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Home , Christmas gift, Christmas in France

We Celebrate

Bobbie Kalman Lisa Smith

Crabtree Publishing Company The Holidays & Festivals Series www.crabtreebooks.com The Holidays and Festivals Series Created by Bobbie Kalman Writing team: Contents Bobbie Kalman Susan Hughes Lise Gunby 4 Come celebrate with us 31 The loving witch For Elisabeth Illustrations: Color illustrations by Lisa Smith 6 True blue miracle 32 How will I celebrate this year? Page 24-25, Bernadette Lau Black-and-white illustrations by Lynne Carson 8 The very first Christmas 34 Ho! Ho! Ho! Do you know who I am? © Crabtree Publishing Company Editor-in-chief: 10 A time to remember 37 The surprise party Bobbie Kalman Editors: 11 Family traditions 38 Have a Christmas party Susan Hughes Lise Gunby Grace DeLottinville 12 Windows on the Christmas season 40 A Christmas feast Dan Liebman Jane Lind 14 Special ways to celebrate 42 What is your favorite Cover design: Christmas Christmas meal? Peter Maher, Newton Frank Arthur Inc. Karen Harrison 16 The Christmas travels of 43 Make a log Art direction and design: the littlest angel Jane Hamilton 44 Bursting with music Hugh Michaelson Copyright © 1985, 1993 Crabtree Publishing Company. Catherine Johnston All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be 20 Christmas words Ruth Chernia reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or be transmitted 46 Christmas carols Mechanicals: in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, 22 Christmas trees Nancy Cook photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior 47 The written permission of Crabtree Publishing Company. 24 The secret of the animals Acknowledgements: “True Blue Miracle” (pages 6-7): 48 Holiday spirit Carol Hall © 1978 Sesame Street, Inc. PMB16A, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 3308 26 I bet you didn’t know! Used by permission. New York, NY. 10118 51 That’s what Christmas means to me Cataloguing in Publication Data 29 I love Christmas! Kalman, Bobbie, 1947- 612 Welland Ave. 53 Keep Christmas alive in your heart We Celebrate Christmas St. Catharines, Ontario L2M 5V6 30 The first -givers (The Holidays and Festivals Series) 54 Index Includes index. 73 Lime Walk ISBN 0-86505-040-6 Headington, Oxford OX3 7AD I. Christmas I. Title. II. Series. GT4985.K35 1985 398.2’68282 2 LC 93-27354 3 Come celebrate Christmas with us

Imagine how wonderful it would be if all the children who celebrate Christmas could celebrate it together. Imagine children from all over the world decorating a gigantic . They would bring ribbons, bells, , flowers, and homemade treasures to put on the tree. They would all share the magical feeling of Christmas.

There are many ways to celebrate this wonderful holiday. All Christmas customs are exciting and full of joy. Imagine you are one of the children on the way to the tree. Which of your favorite Christmas customs would you share with the other children?

4 5 True blue miracle

all is not__ what’s hap-pen-ing a-round____ you, it’s___ the 1. I be-lieve_ in mir-a-cles_ and I can tell you why:____ 2. I be-lieve_ in mir-a-cles,_ I know because I’ve seen:____ 4. way––––– you start____ to be. Yes, the great-est

Once a year_ the street I live_ on spark-les like the sky ____ all hung with Once a year_ the place I walk_ is filled with trees of green___ and pine cone wonder of__ them all is how__ your heart is filled with love. You start to

lights for Christ-mas twink-ling ev- ‘ry-where.__ The world turns smells of Christ-mas float-ing through the air___ to jin- gle light______up like____ a Christ__mas_tree.___

bright for Christmas bells of Christ-mas And if that isn’t a true_ blue mir-a- cle, 4.Feelings feel so wonderful, you have to let them show. spirit they can share; Maybe that’s why everyone that’s the best part of Christmas. 3. begins to get a glow And if that isn’t a true blue miracle, I don’t know what one is._____is. But the great-est won-der of –––– them and fill their hearts with Christmas I don’t know what one is.

6 7 The very first Christmas

One night almost two thousand years ago, a shining star rose over a town called . He is God’s gift to you. Follow the shining star.” The shepherds followed the star. . Outside Bethlehem, shepherds were tending their sheep. They saw the star The star led them to an underground stable. In the stable were baby Jesus and his that lit up the dark sky. Suddenly, a bright light shone near them. It was an angel. The parents, Mary and Joseph. Together, everyone rejoiced at the baby’s birth. Each year angel said, “This is a happy night. A little baby has been born. The baby’s name is at Christmas, Christians celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ.

8 9 Family traditions

Christmas is a special time for people to be with their families. Many families celebrate in the same way year after year. These special ways of celebration are called traditions. Traditions, such as singing carols, cooking certain foods, and inviting guests to visit, are passed down from generation to generation. I wonder

I wonder how my great-grandmother celebrated Christmas? I wonder if she decorated her Christmas tree with cranberry-and-popcorn garlands the way we do? Did she hang men on her tree? I wonder if my great grandmother had a house full of guests at Christmastime? That is the part of Christmas I love the best. Our home is always bursting with people on . I wonder if my great- grandmother loved Christmas as much as I do?

A time to remember Christmas is a time for sharing good feelings. It is a time for love. Many people share the love they feel at Christmas with their families and friends. They share their joy with everyone they meet. Christmas is a time to remember that people all over the world are alike in many ways. Going to church at Christmastime Many people celebrate the birth of Jesus by going to church at Christmastime. They join their friends in decorated churches. They glow with candlelight. Everyone bursts into joyful song. People are excited because it is the birthday of Jesus. They smile and wish one another a Merry Christmas.

10 11 Windows on the Christmas season Some of these windows show in other places. Which ones do There are many ways to celebrate Christmas. People in different countries have you know? Answer the questions on the next two pages. Use these Christmas their own favorite Christmas traditions. windows as clues.

12 13 Special ways to celebrate Christmas 6 In Mexico, children break piñatas at Christmastime. Piñiatas are containers filled with candy and other treats. They come in Try this Christmas quiz. The Christmas windows on the previous page make many different shapes. What does the piñiata in the Christmas the questions easy to answer. Write down your answers using the letters window resemble? in each window. The correct answers are at the bottom of page 15. 7. On the very first Christmas Eve, there was a sign in the sky to A Christmas quiz announce the birth of a special baby. What was the sign?

1. In Germany, children make a with evergreen branches, 8. A long time ago, December 26, or , was the day for gift- pine cones, and ribbons. This is an wreath. Advent begins at giving. Poor people carried empty boxes from door to door. The boxes were the end of November or the start of December. Advent means “the soon filled with food, Christmas sweets, and money. Parents also gave small coming.” Christmas is coming. On the first Sunday of Advent, children place to their children. What kind of gifts might the children have received? candles on their . They light one candle and sing carols. On each of the next Sundays until Christmas, they light one more candle. How many candles 9. On January 6, Italian and Russian children receive presents are there on an ? from a kind witch. She is called la in Italy and Baboushka in Russia. She does not travel 2. Some British families still follow an old Christmas tradition. by reindeer. How does she travel? On the Sunday before Advent they prepare the dessert for their . This day is called Stir-up Sunday. 10. January 6 is called the . Epiphany means “to Each member of the family makes a wish while stirring show.” The kings followed the . On January this dessert. This Christmas dessert looks like a cake 6, Jesus was shown to the kings. In many countries on January but it is not called a cake. What is it called? 6, children dress up as kings and go from door to door singing Christmas carols. How many kings came to see Jesus? 3. Whose birthday is on December 25? 11. In many cities around the world, there are parades 4. On December 6, visits many children’s in the weeks before Christmas. Who is the special star of this homes in Holland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and other Christmas parade? Can you guess what he is saying to the crowds? countries in Europe. He leaves fruit, candy, and nuts for the children. He does not leave these treats in stockings, 12. People prepare for Christmas in many ways. They shop for gifts. as Santa does. Where does he leave the treats? They decorate their homes and their Christmas trees. They practice singing Christmas carols. What special treat do they bake? 5. In Sweden, December 13 is Saint Lucia’s Day. Saint Lucia was born about 300 years after Jesus. She Answers: spent much of her life telling people about Jesus. In many 1 - A four; 2 - B ; 3 - G Jesus Christ; Swedish homes, a daughter is chosen to dress up as 4 - C in a shoe or boot; 5 - D see picture on this page; 6 - E a lamb; Saint Lucia on December 13. She wears a special 7 - F a star; 8 - H oranges, handkerchiefs, socks; 9 - I by broom; costume. Describe her costume. 10 -J three; 11 - K saying, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and “Merry Christmas!”; 12 - L cookies. 14 15 The Christmas travels of the littlest angel

‘Tis the night before Christmas and far above Earth, All the angels are filled with high spirits and mirth.

The littlest angel is smiling so bright For she’ll celebrate Christmas with people tonight.

The angel is ready; the waiting is done. The Christmas Eve visits at last have begun!

In Greece, she hears plenty of noise in the streets. Carols and drums bring nuts, figs, and sweets.

In Italy, people prepare now to eat Twenty-four dishes; not one will have meat.

The presepio stands in its own special spot Showing the scene that the Bible has taught.

Hundreds of figures: angels, shepherds, and kings, All look to the manger for the love Jesus brings.

In Switzerland, the angel finds farmers together Praying for good crops and a year of good weather.

Look! Who is that walking their Christmas route? and bringing candy and fruit.

To Germany, Austria, and next Hungary, The angel flies quickly — and what does she see?

A tree lit with candles, the door open wide, And children with bright eyes peering inside.

What beauty, what magic — and Christmas gifts too! It is hard not to stay, but she has more to do. 16 17 Now, the little angel has a long way to go. She leaves winter behind along with its snow. The weather in Africa is certainly hot. There are flowers at Christmas, believe it or not! Australia and New Zealand are in their best season. It’s summer down there, and that is the reason! The children are happily dreaming away Of their Christmas picnics on the beach, next day. The sky sparkles brightly on this Christmas Eve Happiness all over the world As the littlest angel gets ready to leave. She floats past Hawaii where Santa will glide In Czechoslovakia, Christmas dinner is fish, Across the big waves on his surfboard ride. And the scales of the fish are put on a dish. Now she flies on to Canada and the United States Into everyone’s wallet the fish scales will go. Where children leave Santa fresh cookies on plates. They might bring good luck and make money grow! It’s been a long trip, but the angel’s last goal The angel finds Poland when the first star appears. Is to see one more Christmas — at the North Pole! Then the feasting can start as Christmas Day nears. To begin Christmas dinner, everyone gets As the littlest angel flies over the snow, A special thin bread — even the pets. She suddenly hears a loud “Ho, Ho, Ho!” The children bring straw and wheat to the table Dear old Santa is loading his sleigh full of toys To remind them that Jesus was born in a stable. To bring to the stockings of young girls and boys. Each window in Denmark is aglow with a flame He sees the small angel and offers a ride. As Christmas Eve candles speak friendship’s name: The angel curls snugly by Santa’s warm side. “All strangers are welcome in this home tonight. The littlest angel is thrilled by the lift. Come out of the darkness and into the light.” For her tired little wings, it’s the best Christmas gift. Dutch children are busy hunting for toys. The sleigh rises high as the reindeer take flight. Poems contain clues for both girls and boys. My, Christmas Eve sure is a wonderful night! Karl sees a cake hidden under a chair. He cuts the cake open and finds a gift there! To France she flies next on her Christmas Eve search To watch bundled-up families hurry to church And then home to their feasts, full of laughter and fun. They call this grand party the “Réveillon.” Then the children in France put their shoes by the fire And Père Nöel fills them when sleepy eyes tire. The children of England their stockings have hung, Games they have played, carols they have sung. 19 18 Christmas words trumpet pine cones

bells holly chimney wreath

decorations candle snow star gifts ribbon

turkey popcorn garland presents ornament (presepio, crèche)

stocking cranberries three kings sleigh

shepherds manger reindeer

Try to use all these words in .

20 21 Christmas trees Show your Christmas wishes At Christmastime, most families have a guest. They invite this guest How would you decorate a Christmas tree? The ornaments to come in from the cold. They dress her in fine fashion. They give hung on the tree show your Christmas wishes. Would you her a special place in their best room. They all gaze at her with make decorations of straw to remind you of the stable where admiration. How lucky they are to have such a grand visitor! Do Jesus was born? Perhaps you would dangle sugar cookies you know who this guest is? It is the Christmas tree. from the branches to express the sweetness of the season or add decorations in the shape of a heart to show your love. Picture your perfect Christmas tree. Is it short and fat, or tall and Carefully hang the decorations that you and your family have skinny? Is it shaped like a triangle or a teardrop? Is it pine, cedar, made. String colorful lights on the tree. Their glow reflects the or spruce? Perhaps your favorite tree is a palm tree, an Indian cheerful brightness of Christmas. And now for the crowning touch — put on the star! mango, or a banana tree. Pasta tree decoration Martin Luther’s tree Make a pasta Christmas tree to give as a gift or to use as a Martin Luther was a religious man who lived in Germany. One centerpiece for your Christmas table. It is impossible to make a Christmas Eve, he was wandering through the woods. It was a tree that does not look pretty. Do this activity with a few of clear, crisp night. A blanket of snow covered the ground. The sky your friends. You can share the materials. seemed to be overflowing with stars. Martin Luther had a wonderful idea. He brought a fir tree home to his children. He You need: attached candles to the tree. When his children saw the glowing I styrofoam cone for each tree tree, they cried, "Father! The tree is covered in stars!" glue different shapes of pasta Word of Martin Luther’s tree spread. People went into the forests 1 can of silver or gold spray paint and chose the best trees they could find. These trees were put on tables loaded with gifts. In some families, each child had a little Here’s how: tree. Decorated trees are now seen in homes around the world Put a drop of glue on each piece of pasta. Stick the pieces at Christmastime. onto the styrofoam cone. Start your design at the bottom of the cone and work your way to the top. Put a special piece of pasta on the top of your tree. Allow the glue to dry overnight. Then place your tree on a piece of paper. Ask a parent or older friend to spray the tree with gold or silver spray paint. Let the paint dry. Then place your tree in a spot where it can be seen and admired.

22 23 The secret of the animals

Long ago, on the day before Christmas, a girl named Anna was visiting her cousin. It was a sunny December day. The snow covered the fields. Anna and Marta were having fun jumping around in the pillowy drifts. They slid down the hills. They rubbed each other’s faces with snow. After several hours, they went inside. The cousins chatted away happily as they sipped hot chocolate from steaming mugs.

“Did you know that magical things happen on Christmas Eve” Marta asked her talk.” Zenta seemed to smile, and then she dug her feet even more firmly into the snow. cousin. “Christmas is always a wonderful time for me,” agreed Anna. “I mean really magical!” Marta insisted. “The cattle kneel in the straw. The sheep walk “It is too far to walk home,” said Anna’s mother. “We’ll wait until a neighbor passes in single file. The bees hum carols. And the animals can even speak!” by.” The tears began to roll down Anna’s cheeks. The family waited for many long Anna looked doubtful. minutes. Then, all of a sudden, Zenta picked up her head and began moving along at a brisk pace. “This is very strange, indeed,” said Anna’s father. “The animals shared their stable with baby Jesus,” Marta continued. “So on Christmas Eve, Jesus gave them a gift. The animals are able to speak with human Home at last! But it was only a few seconds before midnight. Anna hoped that she still words while the clock strikes twelve. It is a very old story and a true one,” said had time to hear her friends talk. She ran through the snow toward the stable. Just Anna’s cousin. “But there is more… “ Just then, Anna’s father called for her to go. before she reached the stable door, Anna fell into a snowdrift. She saw her cat, Hans, go scampering across the barnyard. Hans had tripped Anna! Anna just sat in the wet As soon as Anna reached home, she ran to the barn. “My beautiful Gretchen,” she snow. She knew that midnight must have come and gone. She would never hear the said to her gentle brown mare. “Tonight is Christmas Eve. I’ll come to the barn at animals talk now! She would never share her secrets with Gretchen or Hans. midnight and you can talk to me. We can finally share our secret thoughts.” On Christmas Day, Anna’s cousin came to visit. “I hope you did not go to the barn at That night, Anna could hardly eat a bite of the huge Christmas Eve feast. Even the midnight yesterday!” Marta said. “You left before I could finish my story. It is bad late church service seemed to last forever. When it was over, Anna hurried her luck to hear the animals talk.” parents to the sleigh. She was so impatient to get to the stable that she wanted to cry. When they were nearly home, the sleigh began to slow down. “Gee up, Zenta,” Anna jumped from her chair. “I tried to,” she said. “But Zenta stopped on our way called Anna’s father to the horse pulling the sleigh. But Zenta stopped. home from church and then I tripped on Hans in the barnyard. I was too late.”

“What can be the matter?” Anna’s mother asked. Anna felt sick. It was almost midnight. Could it be that the animals made her miss midnight because they were trying to She would miss her chance to hear Gretchen speak! She ran up to Zenta’s head. protect her? Could it be? Anna would never know. But deep down in her heart, she “Zenta,” Anna cried. “I must be at the stable by midnight so I can hear the animals thought so!

24 25 stars

candles cranberries spruce

Christmas rose laurel holly I bet you didn’t know! Do you know why the poinsettia is a popular Christmas flower? Do you know what a presepio is? A presepio is an Italian nativity It is red or white and its petals are shaped like a star. It is told that scene. It contains figures of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the ivy a long time ago, a Mexican boy named Pablo wanted to give a three kings, the angels, and the animals that came to see the baby Christmas gift to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The only thing Pablo Jesus on the first Christmas. In France, a nativity scene is called a could find to give Mary was a handful of weeds. He brought them crèche. Crèche means cradle. mistletoe to the statue of Mary. In an instant, the weeds turned into a beautiful flower the color of a flame and the shape of a star. Did you know that for many years, mistletoe was called "the plant of The flower was the poinsettia! peace"? Enemies became friends while standing under it. Today, if you stand underneath the mistletoe at Christmas, you may be kissed! Did you know that Saint Nicholas was born over a thousand years ago in a country called Turkey? When he was a young priest, he Do you know why some children believe that Santa Claus lives and secretly gave a gift of gold coins to three very poor girls. The father makes toys at the North Pole? The North Pole is an ice-covered spot bells of the girls saw Nicholas perform this good deed. Nicholas was in the Arctic Ocean. Because it is not on land, the North Pole does embarrassed, and asked the father not to tell anyone. After not belong to any country. This means that Santa Claus belongs to Nicholas died, the father of the girls told the world about the good every country and brings gifts to many children. deeds of Nicholas. Today, many European children believe that Saint Nicholas brings gifts to them on December 6. His good deeds Do you know the objects in the border? They are just some of the have continued on for hundreds of years. things that remind people of Christmas. These objects are called symbols. How many of these symbols remind you of Christmas? Did you know that Yule is another word for Christmas? The once played a big part in Christmas celebrations. A huge log was dragged out of the forest on a heavy chain. The log was burned rosemary during the twelve days of the Christmas season. poinsettia frankincense gold pine yule log

hawthorn myrrh 26 27 I love Christmas! Christmas Eve makes me race To hang my stocking by the fireplace. I try to catch Santa, but my eyes shut tight: Why doesn’t Santa come earlier tonight?

Christmas morning makes me run Quickly downstairs for some Christmas fun. Bows and ribbons, boxes and strings. "Hurray, it’s Christmas!" everyone sings.

Christmas Day means to me Uncles and aunts around my tree. "My, you’ve grown since we saw you last!" I bend my knees as I try to sneak past.

Christmas dinner means I take Heaps of cookies and heaps of cake. I eat and eat ‘til my stomach hurts. "Mom!" I call. "Any more desserts?"

Christmastime brings my friends; We play with toys that Santa sends. I’ve just one problem for you to hear: I wish Christmas came more than once a year!

28 29 The loving witch The first gift-givers Hello, children, hello. Wait! Did I hear you call me a witch? I do have white hair Do you know why gift-giving is such an important part of Christmas? When Jesus and a crooked body. Yes, I even ride a broomstick. But I am certainly not a witch. I was born, the shepherds and three kings wanted to show their love for him by am la Befana. I may be old and wrinkled, but I am young at heart and I love young bringing him gifts. The shepherds brought humble gifts of fruit, honey, and a white people. How much do I love them? I love them so much that every year on the night dove. The three kings brought precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. of January 5, I bring gifts to the children of Italy. Now, that’s love!

Who brings the gifts? Why do I bring them presents? Many, many years ago when I was still a young Today, many children who celebrate Christmas receive gifts to remind them of the woman, I was busy sweeping the floors of my little cottage. I heard a tap at my door. birthday of Jesus. But who brings these gifts? In Spain and Portugal, children believe I was just about to warn the caller that I did not like being disturbed. Then I saw who that the three kings bring the gifts at Christmastime. Children place their shoes by the was at my door. Three kings! Well, I was surprised all right. I was so surprised I windows and doors of their homes. In the morning, they find that the three kings could not speak. The kings all bowed to me. They told me that a special baby had have filled their shoes with candies and little presents. been born in Bethlehem. They invited me to travel with them to find the baby. Well, an offer like that comes once in a lifetime. Of course I would go! Just then, silly me, The Christmas Angel I remembered that my cottage still needed sweeping. To tell the truth, I was also a Other European children wait for the Christmas Angel and her helpers to bring gifts little bit shy. I told the kings I could not go with them. They were very polite. on Christmas Eve. Some believe that the Angel flutters through an open window and They bowed and went on their way. brings gifts and a Christmas tree from the . When the children rush into the living room on Christmas Eve, they are delighted to find a sparkling tree with Of course, as soon as they were gone, I realized that seeing the baby Jesus was much gifts underneath it. more important than sweeping any old cottage. I rushed after the kings with my broom in my hand, but I was too late. I have never found the kings or the baby Jesus. The playful gnomes The Julenissar bring gifts to Scandinavian children on Christmas Eve. They are Ever since then, this old broom has been flying me from home to home at playful gnomes with red suits, pointed caps, and long, white beards. They look a Christmastime. I peek in every cradle, but I have never found the Christ Child. little like Santa’s elves. When I do find the baby Jesus, I will give him my gifts. But until I do, I like to spread my presents around a bit. I leave gifts for all the children I find along my way. I love to see a smile on a child’s face.

30 31 “Maybe we’ll combine all the customs in our Christmas celebration this year!”

How will I celebrate this year?

"Who will bring me gifts this year?" Diane wonders. "La Befana? The Christmas Angel? Will Santa Claus land on the roof in his sleigh? Will St. Nicholas arrive on his ship? Will I find something in my shoe or in my stocking? Will I be St. Lucia on December 13? Will we have a posada and then break a piñata? Will we eat a Christmas pudding?"

Diane’s family has lived in many different countries. The different countries all have different Christmas customs. Diane thinks of all the wonderful things that can happen at Christmas. Her eyes open wide.

32 33 Ho! Ho! Ho! Do you know who I am?

All year long, I keep busy in my workshop helping my elves make the right toys for the children I will visit around the world. You probably think I am a thin man because of all the exercise I get! Ho! Ho! You are wrong. I am a jolly, roly-poly old man with a jiggling belly-o! Who am I?

When Christmas arrives, my elves give a loud hurray! Now their holiday begins, and I get to travel. I gather up all the gifts and set off on a journey around the world. I arrive in Australia on waterskis, wearing a dazzling red bathing suit to show off my figure. I ride the surf into Hawaii. I fly through North America on a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. They are old pals of mine. And we can’t forget my Rudolph with his shining red nose! No, sirree, I hope he never gets that fog-light fixed!

I come to many children on December 6. On December 25, I bring presents to other children. I have traveled on everything from whales and giant turkeys to bicycles and snowshoes. I sure have plenty of fun in my line of work! I have many names

Do you know who I am yet? People picture me in different ways. I like to change my style once in a while. In England, I am called Father Christmas. French children call me Père Nöel. Some Swiss children call me Samichlaus. Dutch children call me . Hungarian children call me Mikulás. Others call me Saint Nicholas. Children in North America used to call me Kris Kringle or Bellsnickle. Now they call me — Santa Claus! Sure, you knew all along. Can you see how the name changed from Saint Nicholas? Santa means "saint." Claus sounds like the last part of Nicholas.

Children around the world may call me by different names, but you can be sure I love them all equally.

34 35 The surprise party

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a party for all the special friends who bring gifts to children at Christmas? Imagine having a surprise party for la Befana, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, the Julenissar, the Christmas Angel, and the three kings! Where would you send invitations to these gift-bringers? What gifts would you give each of them? What games might you play at the party?

Make up an interesting invitation for each of these famous characters. You never can tell. Perhaps they will come to your Christmas party!

36 37 Have a Christmas party

Christmas is a time for parties. Celebrate Christmas with your friends. Why not have a Christmas party at your home? Before your guests arrive, hang mistletoe from the doorways. If your guests stand under the mistletoe, make sure they get a kiss! Special invitations

Write a special invitation to each friend: "To my friend with the happy face, Come to a party at my place." "To the fellow who lives across the street, Come to my party for a Christmas treat."

Ask your friends to bring the following to your party: Christmas games a bell of any size a small gift that would please any friend Collect the little gifts that your guests have brought to your 2-3 cookies or some wrapped candy party. Have your guests leave the room. Now, quickly hide the 5-6 used Christmas cards gifts throughout the room. Have your guests re-enter the room and ask each of them to search for a gift. Fun with gifts You might ask your friends to write a "gift of time" Do you like to perform? Play charades. Each party guest can silently act out a Christmas on a piece of paper. The gift can be an hour of word or phrase. See how quickly the other guests can guess the word or phrase. math help, two skating lessons, or even a ticket to the movies. Put these gifts into a hat and have each Make a sweet tree friend pick one out. Sharing time with friends is a Ask your friends to hang their cookies and candies on the Christmas tree. At the end very personal way to say "Merry Christmas." Gifts of the party, let the guests eat the treats on the tree. If your guests bring used of time will certainly help your friends get to know Christmas cards, they can cut them into pretty decorations for the tree. Use ribbons to one another. hang the cutouts on the tree.

Christmas bells When your friends leave, be sure to stand by the door and wish them all a Invent a party song to celebrate Christmas. Have Merry Christmas. your guests ring their bells to the tune of your new song. You can also play a favorite by using the sounds of the bells.

38 39 A Christmas feast

The table is covered with a Christmas feast. Can you name all the dishes? Do you see the What would you choose if you were Maggie? wheat on the table? In many European countries, people put wheat or straw on the table with What are your favorite Christmas foods? their Christmas dinner. The stalks of grain remind people that when Jesus was born, he was placed in a manger filled with straw.

Maggie is hungry! She does not know if she can wait until it is time to eat. In a minute, her eyes will look to the right and to the left. Then, slowly, she will reach toward the …

40 41 , a sweet fruit bread, is an Italian delicacy. Kalács or beigli is a Hungarian Christmas favorite. It is a roll filled with poppyseeds or walnuts. In Scandinavia, people sprinkle rice pudding with cinnamon. An almond is hidden in the pudding. The person who finds this lucky "eye" receives a gift and makes a speech. Make a yule log Real yule logs are no longer burned at Christmastime, but people still eat cakes made in the shape of yule logs. In France, these cakes are called bûche de Noël.

Peanutty Yule Log Method: You will need: 1. Melt butter with milk on low heat. 185 mL (3/4 cup) granulated sugar 2. Remove from stove and sift in icing What is your favorite Christmas meal? 185 mL (3/4 cup) corn syrup sugar and cocoa. 185 mL (3/4 cup) peanut butter 3. Spread cocoa mixture evenly over Would you like to sink your fork into a peacock pie or a boar’s head on Christmas 30 mL (2 tablespoons) butter cereal mixture. Roll from narrow end. Day? Would you like to feast on buffalo tongue or beaver tail? Would your mouth 1125 mL (4 1/2 cups) crispy rice cereal Does it look like a log? Wrap log in greased waxed paper and refrigerate water for a tasty morsel of moose nose? In the early days, the pioneers who lived in Method: until firm. North America ate buffalo, moose, and beaver for Christmas dinner. However, when 1. Cook corn syrup and granulated Chocolate icing they discovered that turkeys were delicious, turkeys soon became the favorite sugar over low heat until sugar is Christmas meal. In countries such as Germany, Hungary, Belgium, and Holland, melted. 85 mL (1/3 cup) unsweetened chocolate 85 mL (1/3 cup) soft butter or margarine people enjoy on Christmas Day. In some countries, the meal on 2. Remove from stove and blend in 500 mL (2 cups) icing sugar Christmas Eve often includes no meat. In Scandinavia, Italy, and Czechoslovakia, peanut butter and butter. people serve fish. Australians pack roast or chicken for their Christmas picnic at 7.5 mL (1 1/2 teaspoons) vanilla 3. Add cereal. Stir mixture until the beach. Brazilians fry shrimp for their Christmas meal. 30 mL (2 tablespoons) milk ingredients are well blended. Method: 4. Butter a 2 1/2 L (15" x 10" x 3/4") Bringing in the boar’s head pan. Press cereal mixture firmly into pan. 1. Melt and cool chocolate. In the Middle Ages, many people used to work on land which was owned by a lord. Cocoa filling 2. Mix in butter. Blend in sugar. At Christmastime, the lord invited the farmers to his castle for a twelve-course feast. Add vanilla and milk. 85 mL (1/3 cup) butter The best part of the feast was the ceremony of carrying in the boar’s head. It had an 3. Beat until icing is smooth. 30 mL (2 tablespoons) milk apple in its mouth and a crown of laurel leaves. People sang a "Boar’s Head Carol" 4. Spread icing on Yule Log. 375 mL (1 1/2 cups) icing sugar as the dish was brought in. Then they ate this special delicacy. 170 mL (2/3 cup) cocoa Run a fork along roll to imitate bark. Christmas sweets There is an endless supply of sweets at Christmastime. Cakes and cookies are baked in hundreds of different shapes and flavors. The British enjoy plum pudding as their special Christmas dessert. In Greece, people make Christopsomo or Christ bread.

42 43 Bursting with music Flowers everywhere

On the Caribbean Islands and in Central and South America, people do not sing In Costa Rica, the flowers are in full bloom at Christmastime. Beautiful blossoms are "White Christmas" or "" because the weather is always warm. But people collected and arranged in pretty patterns. Nativity scenes are decorated with do sing! In Puerto Rico, carol singers travel from home to home singing the old songs blossoms. of the island. They are treated to food and drink as rewards for their gifts of song. Celebrating until dawn In St. Croix, Christmas lasts for twelve warm days. The people have a colorful parade and dress in festive costumes. Guitar players walk along the streets making The children of Brazil go to church with their parents on Christmas Eve and then beautiful music. They sing special carols called aguinaldos. Favorite carols in celebrate until the sun rises. After a few hours of sleep, they wake their parents with Trinidad are called parang. In the Dominican Republic, Christmas Eve is firecracker the first gift of the day — breakfast in bed! Then the children scurry to find their night. After dinner, each family sets off a fireworks show. In Colombia, huge, round shoes which Father Christmas has filled with gifts. balloons whirl colorfully in the sky.

44 45 Music for a beautiful song Joseph had written the words for a song. But he had no music. Joseph called on the church organist. "I have these simple words," Joseph said. "Would you write a simple melody that you can play softly on your guitar? Together, our words and music will celebrate the birth of Jesus." Franz Gruber, the organist, was happy to write a tune for Joseph.

That Christmas Eve in the village, the beautiful carol was sung in the church. The music filled the quiet night. People told their friends about "Silent Night." Soon neighbors in other villages were singing the carol together. Now, on Christmas Eve, "Silent Night" is sung in many different languages by friends and neighbors around the world. Christmas carols The Huron Carol

People are full of happiness at Christmas. They are so happy, they burst into song. Christmas carols tell the story of Christmas in many different ways. The words and Singing is a way of showing joy and love. A Christmas song of praise and music change, but the story remains the same. Father Jean de Brébeuf was a priest celebration is called a carol. Christmas carols are sung in many countries and in at one of the first pioneer settlements in Canada. One day, he sat down to write this many languages. "Silent Night" is a beautiful carol. Do you know how it was carol for his Indian friends. written? Jesus is born Within a lodge of broken bark "Silent Night" was written many years ago in a little village in Austria. It was the day ‘Twas in the moon of wintertime the tender babe was found. before Christmas. Young Joseph Mohr, a pastor, was busy preparing the church for when all the birds had fled, A ragged robe of rabbit skin the Christmas service. Suddenly, he discovered that the church organ was broken. That mighty Gitchi Manitou enwrapped his beauty ‘round. "Oh, dear," sighed Joseph. "Christmas just won’t be Christmas without music." There sent angel choirs instead. And as the hunter braves drew nigh, was no time to fix the organ. It would be a silent night. Before their light the stars grew the angel song rang loud and high: dim, and wand’ring hunters Then a smile spread across Joseph’s face. He jumped up and ran to his desk. He heard the hymn: Chorus began to write. Can you sing the song he wrote? Chorus: Jesus your king is born! The earliest moon of wintertime Silent night, holy night Jesus is born! is not so round and fair, Silent night, holy night, Silent night, holy night, In excelsis gloria! As was the ring of glory on All is calm, all is bright Shepherds quake at the sight; the helpless infant there ‘Round yon virgin mother and child. Glories stream from heaven afar. While chiefs from far before him knelt Holy infant so tender and mild, Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah! with gifts of fox and beaver pelt. Sleep in heavenly peace, Christ the Savior is born! Sleep in heavenly peace. Christ the Savior is born! Chorus

46 47 Holiday spirit "My favorite Hindu holiday is Diwali,” said Surina. “It is a festival of lights. We make special candles called dipas." Surina was busy making a dipa to One day, there was a loud discussion in Mrs. Brissenden’s classroom. It was a month hang on the mobile. "The light of the dipas shows our happiness about the before Christmas, and some of the students wanted to work on Christmas projects. holiday."

"Let’s make a giant Christmas mobile," suggested Pedro. "But I don’t celebrate Bobby said, "We use candles to celebrate Christmas. Maybe because they Christmas," objected Surina. look like the star that shone over Bethlehem. I guess a Christmas candle and a dipa both mean happiness!" Mrs. Brissenden’s class was no ordinary class. Her thirty students were made up of fifteen different nationalities. Some of Mrs. Brissenden’s students were Christians, Joshua smiled. He was drawing a menorah which held nine candles. "We some were Jewish, some Muslim, and some Hindu. There were also Buddhists and light candles for my favorite Jewish holiday too. It is Hanukah, which is also followers of other Chinese and Japanese religions. Only half of the children called "Festival of Lights." The Hanukah candles mean that our holiday is a celebrated Christmas. time of peace.

"Let’s think about Pedro’s idea," Mrs. Brissenden suggested. "We can have a holiday "My favorite Japanese holiday is the Obon Festival,” said Kaori. mobile. We can learn about Christmas in other places. We can also learn about “We put lanterns on little ships. We float our tiny fleet on rivers and lakes. non-Christian holidays," she added. "Each of you can add something to the mobile The light of the lanterns makes us feel happy. I am making a paper lantern to that will tell us about your favorite holiday.” hang on the mobile."

"This mobile must have a Christmas tree," said Bobby, as he began to cut and paste Clarissa was making a small gift to put on the mobile. "Gifts are the best part a paper tree. "I’m putting all my favorite decorations on it. I love Christmas trees.” of Christmas,’’ Clarissa said. ‘‘I love giving gifts to my friends.’’

48 49 A special time with special people That’s what Christmas means to me

"Christmas is not the only time for gifts," exclaimed Atef. "Id-al-Fitr is a Muslim Starry nights and snowy days Sugarplum fairies in my head holiday. On the night before Id-al-Fitr, we get new clothes and toys. When we see Popcorn garlands and fires ablaze Presents, poems, and a wooden sled the new moon on Jd-al-Fitr, the whole family sits down to a special feast of meat, Jingle bells and speeding sleighs, Tinsel and glitter and bows of red, vegetables, desserts, and fruit." Atef was drawing a mango for the mobile. That’s what Christmas means to me. That’s what Christmas means to me.

Bobby was delighted. "That’s what my family does at Christmastime. We have a big nipping at my toes A big fat turkey and a spicy ham family dinner. I love seeing my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents," he said. Bright red cheeks and a cherry nose Potatoes, turnips, , and yam Games and songs and a Christmas rose, Christmas pudding and trifle with jam, May Lin added the figure of a dragon to the holiday mobile. "Chinese New Year is That’s what Christmas means to me. That’s what Christmas means to me. my favorite holiday," she said. "On New Year’s Eve, we have parades through the streets. Paper dragons lead the way. It is really fun!" Santa’s elves and lots of toys Candy canes and Christmas carols and happy noise Skating, sledding, and snowball fights "All these holidays are exciting," said Mrs. Brissenden. "They fill us with good feelings. Evergreens trimmed by girls and boys, Busy mornings and peaceful nights, We like to be with our family and friends. We like to do special things for people." That’s what Christmas means to me. That’s what Christmas means to me.

The children watched their handmade objects dangle from the mobile. As the wind blew in through an open window, the decorations made a pretty sight, gently touching one another.

50 51 Keep Christmas alive in your heart The Christmas season ends and the decorations are taken down from the tree. But Christmas is not over! Christmas is more than a day — it is a feeling! You can share the spirit of Christmas in all seasons with your friends. The love, the joy, the peace, and the friendship can stay with you. Celebrate the happiness of Christmas all year round. Keep Christmas with you each day of the year.

53 52 Denmark, 18 manger, 16, 20, 40 St. Croix, 44 Index Dominican Republic, 44 Mary, 9, 26-27, Saint Lucia, 12, 14, 32 Advent, 13-14 elves, 30, 34, 51 Mexico/Mexican, 14, 26, Saint Lucy, 16 Africa, 19 England, 18, 34 mistletoe, 20, 27, 38 Saint Nicholas, 14, 26, 32, 34, 37 angels, 8,16,18-19,27, 30, 32, 37, 47 Epiphany, 15 Mohr, Joseph, 46 Santa Claus, 14-15, 19, 27, 29, 32, 34, 37 Australia, 19, 34, 42 Europe/European, 14, 26 myrrh, 27, 30 Scandinavia, 30, 42-43 Austria, 16, 46 food, 11, 15, 40-43, 44 nativity scene, 8-9, 20, 27, 45 Secret of the Animals, The, 24-25 Baboushka, 15 France/French, 18, 27, 34 (see also presepio, crèche) shepherds, 8-9, 16, 20, 27, 30, 46 Belgium, 42 frankincense, 27, 30 New Zealand, 19 Silent Night, 46-47 bells, 4, 6, 20, 27, 38, 51 games, 37-39, 51 North America, 34, 42 South America, 44 (see also Brazil) Bethlehem, 8,15, 31, 49 Germany, 14, 16, 22, 42 (see also Canada, United States) Spain, 30 Boar’s Head Carol, 42 gifts, 8,15-16,18-19, 22, 24, 26, 30-32, North Pole, 19, 27 stable, 9, 18, 24-25 Boxing Day, 15 34, 37-38, 43, 44-45, 45, 47, 49, 50 parades, 15, stars, 8-9, 15, 18, 20, 22-23, 27, 49 Brazil, 42, 45 gold, 26, 30 parties, 37-39, Stir-up Sunday, 14 Britain/British, 14 Greece, 16, 42 Pasta Tree, 23 stockings, 14, 18-19, 21, 29, 32 bûche de Nöel, 43 (see also Yule log) Gruber, Franz, 47 Peanutty Yule Log, 43 Sweden, 14 Canada, 19, 47 (see also North America) Hanukah, 51 piñatas, 12, 14, 32, Switzerland/Swiss, 16, 34 candles, 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 27, 39, 49 Hawaii, 19, 34 plum pudding, 42 That’s what Christmas means to me, 51 candy canes, 21, 51 Holiday Spirit, 48-50 (see also Christmas pudding) toys, 18-19, 29, 34, 50 (see also gifts) Caribbean, 44 Holland, 14, 42; Dutch, 18, 34 poinsettia, 21, 26-27 trees, Christmas, 4, 6-7, 11, 15-16, 22-23, carols, 6-7, 11, 14-16, 18, 24, 38, 42, 44 holly, 21, 26 Poland, 18 30, 48, 53 46-47, 51 Hungary/Hungarian, 14, 16, 34, 42-43 Portugal, 30 Trinidad, 44 Central America, 45 Huron Carol, The, 47 posada, 32, True Blue M iracle, 6-7 charades, 39 I love Christmas!, 29 presepio, 16, 20, 27 turkey, 20, 34, 42, 51 Christmas Eve, 11, 15-16, 18-19, 22, 24, India, 49 (see also nativity scene, crèche) Turkey, 26 29-30, 44, 47 invitations, 37-38 Puerto Rico, 44 United States, 19 Christmas pudding, 12, 14-15, 32, 51 Italy/Italian, 15-16, 27, 31, 42-43 reindeer, 15, 19, 21, 34 (see also Hawaii, North America) (see also plum pudding) Japan, 49 Réveillon, 18 Yule, 26 Christmas Travels of the Littlest Angel, The, Jesus, 8-10, 14-16, 18, 23-24, 27, 30-31, Rudolph, 34 yule log, 26, 43 16-19 40, 47 Russia/Russian, 15 church, 10, 18, 24-25, 45-47 Joseph, 9, 27 Columbia, 44 Julenissar, 30, 37 Costa Rica, 45 kings, 15-16, 20, 27, 30-31, 37 Tell us what you think of this crèche, 20, 27 la Befana, 15, 31-32, 37 (see also nativity scene, presepio) Loving Witch, The, 31 e-book. Click on Santa to go to our Czechoslovakia, 14, 18, 42 Luther, Martin, 22 decorations, 4,11, 20, 23, 48-50, 53 website and fill out a short survey.

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