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!"#$%&'()*+(,% Around the World

By: ______Christmas Around the World

By: ______Holidays Around the World

By: ______Christmas Around the World Shade in each Country as you visit it on your trip.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Passport

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Personal Information Name: ______Date of Birth: ______Birthplace: ______Nationality: ______Date of Issue: ______

Signature: ______

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Stamps Country Country Stamps Country Country

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Stamps for Passports

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Australia Canada

Egypt England

Ethiopia France

Germany Italy © Simple Living. Creative Learning Stamps for Passports

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Kenya Mexico

Netherlands Russia

South Africa Spain

Sweden USA © Simple Living. Creative Learning Stamps for Passports

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Japan China

Ireland

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Airline Tickets

Festive Airlines Date: ______Gate: ______Passenger: ______Departing from: ______Destination: ______Boarding Pass Festive Airlines Date: ______Gate: ______Passenger: ______Departing from: ______Destination: ______Boarding Pass Festive Airlines Date: ______Gate: ______Passenger: ______Departing from: ______Destination: ______Boarding Pass

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Country Maps and Flags Research Pages Australia

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning China

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Egypt

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning England

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ethiopia

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning France

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Germany

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Italy

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ireland

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Japan

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Kenya

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Mexico

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Spain

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Sweden

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning USA

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Christmas Around the World

Writing Prompts Australia ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Canada ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning China ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Egypt ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning England ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ethiopia ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning France ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Germany ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Italy ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ireland ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Japan ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Kenya ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Mexico ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Netherlands ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Russia ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning South Africa ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Spain ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Sweden ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning USA ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Christmas Around the World

Research Mats Version 1 Australia A symbol of the Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Canada A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning China A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Egypt A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning England A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ethiopia A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning France A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Germany A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Italy A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ireland A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Japan A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Kenya A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Mexico A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Netherlands A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Russia A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning South Africa A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Spain A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Sweden A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning USA A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning A symbol of the holiday Foods Eaten

Santa is

Holiday Traditions Fun Facts

How I would say “Merry Christmas”

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Christmas Around the World

Research Mats Version 2 Australia

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______© Simple Living. Creative Learning ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Christmas Around the World

Coloring Mats Australia Desserts Dinner

Fireman

Carols in the Domain

BBQ & Picnic

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Canada Choir Kissing Ball Santa

Ice Skating

Mummers Festival

Nutcracker Ballet

Horse drawn Sleigh © Simple Living. Creative Learning China 8 Treasures Duck

Paper Chains

Lantern

Fan

Karaoke

Wreath Steamed Rice

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Egypt Mass

Papa Noel

Choir

Kahk

Nativity

Fata

© Simple Living. Creative Learning England Queen , Mince Pies & Sausage Rolls

Crackers Carolers

Yorkshire Pudding & English Trifle

Father Christmas © Simple Living. Creative Learning Ethiopia

Candles in Church

Boy in Shamma

Girl in Shamma

Timkat

Wat & Injera

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Pere Noel & Pere Fouettard France

Naughty & Good Children

Oysters, lobster, Postman Selling smoked salmon & Calendars caviar

Buche de Noel & Galette des Rois Fireplace

Mistletoe & Holly Hung From a Chandelier

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Germany Carp, Potato Salad, Roast Rabbit, Sausages, Cabbage & Gluhwein

Boots Filled

Tannenbaun Stolen, Platzchen & St. Nicholas

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Babbo Natale in a Gondola Italy Seafood

St. Peter’s Basilica

Presepio Coal & Candy Stockings

Bafana Pasta

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ireland

Carrots

Minced Meat Pie Tin Can Cookies

Roast Duck

Guiness

Holly and Berries Rudolph

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Japan

Teddy Bear KFC

Christmas Cake

Tree Buddhist Monk Hoteiosho

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Kenya Dancing Chapattis & Nyama Choma

Merry Go Round

Father Christmas Face Painting

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Rosca de Reyes, & Hot Mexico Chocolate

Bean Soup, Hot Chili, Roast Turkey & Salad

Las Posadas

Pinata Children Praying

Farolitos on Santo Clós © Simple Living. Creative Learning Windowsill Netherlands Shoes Sweets

Breakfast

Dinner

Zwarte Pieten

Sinterklaas on White Horse © Simple Living. Creative Learning Russia

Red Square Meal Dessert

Matryoshka Dolls Grandfather Frost &

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Snegurochka South Africa

BBQ

Cape Town

Meal Roast Beef, Potatoes, Mince Pies, ,

Camping

Christmas Tree

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Julbord Sweden

Glogg and Coffee

Lussekatts & Orange St. Lucia & Imprisoned Juice Christian

Tomte

St. Lucia, Stjarngossar Gavle Goat & Tarnor © Simple Living. Creative Learning USA

Roast Turkey, & Plum Pudding

Opening Presents

Christmas Tree

Santa Rockefeller Centre

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Holidays Around the World

Research Mats Australia

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______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Egypt

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning England

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ethiopia

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning France

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Germany

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Italy

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ireland

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Japan

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Kenya

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Mexico

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Netherlands

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Russia

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning South Africa

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Spain

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Sweden

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning USA

______© Simple Living. Creative Learning ______© Simple Living. Creative Learning Christmas Around the World

Country Holiday Pages Australia Christmas is Australia is celebrated during the summer. Due to the hot weather and Christmas marking the beginning of the summer holidays, many spend time at the beach or camping during the festive season. Families put up and decorate plastic Christmas trees and place presents underneath. Many also decorate their houses with lights. A service is held in most cities, some of the major ones are broadcast on TV. Most families spend Christmas together with a main meal held at lunch time on Christmas Day. This meal can consist of a bbq, seafood such as prawns and lobsters along with salads and dessert. As it is summer in Australia at Christmas, many words to Carols have been changed. For example, instead of reindeers, they use kangaroos or ‘six white boomers’. Santa also changes his clothes for beachwear. On , a famous Yacht race starts as does the Boxing Day Test – famous cricket test played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Australia

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Canada Canada is a large country with people from many different cultural backgrounds. Therefore there are many different in Canada. Canadians like to send Christmas Cards to friends and family, decorate their houses with Christmas Trees, lights and other decorations and hang stockings by the fireplace. One of the oldest and largest Santa parades in the world takes place in Toronto. This tradition started in 1913 when Santa was pulled through the streets of the town. Mummering is a tradiition which usually takes place around Newfoundland. For this, people dress up in costumes and knock on doors before dancing and singing and having . Canadians believe that their country is the home of Santa Claus, which makes them very proud. Each year, Labrador City in Newfoundland holds a Christmas Light-up Contest. For this, people dress up the outside of their houses with lights, often including big ice sculptures. Many Canadian families also have baking parties where they make Christmas cookies and exchange them with members of their family. Gingerbread people and house are a popular choice for this. © Simple Living. Creative Learning Canada

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning China Few families in China have Christmas trees which children decorate trees with colourful ornaments that are made from paper in the shapes of flowers, chains and lanterns. These trees are usually made from plastic. Usually only in the big cities Christmas Trees, lights and other decorations can be found. The post men sometimes dress up as Santa (Shen Dan Lao Ren) when delivering letters. A popular tradition on is giving apples due to Chinese Christmas Eve being called Ping’an Ye which means a peaceful evening. The word apple in Mandarin is píngguô which sounds like the word for peace. Many stores have them wrapped in paper for sale. Chinese people also enjoy carol singing, attending special services and Midnight Mass.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning China

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Egypt The eating habits of Christians in Egypt is carefully structured. They fast from the 25th of November to the night of the 6th of January, by not eating meat or dairy products, basically eating a vegan diet. This is called The Holy . In Egypt, Christmas Day is celebrated on the 7th of January which is equal to the 29th of the Coptic month Khiahk. On the eve of the 6th of January, many people go to church to celebrate and sing praise songs. The services normally start from 9pm onwards and when they finish, the people go home to eat the big Christmas meal. One popular dish is Fata, a lamb soup which contains bread, rice, garlic and boiled lamb meat. On Christmas Day, people come together for parties and festivities, often taking kahk, a special sweet biscuit marked with a cross, with them. In Egypt, Santa is called Baba Noël. Children hope that he will climb through a window and leave some presents for them. Many children like to leave out some kahk for Baba Noël.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Egypt

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning England In England, most families have a Christmas tree that is decorated as part of a family occasion, with everyone helping. Holly, ivy and and may also be used to decorate homes. The most famous Christmas lights are in Oxford Street in London. These get bigger and better each year with thousands of people gathering there to watch the big ‘switch on’. On Christmas Eve, children hand stockings from the fireplace or their bedposts for Father Christmas to fill during the night. The main meal is usually eaten at lunchtime on Christmas Day. This meal may consist of roast turkey, roast vegetables, carrots and peas, bacon, and cranberry sauce. Trifle is a popular dessert. At the dinner table, there is a for each person. This cracker is broken by two people pulling on an each end of it and a toy or joke comes out. During the afternoon on Christmas Day, a special message from the Queen of England is broadcast and watched by many.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning England

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ethiopia Ethiopia still uses the old Julian calendar, so they celebrate Christmas on the 7th January. Most people go to church on Christmas day. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebration of Christ’s birth is called Ganna. For Ganna, people dress in white. The tradition garment is a thin, white cotton piece of cloth with brightly coloured stripes across the ends. It is worn like a toga. On the 19th of January, Ethiopians start a three-day celebration called Timkat in which they celebrate the baptism of . The children walk to church services in a procession. They wear crowns and robes of the church youth groups they belong to. The priests dress red and white robes and carry beautifully embroidered fringed umbrellas. Musical instruments such as the sistrum and the makamiya are played during the procession. Ganna and Timkat are not occasions for giving gifts. If a receives a gift, it is usually a small gift of clothing from family. This is more a time for religious observances, feasting and playing games.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ethiopia

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning France In France, a Nativity crib or une crèche is often used to help decorate houses. This is a pretty arrangement of little buildings and figurines surrounding the Christmas crib. On the evening of the 5th of , children leave their shoes in front of the fireplace and during the night Father Christmas visits, leaving candies and presents in the shoes. Père Noël and Pere Fouettard (Father Whipper) visit to decide if the children have been naughty or nice. Tradition says this ‘Whipping Father’ brings a whip to spank the naughty children, while Père Noël gives gifts to the well behaved. In some parts of France, as part of a tradition, they have thirteen desserts to eat on Christmas Day, al made from different fruit, nuts and pastries! Day, called Fête Des Rois in French, is celebrated on the 6th of January which ends the holiday season. On this day, everyone gets a flat cake called ‘Galette des Rois’. This cake has a toy crown inside.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning France

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Germany In Germany, at the beginning of each week leading up to Christmas, they light red candles on an Advent Kranz wreath; a ring of fir branches with four candles on it. As they are lighting these candles, they sing carols and reflect on things that they are thankful for. Christmas trees, first used during the late Middle Ages, are very important in Germany. Traditionally, it was brought into the house on Christmas Eve, which is also the main day when families enjoy a family meal before exchange presents. During the Advent season, places in every major German city light up with Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte. This tradition dates back to the 15th century, with the markets featuring a wide variety of gifts, a mouth watering array of foods and specialty sweets. Sankt Nikolaus Tag, is celebrated on the 5th of December. The children place a freshly polished pair of boots in front of their bedroom doors in the hope that they have been good enough for Sankt Nikolaus to visit and leave little gifts of fruit, nuts or candies for them.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Germany

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Italy All through the Christmas period starting in mid-December through to early January, there is a fun atmosphere in Italy due to awesome markets, festivals and celebrations. One of the most important ways they celebrate Christmas is with the Nativity crib scene, known as the ‘Presepe Napoletano,’ which the city of Naples is world famous for making. Naples is also the home to the largest crib scene in the world that contains over 600 objects. It is common on Christmas Eve, that no meat, and sometimes no dairy, is eaten. A light seafood meal is eaten before attending the Midnight Mass Service. On Epiphany night, children believe that an old lady called ‘’ brings presents for them. For this children hang stocking by the fireplace for her to fill. On Christmas Day, Babbo Natale (Santa) brings the children small gifts, but the main day for present giving is on Epiphany.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Italy

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Ireland Christmas for Irish people who are Catholics, last from Christmas Eve to the feast of Epiphany on the 6th of January. This feast is traditionally when the Irish finish celebrating Christmas. This is also celebrated as Nollaig na mBan, a day that gives women a day off, with the men of the house doing the housework, cooking and taking down of the Christmas decorations. Children hope that Santa, known as San Nioclás will visit on Christmas Eve and leave presents for them. Many Irish take swims on Christmas day all over Ireland, but the most famous is probably at Forty Foot Rock where hundreds of people can be seen jumping off the rock into the Irish Sea. St. Stephen’s day is the day after Christmas Day. On this day, thousands of people turn up for horse races to stretch their legs and meet with family and friends. Christmas decorations traditionally only consisted of a wreath of holly on the front door, though now many Irish are decorated with lots of lights as well.

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Japan

For Christmas in Japan, they follow several USA customs such as sending and receiving Christmas cards and presents. In Japan, this time is known more as a time to spread happiness. Fried chicken is often eaten on Christmas day, which is the busiest time of the year for restaurants such as KFC. They also enjoy eating Christmas cake which is usually a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream. Santa Claus, known as Hoteiosho, is a Buddhist monk who bears gifts for the children. It is believed that he has eyes in the back of his head so that he can always see if the children are being naughty or nice. Parties are often held for children with many games and dancing going on.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Japan

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Kenya Christmas is Kenya is a time when families try to be with one another. many people from the cities travel back to the villages where their families live. As this is often the only time large families may see each other, it is very important. On Christmas Eve, people stay home to help with the Christmas preparations. Houses and churches are decorated with balloons, ribbons, paper decorations, flowers and leaves. Sometimes a Cyprus tree will be added for a Christmas tree. In Kenya, Santa arrives by Landrover, camel or bike. Many people attend a Midnight Church Service where they sing Christmas hymns, carols and other songs. Often nativity plays, poems and dances are put on during these services. Only small gifts are exchanged. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas is a public holiday and another day of celebrating, and spending time with family and friends.

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Mexico In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from the 12th of December to the 6th of January. From the 16th of December to Christmas Eve, children often perform in processions called ‘Posada’. Each child is given a candles and a board with painted clay figures which they take around the streets, visiting friends and neighbours, singing songs. Christmas Eve is known as ‘Noche Buena’ and is a where people take part in the final Posada, have the main evening meal before heading to a Midnight Mass service. They celebrate with piñatas, fireworks and singing. They celebrate ‘el Dia de los Reyes’ on the 6th of January, where presents or candy are left for the children. They also enjoy a special cake called ‘Rosca de Reyes’ on Epiphany.

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Netherlands The most important day for the children in the Netherlands is the 5th of December when (St. Nicholas) brings them presents. The tradition says that Sinterklaas lives in Madrid, Spain and travels to a different harbour in Holland each year. He travels with his servants called Zwarte Pieten. After arriving, Sinterklaas, dressed in his red robes, leads a procession through the town, riding on a white horse. On the evening that Sinterklaas arrives, children leave out a shoe by the fireplace or on a windowsill and sing Sinterklaas songs. They also leave some hay and carrots for his horse. They are told that during the night, he rides of the roof and that a will climb down the chimney or through a window to drop off the presents. Sinterklaas parties are held on the 5th of December where lots of treasure hunts games are played, and biscuits and sweets are eaten. Sinterklaas leaves on the 6th of December. Christmas Day itself is much quieter and consists of a Church Service and a family meal.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Netherlands

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Russia When known as the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated much. It was banned as a religious holiday in 1929 and Christmas Trees were banned until 1935. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, people were free to celebrate Christmas again, though now it is a small and quiet holiday. It is often celebrated on the 7th of January, as the Russian Orthodox Church uses the old Julian calendar for religious celebrations. New Year is when Grandfather Frost accompanied by his Granddaughter, brings presents to children. On New Year’s eve, children hold hands, making a circle around the Christmas tree and call for Grandfather Frost. When they appear, the star and lights on the Christmas tree light up. Popular dishes for the meal on Christmas Eve include beetroot soup, vegan potluck, sauerkraut, salads and Vzvar, which is a sweet drink made from dried fruit and honey boiled in water. The main meal on Christmas Day is more of a feast with dishes like roast pork and good, fruit pies, gingerbread and honeybread cookies.

© Simple Living. Creative Learning Russia

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning South Africa South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means Christmas there comes in the summer. There is lots of sun and the schools are closed, so many people go camping and swimming. There is also lots of carol singing at Carols by Candlelight services. Many people also attend a Church service on Christmas morning. Fir trees are popular as Christmas trees. Children leave out a stocking on Christmas Eve for Santa to place the presents in. On Christmas day, there is a main meal that consists of turkey, duck or roast beef, mince pies, yellow rice and vegetables. If it is really hot, they have a bbq or braai as it is called in South Africa. This meal is usually followed by a traditional desert called Malva Pudding. Families also spend Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, out and about with their family ad friends.

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Spain In Spain, most people people attend a Midnight Mass. An old tradition that followed this Mass was for people to walk through the streets carrying torches, playing guitars, tambourines and drums. Most families enjoy a Christmas meal on Christmas Eve before this service. This dinner may consist of turkey stuffed with truffles, or a roasted hen. Popular desserts include mazapán, turrón and polvorones. Spain also celebrates Epiphany on the 6th of January, celebrating when the Wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Children may get presents on Christmas Day, but most presents are opened at Epiphany as the children believe the Wise men bring the presents to them. On the Eve of Epiphany, children leave shoes on windowsills, balconies or under the Christmas tree to be filled with presents. Some of the bigger towns have Epiphany parades which includes a big float that is shaped like a camel. Sometimes they also include real camels in the parades. There are three Kings in the Spanish Epiphany – Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar. © Simple Living. Creative Learning Spain

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning Sweden

On of the biggest celebrations in Sweden is on the 13th of December. St. Lucia's Day is celebrated by dressing up in white dresses with a red sash and crowns of evergreen branches with candles, and boys wearing pointed hats, holding star wands. A popular breakfast dish eaten on this day are buns flavoured with saffron and dotted with raisin. Christmas Eve is very important in Sweden. This is when the main meal is eaten , usually at lunchtime. Presents are normally exchanged on this day as well. Straw can be used as a decoration in homes. In the city of Gävle, a huge straw goat is built every year for the start for Advent. Presents are brought by Tomten, the Christmas Gnome who is often helped by other gnomes/elves called Nissar (male) or Nissor (female). Christmas ends in Sweden on the 13th of January.

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© Simple Living. Creative Learning USA Because of its multi-cultural nature, there are many different traditions and ways people celebrate Christmas in the USA. Many families spend time together on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for meals. These meals consist of turkey or ham with cranberry sauce, cabbage dishes, soups or lasagne. Cookies and a glass of milk are often left out for Santa when he brings the presents for the children on Christmas Eve. Many families have Christmas trees which they decorate with lights, ornaments and candy canes and before the presents are placed underneath. Americans like to send out Christmas cards, bake cookies, sing Christmas carols and make gingerbread. They also like to decorate the outside of their homes with lights and statues. The most famous Christmas street lights in the USA are at the Rockefeller Center in New York where there is a huge Christmas Tree with a public ice skating rink out the front.

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