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Christmas in other countries

	Christmas in USA
Christmas in Australia
	Christmas in Brazil
Christmas in Denmark
	Christmas in Finland
Christmas in Jamaica
	Christmas in Norway
Christmas in Sweden
	Christmas in Poland
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Holiday Traditions in Hungary
A Christmas tradition in Hungary are the "Betlehemes" plays. Some days before Christmas, groups of boys go house-to-house with models of the holy family. Usually in dressed in costumes, they perform a short play with songs and poems about the child Jesus. The first written document about the "Betlehemes" groups was dated in 1600's.

Holiday Traditions in Mexico
Beginning December 16th, "La Posadas" commemorates the events in the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Each night of the "Posada" a procession led by two children begins. The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro. Other members, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the "Litany of the Virgin" as they approach the door of the house assigned to the first "Posada." Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the residents of the house to ask for lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on. Again, the company pleads for lodging. When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the doors and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or "Nacimiento" and offer songs of welcome, Ave Marias and a prayer.

Holiday Traditions in Italy
In Italy the Christmas holidays end on January 6th, the Epiphany, which was a celebration in remembrance of the "Magi's" ; or the Three King’s visit to the Baby Jesus. According to legend the three men during their journey stopped and asked an old woman for food and shelter. She refused and they continued on their way. Within a few hours the woman had a change of heart but the Magi were long gone.
The "Befana" (Epiphany), depicted as a witch astride a broom, still searchs the world for the Baby Jesus. On the Eve of the Epiphany Italian children hang a stocking by the fireplace: the old woman puts sweets and chocolates into the stockings of children who have been good and black coal into the stockings of children who have been naughty!! In Rome, in Piazza Navona , there is a typical toy and candy market; here you can meet the "Befana" in person, who will give you some candy!

Holiday Traditions in France
Christmas Day is celebrated in France with all of the family coming together. On Christmas Eve, French children put their shoes in front of the fireplace. They hope Pere Noel (Santa Claus) will fill them with presents. His partner Le PERE Fouettard (Father Spanker) would "reward" bad children with a spanking. In northern France, children are given their gifts on December 6th, which is Saint Nicholas Day, instead of Christmas Day.

Holiday Traditions in Israel
Hanukkah is also known as the "Festival of Lights" because in each synagogue, a holy lamp burns above Jewish scriptures. The light represents the strength of God. Hanukkah is celebrated by the lighting of a candle on the Menorah (candle holder), which holds nine candles. Eight candles represent the days the oil of the temple lamp lasted. The ninth candle, known as Shammes, is a helping candle. The Shammus is the first candle that is lit and is used to light the rest of the candles. The candles are lit just after the sun goes down. Families sing a Hanukkah song while watching the candles burn.

Holiday Traditions in Egypt
In Egypt Christmas is celebrated on the January 7th. Before Christmas the Christian Egyptians fast for 45 days. From November 25th to the night of January 6th no meat or milk is consumed. Before Christmas, all the churches and the Christian homes are decorated with lights, Christmas trees and small mangers.

Holiday Traditions in Great Britain
The celebration of Boxing Day, which takes place on December 26 - the feast of St. Stephen, is a part of the holiday season unique to Great Britain. Traditionally, it is on this day that the alms box at every English church is opened and the contents are distributed to the poor. Also, this is the day that servants traditionally received the day off to celebrate with their families. It became traditional for working people to break open their tip boxes on this day.