Around the World Christmas in Christmas in Japan is not a religious celebration, there are very few Christians in this country. The commercial aspects of Christmas are what is celebrated. The Japanese decorate with lights, Christmas trees, and . The holiday is celebrated on the 24th and is an evening for couples, much like Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the US. Gifts are exchanged and children are excited to have Santa Claus bring them gifts. On December 25th, the Japanese go to work and the Christmas celebration is over. The most popular food to eat at this time of year is fried chicken, specifically Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Christmas . 

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Christmas in Colombia In Colombia, Christmas begins December 7th with the Día de las Velitas. This day is especially popular in Colombia and everything is lit up with candles, lanterns, and lights. There is also a fireworks display and a party. The Novena de Aguinaldos prayers are read from December 16th-24th. Colombians like to decorate Christmas trees, display nativity scenes, and place candles in their windows. Children receive gifts from Niño Dios, not Santa Claus after writing him a letter in early December. is the when the main Christmas meal is eaten. Popular foods are ajiaco and .

Click on the book cover for a Watch to learn about Learn more about read aloud of N is for Navidad Colombian Christmas by Susan Middleton Elya. Christmas in Colombia. traditions. (primarily Mexican customs featured) Christmas Around the World Christmas in Venezuela The Christmas season in Venezuela begins in December with daily morning mass. Worshippers are awakened each morning by firecrackers and bells. The streets are often filled each morning with worshippers on roller skates. A special , Miso de Gallo, is observed in Venezuela like in Portugal. After this midnight mass, worshippers return home to have a traditional Venezuelan meal with family. The meal consists of , pan de jamon, dulce de colchinito, and . Elaborate nativity scenes decorate homes while some decorate with trees. Baby or Niño Jesús plays the role of Santa Claus.

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Christmas in Kenya In Kenya, Christmas is a time to travel home from the big cities and spend about a month with family. include a big feast on Christmas Day with nyama choma, a type of barbeque and a or pudding. Kenyans attend Kesha on Christmas Eve where it is common to see a nativity recreation. The big cities decorate for Christmas with ribbons, flowers, and balloons. Cypress trees are often decorated, not pine or fir like in the US. Santa can be seen around town in warm weather clothes riding a camel or bicycle. It is common to wear new clothes for Christmas Day.

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Christmas in South Africa South Africa is in the southern hemisphere so it is summertime at Christmas. Many go camping or to the beach during this time. School is out on break as well. There are many different languages and cultures represented in South Africa. Some of the popular ways to celebrate Christmas are with artificial Christmas trees decorated with baubles, , and homemade ornaments. Some homes decorate with lights. On Christmas Eve, children wait for or Kersvader. Families gather to feast on roasted meat, vegetables, rica, roasted potatoes, and a popular dessert called Malva Pudding.

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Christmas in Ethiopia Ethiopia uses the Julian calendar, therefore they celebrate Christmas or Ganna (or Genna) on January 7th. Most Ethiopians do not decorate with trees or lights, nor do they all give gifts. They spend this time eating good food, going to church, spending time with family, and playing games. They dress in a traditional white garment called a netela and some walk to church at 4 AM. Others go to church on Christmas Eve at 6 PM. At church they will receive a candle, walk around the church three times, and stand for over three hours before the men and boys play a popular game also called ganna.

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Watch to learn about Click on the book cover for a Learn more about read aloud of The Story of the some Ethiopian Christmas in Ethiopia. Three Wise Kings retold and Christmas traditions. illustrated by Tomie De Paola. Christmas Around the World Christmas in Israel Christmas is not widely celebrated in Israel. This is just a normal day to most who live here. There are parts of Israel, like Nazareth and , where you can find Christmas decorations and events throughout the season. Christians in Israel celebrate with a parade, fireworks, caroling concerts, and Midnight Mass. Hanukkah is typically celebrated during this time as well. This is the Jewish Festival of lights and lasts for eight days. Jews light the candles on the Menorah, play games, and eat traditional foods like latkes.

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that do have public celebrations Of Christmas. Christmas Around the World Christmas in the In the Philippines, the Christmas season begins with the “Ber” months. Filipinos are known for having the longest Christmas season. They begin decorating and playing in September. Traditionally, Filipinos decorate with trees, lights, belens, and paros. They attend or night mass each day for 9 days before Christmas. They attend on Christmas Eve and participate in Christmas Caroling throughout the season. Popular Filipino holiday foods are bibingka and puto bumbong, variations of rice .

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Christmas in Portugal Christmas begins the night of December 24th. Most homes are decorated with nativity scenes (presépios) and Christmas trees. The Portugese do not place the Baby Jesus in the manger until after Midnight mass, Missa do Galo. Children set out shoes for Baby Jesus, not Santa, to place gifts, while others wait for Pai Natal to leave presents under the tree. Families open gifts after the Christmas Eve service. The most traditional food for Christmas Eve dinner is bacalhau, a type of cod fish.

Watch the video to learn Watch the video to see Learn more about about some differences an elaborate nativity in Christmas in Portugal. between Christmas in Portugal vs. Norway. Portugal. Christmas Around the World In Iceland the official Christmas or Jól celebration takes place on December 24th, however the season lasts from December 16th until January 6th. This is when the first of 13 Santas or Lads comes to town and ends when the last one leaves on . People in Iceland begin decorating as early as October with lots of and wait until December 23rd to decorate a tree. The Icelandic have a popular tradition of gifting books to each other for Christmas each year.

Watch the video to Click on the book cover Learn more about learn about traditions to learn about the 13 Christmas in Iceland. & sites in Iceland. Yule Lads. Christmas Around the World Christmas in Norway is called Jul and is celebrated each year on December 25th. The season begins on December 13th with Saint Lucia Day ceremony. Christmas trees are set up on December 23rd and decorated with candles or white lights. December 24th is the main day to celebrate and families eat a special porridge with an almond hidden inside. Children wait for Julenissen to reward them for good behavior. , small gnomes, also bring presents to place under the tree.

Watch the video to Learn more about learn about some Click on the book cover for a read aloud of The Tomten Christmas in Norway. Norwegian Christmas by Astrid Lindgren. traditions. Christmas Around the World Christmas in signals the start of the Christmas season in Germany and s celebrated for for weeks. Christmas or is celebrated on December 24th. Santa (Weihnachtsmann) brings gifts on this day. St. Nicholas day is celebrated on December 6th and good children receive sweets from St. Nikolaus. Houses decorate with lights and ornaments but typically trees aren’t put up and decorated until December 24th.

Watch the video to Click on the book cover for Learn more about learn about some a read aloud of Cobweb Christmas in Germany. interesting German Christmas: The Tradition of Christmas traditions. Tinsel by Shirley Climo. Christmas Around the World Christmas in The Christmas season in Italy officially begins on December 8th, the day of Immaculate Conception. Cities begin decorating with lit trees that, businesses decorate with lights, and Christmas markets open. For many, the most important decoration is a presepe, a . On Christmas day, Babbo Natale hands out presents to the children. In many families, the Day of on January 6th is when gifts are exchanged.

Click on the book cover Click on the picture Click on the picture to for a read aloud of The above to watch a video read more about Legend of Old about Christmas . by Tomie dePaola. traditions in Italy. Christmas Around the World Christmas in December 6th, St. Nichols Day, is when children in many regions of France begin celebrating Christmas.. Some cities in France decorate for Christmas weeks ahead of the date. There are some regions that decorate Christmas trees and hang lights around town. Children in France set polished shoes in front of the chimney in hopes that Père Noël, Father Christmas, will fill them with sweets.

Click on the picture to Click on the book cover Click above to read watch a video about for a read aloud of more about Christmas how French Christmas Madeline’s Christmas in France. is different. by Ludwig Bemelmans