ChRiStMaS~!!

In IRELAND, children often put out Christmas sacks instead of stockings.
It is tradition to leave mince pies and a bottle of Guinness out as a snack for Santa.

In SPAIN, Papa Noel delivers his presents by climbing up balconies.
On January 6, the three wise men come to visit and also leave
gifts for the children.

In MEXICO, children sometimes leave their shoes out instead of stockings.
On Christmas Eve there is a parade of singers carrying bells and candles on top of long poles. They wind through the streets until they get to the local church.

In NORWAY, on Christmas Eve, a bowl of porridge, "nisse" is left in the barn for the gnome who protects the farm.
When the children first see their Christmas tree all decorated, with presents underneath, the family joins hands and circles the tree singing carols.

In SWEDEN, "Jultomten", a little brownie helps Santa Claus give gifts to the children who have been good.
On Christmas morning, churches are lit up entirely by candles for the Christmas service.

In BRITAIN, children write their letters to Father Christmas and then throw them into the fireplace so they will float up the chimney and fly to the North Pole. If the lists catch fire first, they have to rewrite them.
At Christmas dinner, a plum pudding is served with little treasures hidden inside that bring their finders good luck. Britain was the first country to hang up mistletoe.

In FINLAND, it is a tradition to have a sauna bath before Santa's visit.
On Christmas day most people go to "Christmas Church" and afterwards visit the grave sites of their loved ones and light candles for them.

In ITALY, on the evening of the day after Christmas, children are visited by a good witch named Strega Buffana. She flies around Italy on a broom and leaves treats for good children and coal for naughty children.
It is tradition to give a bag of dried lentils to your good friends to make lentil soup. This is a peasant soup and reminds them of their humble beginnings and is eaten to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year.

In AUSTRIA, on December 6, Heiliger Nikolaus (St. Nicholas) rewards good children with sweets, nuts and apples.
On December 24, the Christ Child brings presents and the Christmas tree for the children. The children wait until they hear a bell tinkling. Then they enter a special room where the Christmas tree is waiting all decorated with candles, ornaments and candies. The whole family sings Christmas carols and wishes each other:

In FRANCE, young children leave their shoes by the fire on Christmas Eve for a gift from "le père Noël" while the older children and adults go to church at midnight and then return home for a late supper called "le réveillon".
Christmas puppet shows are very popular in France, mainly in Paris and in Lyons.

In GERMANY, children decorate their Christmas Lists with pictures and then leave them on the windowsill overnight, weighed down with a little sugar so they won't be missed by Father Christmas.
There is a flower in Germany called the Christmas Rose which blooms even in the snow and ice.

In New Zealand, it is the middle of summer at Christmas time. Instead of a hot drink Santa often gets a cooling beer as a snack on Christmas Eve. Christmas day families often have a picnic or go to the beach for Christmas Dinner. It is more traditional to have a cold ham than a hot turkey.

In AUSTRALIA, Santa's sleigh is pulled by eight white kangaroos.
Christmas dinner is eaten outdoors and is followed by a visit to the beach or a game of cricket.

In SWITZERLAND, during the holiday season the Star Singers (Sternsingers) dressed as the Three Kings parade through the streets of cities and towns singing Christmas songs.
In Zurich, Santa visits in a special fairytale tram and gives the children a ride through the city, singing songs with them and sharing a basket full of sweets.

1. People may have a mass in the churches
2. Some peoole may have parties
3. Some people may have countdowns