Christmas around the world/other religions

[SoupDragon]

I'm putting together the Winter issue of my local NCT Newsletter and want to include something about Christmas around the world - different traditions, whether you have presents on 24th. 25th, 26th etc.

Also, I realise that not every religion celebrates Christmas - what happens in in your religion at this time of year??

The Germans and most of N europe hve their(infinitely more stylish xmases) on the 24th of course.

"Infinitely more stylish"?? Are you calling us tacky?

Not you, the soup!

I think most folks in America open presents on the 25th morning, but this varies by family, I think.

My Jewish friends usually go out for Chinese food and a movie on the 25th. They joke that they know that everyone in the theatre is Jewish on Christmas day.

Why do Americans use the phrase "happy holidays"?

in spain we have the presents on the 5th of january, the three wise men brings them

Soupy, as opposed to "Merry Christmas"? It's to account for the different religions/holidays in America. Don't want to offend the non-Christmas-celebrating religions. Here, they sell Happy Hannukah cards, Happy Kwanza cards, in addition to those that say Merry Christmas. Is that what your question was directed to?

I thought that's what it was but wasn't sure what other religeous festivals there were. Hannukh I've heard of but what is Kwanza?

How about Santa Lucia, she brings presents in northern Italy and Scandanavia, around December 5th I think. Obviously Greek and Russian Orthodox Christmas is later, I think they usually have christmas when we have Epiphany? There's the story of Babushka who was late taking presents to Jesus so now gives presents to all the children instead in Russia. I think the soviets replaced her with Father Frost.

Did a project with Y4 class on this a few years ago, so memory is letting me down!

Kwanza is an African-American holiday celebrated from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. See:

www.tike.com/celeb-kw.htm

It was made up by Black activivists. based on some african feast I think. It features in my toddler busy book.

also in holland they have saint nicholas before xmas and he brings presents and is spanish,why?i don't know

Sorry ks - I've never heard of that one.

Samiclaus (St Nicholas) visits kids in Switzerland on 6th December. People exchange gifts and celebrate on 24th.

In Germany, Nikolaus visits on the night of 5/6th December and brings sweets and perhaps a few small presents to "good" children. He is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, who is meant to beat the "bad" children, though I've never met any naughty enough to qualify . Main presents come on the evening of 24th, known as Heiligabend, and in many families they are said to be put under the Christmas tree by the Christkind (baby Jesus).
In Belgium, Sinta Klaas or Saint Nicolas, visits on 6th December and brings all the presents. The children don't get any more on 24/25th, so the best time for us foreigners to do Christmas shopping for kids is after December 7th!

KS - anything on the disney website?

This is fantastic!

ks, I had a look on eBay and found this book which refers to a film called Melody Time which you can also buy on eBay, for example here . I don't know if it's the right thing, but I would definitely keep trying eBay. If you don't use eBay let me know and I'll get it for you. HTH!

Hang on! (bit between my teeth now), it's definitely on this video , and it's in the UK and it's only £1!!! Just say the word and I'll get a bid in NOWWWWW!

A good little article on some of the pagan traditions around that time of year is

You Call it Christmas, We Call It Yule

although bear in mind that the individual pagan's Yule traditions are as varied and numerous as there are pagans!

ks, the bid is on! I should be working right now, but I'll contact you later. It is an auction, but I'm sure we'll win