiguation). ... Species About 800, including: Ficus altissima Ficus americana Ficus aurea Ficus benghalensis- Indian Banyan Ficus benjamina- Weeping Fig Ficus broadwayi Ficus carica- Common Fig Ficus citrifolia Ficus coronata Ficus drupacea Ficus elastica Ficus godeffroyi Ficus grenadensis Ficus hartii Ficus lyrata Ficus macbrideii Ficus macrophylla- Moreton Bay Fig Ficus microcarpa- Chinese... For other uses, see Chocolate (disambiguation). ... Binomial name L. The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a palm in the genus Phoenix, extensively cultivated for its edible fruit. ... Fruit shapes molded from marzipan Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar and ground almonds. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into mulled wine. ...

Television also plays a big role in most families, the Disney Christmas special and Karl Bertil Jonssons julafton (animated short) are regarded by many to be the most important highlights of the Christmas television programming. Disney redirects here. ...

After the julbord on Christmas Eve, the presents are distributed, either by Jultomten or a family member, and usually from a sack or from under the Christmas tree where they have been laying all day or for several days. In older days a yule goat was an alternative to Jultomten, nowadays it is used as an ornament, ranging from sizes of 10 cm to huge constructions like the Gävle goat, famous for being vandalized almost every Christmas. One of Jenny NystrÃ¶ms Christmas-themed tomte paintings, a popular image of the modern tomte A tomte or nisse is a mythical creature of Scandinavian folklore, believed to take care of a farmers home and barn and protect it from misfortune, in particular at night, when the... A Yule Goat from Uppland, Sweden. ... The GÃ¤vle Goat from 2004 The GÃ¤vle Goat (known in Swedish as the Julbocken i GÃ¤vle or GÃ¤vlebocken) is a giant version of a traditional Swedish Yule Goat figure made of straw that stands in (Slottstorget) Castle Square in central GÃ¤vle. ...

If one has two families to celebrate Christmas with, it is common that one of the families move their celebrations to Christmas Day or the first Saturday before Christmas Eve (commonly referred to as little Christmas Eve).

After Christmas Eve, the Christmas celebrations have more or less come to an end. Some people attend the julottan, an early morning church service on Christmas Day. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are of no big significance to Swedish celebrations. Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... Boxing Day is a public holiday observed in many Commonwealth countries on 26 December. ...

On January 13 (locally known as knutdagen), 20 days after Christmas, the Christmas celebrations come to an end and all Christmas decorations are removed. See: Christmas in Sweden is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Norway

The big day in Norway, as in most of Northern Europe, is December 24. Although it is legally a regular workday until 16:00^[9], most stores close early. The main Christmas meal is served in the evening. Common main dishes include pork rib, "pinnekjøtt" (pieces of lamb rib steamed over birch branches), and in some western areas burned sheep's head. Many people also eat "lutefisk" or fresh, poached cod. Rice porridge is also popular (but most commonly served the day after rather than for the main Christmas dinner), an almond is often hidden in the porridge, and the person who finds it wins a treat or small gift. In some parts of Norway it is common to place porridge outside (in a barn, outhouse or even in the forest) to please "Julenissen". In many families, where the parents grew up with different traditions, two different main dishes are served to please everyone. is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Pork (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... An unweaned lamb Legs of lamb in a supermarket cabinet The terms lamb, hoggett or mutton are culinary names for the meat of a domestic sheep. ... Species Many species; see text and classification Birch is the name of any tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, closely related to the beech/oak family, Fagaceae. ... Lutefisk (on the upper left side of the plate) as served in a Norwegian restaurant, with potatoes, mashed peas, and bacon. ... COD may refer to many different topics, including: Cash on delivery Completion of discharge, shipping College of DuPage, a public Junior College with campuses in the suburbs of Chicago Call of Duty (series), a series of computer games Canadian Oxford Dictionary Carrier onboard delivery Catastrophic optical damage, a failure mode... For other uses, see Almond (disambiguation). ...

For a lot of Norwegians, especially families, television is an important part of the earlier hours of Christmas Eve. Many Norwegians do not feel the Christmas spirit until they have watched the Czech-German fairy tale Three Nuts for Cinderella (Norwegian title: Tre nøtter til Askepott) and the Disney Christmas cavalcade.^{[citation needed]} TÅ™i oÅ™ÃÅ¡ky pro Popelku (international title: Drei HaselnÃ¼sse fÃ¼r AschenbrÃ¶del, English titles: Three Nuts for Cinderella and Three Gifts for Cinderella (UK)) is a Czech-German fairy-tale film from 1973. ... Disney redirects here. ...

If children are present (and they have behaved well the last year), "Julenissen" (Santa Claus) pays a visit, otherwise gifts are stored under the Christmas tree.

December 25 is a very quiet and relaxed day, before the festivities take off on December 26. Cinemas, night clubs and bars are full, and there are lots of private gatherings and parties, where all kinds of traditional Christmas cookies and sweets are enjoyed. Fatty, tasty dinners are also part of it. The time between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve is called romjul. During this time children in the western parts of Norway dress up with masks and go "Julebukk" - "Christmas goat" - asking for treats, much the same way as in the American Halloween. January 13 (20th day of Christmas, called St. Knuts Day) is the official end of Christmas. is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 360th day of the year (361st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article contains information that has not been verified. ... This article is about the holiday. ... is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Finland

Joulupukki is the Finnish name for Santa Claus. The name Joulupukki literally means Yule Goat or Christmas Goat. This name is likely to come from an old Finnish tradition, where people dressed in goat hides called nuuttipukkis used to circulate in homes after Christmas eating leftover food. Joulupukki is the Finnish name for Santa Claus. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1460x1994, 444 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1460x1994, 444 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Christmas worldwide ... City Rovaniemi (1960) Administrative Province Province of Lapland Historical Province Lappland Area - Total - Land - Water Ranked 5th (municipalities), and 1st (cities) 8,016 kmÂ² 7,601 kmÂ² 415 kmÂ² Population - Total (01/2006) - Density Ranked 13th 58,500 7. ...

Today Joulupukki looks and behaves mostly like his American version, but there are differences. Joulupukki's workshop is situated, not in the North Pole or Greenland, but in Korvatunturi, Lapland, Finland. He does not sneak in through the chimney during the night, but knocks on the front door during Christmas eve. When he comes in, his first words usually are: "Onkos täällä kilttejä lapsia?" (Are there (any) good children here?) For other uses, see North Pole (disambiguation). ... Korvatunturi is a fell in Lapland, on the border of Finland (in the municipality of Savukoski) and Russia. ... Lappi, or the Province of Lapland is one of the Provinces of Finland, and a part of the larger geographical area of Lapland, which spans over four countries. ...

He usually wears red, warm clothes and often carries a wooden walking stick. He visits people's homes and rides a sleigh pulled by a number of reindeer. Joulupukki has a wife, Joulumuori (Mother Christmas), who knows how to make very delicious Christmas porridge, riisipuuro (rice porridge). For the cricket meaning, see Sledging (cricket) A sled, sledge or sleigh is a vehicle with runners for sliding instead of wheels for rolling. ... Caribou redirects here. ... â€¹ The template below is being considered for deletion. ...

Western Europe

Italy

Modern traditions combine with holdovers from their Roman forebears in the celebrations of Natale, the Italian Christmas. The pagan feast of Saturnalia coincides with the Christian advent, and the holiday season there spans from these weeks through Epiphany. Food, religious observances, nativity displays, and gift-giving are prominent. On Christmas Eve, Italians celebrate "La Vigilia", or the Feast of the seven fishes. In some regions, presents are brought on Epiphany by La Befana, and in others by Baby Jesus on Christmas day or eve. In recent years Babbo Natale (literally, Father Christmas), a Santa Claus-like figure, is becoming more common. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (2112 Ã— 2816 pixel, file size: 2. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (2112 Ã— 2816 pixel, file size: 2. ... Type Anti-tank Nationality Joint France/Germany Era Cold War, modern Launch platform Individual, Vehicle Target Vehicle, Fortification History Builder MBDA, Bharat Dynamics (under license) Date of design 70s Production period since 1972 Service duration since 1972 Operators 41 countries Variants MILAN 1, MILAN 2, MILAN 2T, MILAN 3, MILAN... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... Befana of Campomarino di Maruggio (Italy) La Befana is a character in Italian folklore, similar to Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. ...

The Netherlands and Belgium

Sinterklaasavond (St. Nicholas evening) remains more important in the Netherlands than Christmas, although in recent years, the Dutch have started to celebrate Christmas Eve with Santa as well. This sparks minor controversy each year over when it is "appropriate" to start celebrating Christmas, with shopkeepers preferring to start the lucrative Christmas season immediately after Sinterklaasavond (sometimes putting up decorations even earlier) while others argue that the "foreign" and "commercial" Christmas impinges too much on the traditional Sinterklaas celebrations. Considering the ancestry of Santa Claus, it has truly been said that Sinterklaas is in competition with himself here.

The present-giver in children's folklore in The Netherlands and Belgium is a Santa-ish character called Sinterklaas or Sint Nicolaas. Like Father Christmas in Germany, Sinterklaas is often accompanied by a black helper named Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) who punishes disobedient children. Sinterklaas wears a tall bishop's hat and carries a crooked staff. He is said to reside in Spain, and in mid-November he arrives by steamboat, an event which is often acted out in the many coastal communities of the Low Countries. Dutch children leave their shoes out on many nights in the run-up to the actual celebration, to find them filled with small treats in the morning. December 5 (The Netherlands) and December 6 (Belgium) are traditionally recognized as the main gift-giving days of the Low Countries, with December 25 being a lower-key, more religious event. Motto: Je Maintiendrai (Dutch: Ik zal handhaven, English: I Shall Uphold) Anthem: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe Capital Amsterdam1 Largest city Amsterdam Official language(s) Dutch2 Government Parliamentary democracy Constitutional monarchy - Queen Beatrix - Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende Independence Eighty Years War - Declared July 26, 1581 - Recognised January 30, 1648 (by Spain... Sinterklaas and his Zwarte Pieten helpers arrive in the town of Sneek on November 12th 2005 Sinterklaas (also called Sint Nikolaas in Dutch ( ) and Saint Nicolas in French) is a holiday tradition in the Netherlands and Belgium, celebrated every year on Saint Nicholas eve (December 5) or, in Belgium, on... Saint Nicholas, also known as Nikolaus in Germany and Sinterklaas (a contracted form of Sint Nicolaas) in the Netherlands and Flanders, is the common name for the historical Saint Nicholas of Myra, who lived in 4th century Byzantine Anatolia, (now in modern Turkey) and had a reputation for secret gift... Zwarte Piet, together with Sinterklaas In the folklore and legends of the Netherlands and Flanders, Zwarte Piet ( (helpÂ· info)) (meaning Black Pete) is a companion of Saint Nicholas (Dutch Sinterklaas) whose yearly feast in the Netherlands is 5 December and 6 December in Flanders, when they distribute presents to all... It has been suggested that Regents: Low Countries be merged into this article or section. ... is the 339th day of the year (340th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

In recent years Dutch and Belgian cultures have also incorporated Santa Claus into their traditions, with him and Sinterklaas being recognized as two distinct characters.

Walloons call Sint Nicolaas Saint Nicolas and Zwarte Piet Père Fouettard (Whipping Father). The term Walloons (French: Wallons, Walloon: Walons) refers, in daily speech, to Belgians from Wallonia, roughly the southern half of the country. ...

Christians and a large amount of people having a Christian background go to church for Christmas. The Roman-catholic service is on Christmas eve, the Protestant churches in the Netherlands have their Christmas service on 25 December. This service is normally kept somewhat simpler compared to normal services, with more attention to the children and the singing of famous old Christmas hymns. Since the end of the 20th centuries, some Protestant churches also have services on Christmas eve. Due to the high amount of church abandoning during the last few centuries, a lot of old churches have been closed. However, the amount of people that want to visit a church service with Christmas seems to be as large as several years ago. Therefore, the remaining churches become too small to accommodate all the attendants with Christmas. For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... The Roman Catholic Church believes its founding was based on Jesus appointment of Saint Peter as the primary church leader, later Bishop of Rome. ...

Spain

In Spain, people sing and dance in the streets after midnight mass. Most homes and churches display a Nativity scene. Children put their shoes in the window on January 5 in hopes that the three wise men deliver them presents.^[10] Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 533 pixel Image in higher resolution (3072 Ã— 2048 pixel, file size: 3. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 533 pixel Image in higher resolution (3072 Ã— 2048 pixel, file size: 3. ... Location Coordinates : Time Zone : CET (GMT +1) - summer: CEST (GMT +2) General information Native name Barcelona (Catalan) Spanish name Barcelona Nickname Ciutat Comtal (City of Counts) Postal code 08001â€“08080 Area code 34 (Spain) + 93 (Barcelona) Website http://www. ... is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Adoration of the Magi by BartolomÃ© Esteban Murillo In Christian tradition the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, The Three Kings, or Kings from the east, are sometimes considered to be Median, perhaps Zoroastrian priests, who were also proficient in astrology from Ancient Persia. ...

France

Christmas in France is celebrated mainly in a religious manner, though some secular ways of celebrating the holiday also exist. Children put their shoes by the fireplace so Père Noël (Father Christmas) can give them gifts. Many French families also decorate their homes with Nativity Scenes depicting the birth of Jesus. Many families attend midnight mass. Some people put additional Santons (little saints) in their nativity scenes, which are bought at special Christmas fairs before the holidays.^[11] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2272x1704, 1064 KB) Description: Chemps Elysee, Paris, in December. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2272x1704, 1064 KB) Description: Chemps Elysee, Paris, in December. ... The Champs-Ã‰lysÃ©es (pronounced ) is the most prestigious and broadest avenue in Paris. ... This article is about the capital of France. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

Basque Country

Although Southern Basque Country is part of Spain and Northen Basque Country is part of France, the Basque people have their own traditions at Christmas. The Three Wise Men are popular in the South and Père Noël in the North, but there is also another character which is well known in both sides of the Pirineess, called Olentzero. Olentzero was a pagan coal worker who went to adore Jesus to Bethleem. Nowadays, it is said that he brings presents to all good people at Christmas Eve. Adoration of the Magi by BartolomÃ© Esteban Murillo In Christian tradition the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, The Three Kings, or Kings from the east, are sometimes considered to be Median, perhaps Zoroastrian priests, who were also proficient in astrology from Ancient Persia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Ireland

Christmas in Ireland is the largest celebration of the year and lasts from 24 December to 6 January, although many may view 8 December as being the start of the season as it is the traditional Christmas shopping day in Ireland due to all schools being closed. It plays an extremely important role in both religious and secular aspects of Irish life. is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Although religious devotion in Ireland today is considerably less than it used to be, there are huge attendances at religious services for Christmas Day, the most popular service by far being Midnight Mass. Most families get their deceased relatives prayed for at these Masses as it is a time of remembering the dead in Ireland. It is traditional to decorate graves at Christmas with a wreath made of holly and ivy. Even in the most un-devout of homes in Ireland the traditional crib takes centre-piece along with the Christmas tree as part of the family's decorations. The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... This article is about the plant. ... Species Hedera algeriensis â€“ Algerian Ivy Hedera azorica â€“ Azores Ivy Hedera canariensis â€“ Canaries Ivy Hedera caucasigena Hedera colchica â€“ Caucasian Ivy Hedera cypria Hedera helix â€“ Common Ivy Hedera hibernica â€“ Irish Ivy Hedera maderensis â€“ Madeiran Ivy Hedera maroccana Hedera nepalensis â€“ Himalayan Ivy Hedera pastuchowii â€“ Pastuchovs Ivy Hedera rhombea â€“ Japanese Ivy Hedera sinensis...

In the secular side of Irish society, Christmas is the biggest event of the year. Almost the entire workforce is finished by lunchtime on Christmas Eve or often a few days beforehand. Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day are public holidays and many people do not return to work until after New Year's Day. Irish people spend more and more money each year on celebrating Christmas. In 2006, the total amount spent in Ireland to celebrate Christmas was €16 billion^[12], which averages at approximately €4,000 for every single person in the country. The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... St Stephens Day, or the Feast of St Stephen, is a Christian saints day celebrated on 26 December in the Western Church and 27 December in the Eastern Church. ... This article is about the date January 1 in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Santa Claus, known in Ireland simply as Santy or Daidí na Nollag in Irish, brings presents to children in Ireland, which are opened on Christmas morning. Family and friends also give each other gifts at Christmas. The traditional Christmas dinner consists of turkey and ham with a selection of vegetables and a variety of potatoes, as potatoes still act as a staple food in Ireland despite the popularization of staples such as rice and pasta. Dessert is a very rich selection of Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, and mince pies with equally rich sauces such as brandy butter. A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ... For other uses, see Rice (disambiguation). ... Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ...

Christmas celebrations in Ireland finish with the celebration of Little Christmas on 6 January. This festival, which coincides with the Epiphany, is also known as Women's Christmas in Cork. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Look up epiphany in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Statistics Province: Munster County Town: Cork Code: C (CK proposed) Area: 7,457 kmÂ² Population (2006) 480,909 (including City of Cork); 361,766 (without Cork City) Website: www. ...

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom the traditions are quite similar to those of Australia, North America and New Zealand, and all other commonwealth traditions as they stemmed from Britain. Christmas is very special to many Britons, as it is a mainly religious festival, that everyone can enjoy. The Christmas season starts at Advent, where holly wreaths are made with three pink, one pink and one purple candle, however many shops sell christmas decorations beforehand, and lasts until 6 January, as it is considered bad luck to have Christmas decorations up after this date. On Christmas Eve, presents are delivered in stockings and under the Christmas tree by Father Christmas, who previously had been something like The Ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but has now become mainly conflated with Santa Claus. The two names are now used interchangeably and equally known to British people, but Father Christmas tends to be used more often, and some distinctive features still remain. Many families tell their children traditional christmas stories, about Father Christmas and his reindeer. One main tradition is to put out a plate of Carrots (for the reindeer) and Mince pies and sherry for Father Christmas, to help him on his way. On Christmas Day, nearly the whole population has the day off to be with their family and friends, so they can gather around for a traditional Christmas meal, which is mainly a turkey or other meats, along with cranberries, parsnips, roast potatoes, quite like the Sunday roast, followed by a Christmas Pudding. After or sometimes during the meal, Christmas crackers are often pulled containing toys, jokes and a paper hat. Another tradition is Carol singing, where many carols are sung by children on people's doorsteps, to raise money, and professional choirs or groups. Others traditions include sending Christmas cards to friends and family. On the whole, although Christmas has become a bit commercialised, the British christmas is still very traditional. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1618x1040, 434 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Wikipedia talk:Featured picture candidates Christmas worldwide Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1618x1040, 434 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Wikipedia talk:Featured picture candidates Christmas worldwide Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital... Trafalgar Square viewed from the northeast corner. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... North America North America is a continent [1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... The term Briton may have the following meanings: in a historical context: an inhabitant of Great Britain in pre-Roman times a descendant of Britons during a later period (e. ... Î¼ This article is about the Christian season. ... Excerpt from Josiah Kings The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England Father Christmas is the name used in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other Commonwealth countries, for the gift-bringing figure of Christmas... The Ghost of Christmas Present is a character in one of the best-known works of the English novelist Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. ... Dickens redirects here. ... For other uses, see A Christmas Carol (disambiguation). ... A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ... A mince pie is a traditional British sweet pastry, usually consumed during the Christmas and New Year period. ... A glass of amontillado Sherry For other uses, see Sherry (disambiguation). ... Sunday roast consisting of roast beef, roast potatoes, vegetables and yorkshire pudding The Sunday roast is a traditional British main meal served on Sundays (usually in the early afternoon), and consisting of roasted meat together with accompaniments. ... The Christmas cracker is an integral part of British Christmas celebrations. ... Some christmas cards A Christmas card is a greeting card that is decorated in a manner that celebrates Christmas. ...

In public, most shops have decorations and lights, especially in town centres, where the whole community chips in, even in Indian and Chinese restaurants. Churches and Cathedrals across the country hold masses, with many people, going to midnight mass, or a service on Christmas morning. Even though church attendance has been falling over the decades, many people who don't go to church often think it is still important to go on Christmas, so Church attendance increases significantly. Notably, for Catholics, it is one of the main Holy Days of Obligation. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy Days of Obligation are the days, other than Sundays, on which the faithful are required to attend Mass. ...

Christmas in Scotland was traditionally observed very quietly, because the Church of Scotland - a Presbyterian Church - never placed any great emphasis on the Christmas festival, for various reasons. Hogmanay is traditionally the largest celebration in Scotland, as a result Christmas Day was a normal working day in Scotland until the 1960s and even into the 1970s in some areas. The gift-giving, public holidays and feasting associated with mid-winter were held between the 31 December and 2 January rather than between 24 December and 26 December. However, since the 1980s, and the fading of the Church's influence as well as influences from outside Scotland due to immigration and the media, Christmas and related festivities are now on a par with Hogmanay and "Ne'erday". This article is about the country. ... The Church of Scotland (CofS; Scottish Gaelic: ), known informally by its pre-Union Scots name, The Kirk, is the national church of Scotland. ... Presbyterianism is a tradition shared by a large number of Christian denominations which is most prevalent within the Reformed branch of Protestant Western Christianity. ... Hogmanay (pronounced â€” with the main stress on the last syllable - hog-muh-NAY) is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year (Gregorian calendar) in the Scottish manner. ... The 1960s decade refers to the years from 1960 to 1969. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, also called The Seventies. ... is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 2nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 360th day of the year (361st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ...

Many London and provincial theatres have a tradition of "putting on" a Christmas pantomime for children. The pantomime stories are traditionally based on popular children's stories such as Little Red Riding Hood and Aladdin, rather than being directly concerned with the Christmas story as such, although there is sometimes a link. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1094, 756 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Regent Street Christmas worldwide Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1094, 756 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Regent Street Christmas worldwide Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner... The Quadrant at the bottom of Regent Street. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Serge Sudeikins poster for the Bat Theatre (1922). ... For other uses, see Pantomime (disambiguation). ... Jane Frank: illustration from Thomas Yoseloffs The Further Adventures of Till Eulenspiegel (1957). ... A depiction by Gustave DorÃ©. Little Red Riding Hood is a famous folktale about a young girls encounter with a wolf. ... For other uses, see Aladdin (disambiguation). ...

Television is widely watched: for many television networks, Christmas Day is the most important day of the year in terms or ratings. Many Britons still watch the Queen's annual Christmas message. The Royal Christmas Message (currently coined The Queens Christmas Message) is broadcast by the Sovereign of the Commonwealth Realms to the Commonwealth at Christmas. ...

The Celebration of Boxing Day on the day after Christmas Day is a tradition practiced in the UK. It is a bank holiday, and if it happens to fall on a weekend, then a special bank holiday Monday will occur. Boxing Day is a public holiday observed in many Commonwealth countries on 26 December. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Africa

Nigeria

Christmas Day, not a public holiday, is celebrated mainly in the southern and eastern parts of Nigeria. Nigerians have special traditions they employ to celebrate Christmas. Almost everyone goes to church on Christmas Day. Weeks before the day, people buy lots of hens, turkeys, goats and cows. Children hover around the beasts, taunting, and mostly gawking at them. There are feverish preparations for travel, holiday, and exchange of gifts, caroling and all manner of celebration. The word holiday has related but different meanings in English-speaking countries, with the exception of the United States where usage differs greatly. ... A compass rose with South highlighted South is most commonly a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating direction or geography. ... The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST, internally called HT-7U) is a project being undertaken to construct an experimental superconducting tokamak magnetic fusion energy reactor in Hefei, the capital city of Anhui Province, in eastern China. ... A tradition is a story or a custom that is memorized and passed down from generation to generation, originally without the need for a writing system. ... A celebration is a kind of party on the occasion of either something joyous that is happening or has just happened: a birth, etc. ... For the architectural structure, see Church (building). ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For the animal, see goat. ... Binomial name Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758 Rainbow arching over a paddock of cattle Cattle are domesticated ungulates, a member of the subfamily Bovinae of the family Bovidae. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Holiday (disambiguation). ... A gift or present is the transfer of money or goods without requiring something in return (at least not immediately); by extension it can be anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favor, including forgiveness, and kindness (even when the other is not kind). ...

On Christmas Eve, traditional meals are prepared. In Yoruba, such meals usually include Iyan, (pounded yam) eba or amala, served with peppery stewed vegetables. People find themselves eating this same meal three to four times on that day, as they are offered it at every house they visit; and according to Yorùbá customs, it was considered rude to decline to eat when offered food. Other meals include rice served with chicken stew, which is a bit similar to the Indian curry stew. Some families would include a delicacy called Moin-moin; which is blended black eyed beans, mixed with vegetable oil and diced liver, prawns, chicken, fish and beef. The concoction is then wrapped in large leaves and then steamed until cooked. The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... A meal is an instance of eating, specifically one that takes place at a specific time and includes specific, prepared foodstuffs. ... Yams at Brixton market Yam is the common name for some species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae). ... EBA may refer to: Eastern Basketball Alliance, American basketball league started in 2007[1] Eastern Basketball Association, defunct basketball league (1948-1970) Endemic Bird Area Enlarged Board of Appeal, see Appeal procedure before the European Patent Office Enterprise Bargaining Agreement Everything But Arms Trade Agreement Emergency brake assist, a vehicle... Amala is a type of food eaten in West Africa, precisely among the Yoruba of Nigeria. ... Beef Stew A stew is a common dish made of vegetables (particularly potatoes or beans), meat, poultry, or seafood cooked in some sort of broth or sauce. ... Vegetables on a market Vegetable is a nutritional and culinary term denoting any part of a plant that is commonly consumed by humans as food, but is not regarded as a culinary fruit, nut, herb, spice, or grain. ... House at CÃºcuta, Colombia A house is a building typically lived in by one or more people. ... The Yoruba (YorÃ¹bÃ¡ in Yoruba orthography) are a large ethno-linguistic group or ethnic nation in Africa; the majority of them speak the Yoruba language (Ã¨dÃ¨e YorÃ¹bÃ¡; Ã¨dÃ¨ = language). ... Customs is an authority or agency in a country responsible for collecting customs duties and for controlling the flow of animals and goods (including personal effects and hazardous items) in and out of a country. ... For other uses, see Rice (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article is about the dish. ... This article is on the plant. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with cooking oil. ... Suborders Not necessary complete list: Aristeidae Penaeidae Sergestidae Sicyoniidae Solenoceridae Nematocarcinidae Atyidae Pasiphaeoidae Rhynocinetidae Campylonotidae Palaemonidae Alpheidae Ogyrididae Hippolytidae Proussidae Pandalidae Crangonidae True shrimp are small, swimming, decapod crustaceans usually classified in the suborder Natantia, found widely around the world in both fresh and salt water. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see Beef (disambiguation). ... Steaming is cooking by steam. ... Cooking is the act of preparing food for consumption. ...

Another tradition is that of decorating homes (compounds) and churches with both woven and unwoven palm fronds, Christmas trees and Christmas lights. There are the festive jubilations on the streets, the loud crackling of fireworks and luminous starry fire crackers going off, traditional masquerades on stilts parading about and children milling about displaying their best clothes, or Christmas presents. There are no other celebrations that compare to Christmas festivities in Nigeria, where everyone can personalize their own festival, and one family’s gusto merges with others; both physically and psychologically, creating a universe of fun and bonhomie. Homes can refer to: Homes, peoples places of residence Houses, a structure for habitation a variation of Homie, a slang term HOMES may refer to: a mnemonic for remembering the names of five Great Lakes. ... This article is about the Christian buildings of worship. ... Genera Many; see list of Arecaceae genera Arecaceae or Palmae (also known by the name Palmaceae, which is taxonomically invalid. ... A fern with simple (lobed or pinnatifid) blades, the dissection of each blade not quite reaching to the rachis. ... A Christmas tree in a German home One of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas, the Christmas tree is normally an evergreen conifer tree that is brought in the house or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the... Mike Skinner aka The Streets (born 27 November 1978) is a chav, a rapper and musician from Birmingham, England. ... For other uses, see Fireworks (disambiguation). ... Look up Masquerade in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the poles. ... Tin of Celebrations with individual chocolates. ... For other uses, see Festival (disambiguation). ... Gusto may mean: great enthusiasm and energy Look up gusto in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Since antiquity, people have tried to understand the behavior of matter: why unsupported objects drop to the ground, why different materials have different properties, and so forth. ... Psychology (ancient Greek: psyche = soul and logos = word) is the study of behaviour, mind and thought. ... For other uses, see Universe (disambiguation). ...

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