Christmas Around the World 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. https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreakirkby/48297525787 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 Bethlehem, 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. Learn more about Watch to learn about Click on the book cover for a read aloud of Moishe’s Christmas and some Christmas Miracle: A Hanukkah Story Hanukkah in Israel. traditions in Israel. by Laura Krauss Melmed. that do have public celebrations Of Christmas. Christmas Around the World Christmas in the Philippines 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 Christmas music in September. Traditionally, Filipinos decorate with trees, lights, belens, and paros. They attend Simbang Gabi or night mass each day for 9 days before Christmas. They attend Misa de Gallo on Christmas Eve and participate in Christmas Caroling throughout the season. Popular Filipino holiday foods are bibingka and puto bumbong, variations of rice cakes. Watch to learn about Watch the video to Learn more about the unique Christmas learn how to make Christmas in the traditions in the paros, a traditional Philippines. Philippines. Filipino decoration. Christmas Around the World 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 Christmas in Iceland 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 Yule Lads comes to town and ends when the last one leaves on Twelfth Night. People in Iceland begin decorating as early as October with lots of Christmas lights 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 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. Nisse, 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 Germany Advent signals the start of the Christmas season in Germany and s celebrated for for weeks. Christmas or Weihnachten 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 Italy 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 nativity scene. On Christmas day, Babbo Natale hands out presents to the children. In many families, the Day of Epiphany 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 Befana about Christmas Christmas in Italy. by Tomie dePaola. traditions in Italy. Christmas Around the World Christmas in France 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.