A Look at Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Ukraine
A traditional Christmas dinner in the Ukraine has twelve courses. Apparently there is one course dedicated to each of Christ's apostles. Ukrainian Christmas traditions is a mixture of Christian and pagan beliefs. On Christmas Eve families begin their celebrations by sitting down to diner when the fist star appears in the sky. This star is thought to be the Star of Bethlehem.

The dinner table is dressed with two tablecloths. They represent the family members of the past and the present. It was once thought that the spirits of one's ancestors needed to be treated with respect, which would bring good fortune. Besides a second table cloth for family members who have passed on, the table is also set with one extra place for the souls of those who have died.

Underneath the table some hay is placed to represent Jesus being born in a manger. A special Christmas bread called kolach is made and given pride of place on the table's center.

The meal is begun when the father of the family dipps bread in honey that has been blessed at church and passes a piece to each family member. This is the start of a twelve-course meal that does not include any meat, but fish is served.

France
France has many similar Christmas traditions to the US such as holiday window displays, gifts and Christmas trees, but there are some differences. On Christmas Eve, after children have gone to sleep the Christmas tree has some extra goodies added to it that include toys, fruits and sweats. Also instead of stockings children leave their shoes by the fire for Santa to fill.

Christmas Eve is a late night for the entire family, except young children. The whole family will attend midnight mass, which consists of carols and bells. After mass the family will return home for a Christmas Eve dinner that is called 'le reveillon'. The food that is served varies from region to region.

Many areas of France will also hold Marches de Noel, which are Christmas markets. One of the best areas for these marks is the Alsace region in France's northeast, on the border of Germany.

Germany
Germany has a deep Christmas tradition. Celebrations begin on December 6th, St Nicholas Day. On this night children place their shoes by the fire. If they have been good St Nicholas will fill them with sweats.

The family does not see the Christmas tree in Germany until Christmas Eve. Usually one parent takes the task of secretly decorating it and placing presents beneath it. When it is all lit up and an assortment of tasty goodies laid out the children are beckoned into the room where they can be awed by the tree and gifts, enjoy eating goodies, singing carols and opening some of their presents. One Christmas day a large traditional feast is served with the main dish usually being goose.

Finland
Finland is the home of Santa Clause. It is here where he spends most of his time at his home in Lapland, preparing for the next Christmas. The real Finnish name for the town Santa lives in is called Korvantunturi.

Each Year it is traditional for families to clean their house just before Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve the celebrations begin with a special meal of rice porridge and a sweet fruit based soup. After the meal the Christmas tree is dressed and the Mayor of Turku comes on the radio and makes the annual 'Christmas peace declaration'. When evening arrives Christmas dinner is served. The meal usually includes 'rosolli' a rawpickled salad of herring and salmon. It also includes a number of casseroles and often ham or turkey.

Christmas gifts are given to Children on Christmas Eve and delivered by Father Christmas personally, meaning an older family member dresses as Santa and arrives with the gifts.

United States
The United States' traditional Christmas is often a mix of many traditions as families are commonly from different cultural backgrounds. Turkey is a common main part of the Christmas meal, but dishes can include just about anything, from Polish sausage called keilbasi to lasagne.

Santa visits the houses of Children on Christmas Eve after they have gone to sleep and leave presents under the tree and fills the stockings left by the fire. Children often leave milk and cookies out for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer.

The main Christmas meal takes place on Christmas day and is often Turkey or ham along with a number of sides dishes and a tasty desserts. Boxing Day, December 26, which is commonly celebrated in other countries is not celebrated in the United Sates.