Christmas Around the World: Fast Facts

(Dec. 20) - Christmas is a special time of year that is celebrated in much of the world. Find out how our global neighbors will be celebrating.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
In Spain and Germany, outdoor Christmas markets offer beautiful decorations, nativity scene figures, toys and of course, good seasonal cheer. Fresh Christmas trees are for sale and decorations are put up. However, not everyone around the world celebrates by bundling up in coats. People in Brazil and Australia celebrate Christmas during their summer.

Time to Eat!
Here is what our neighbors will be eating during Christmas:

In Spain, turrón (nougat with almonds, sugar, honey, and eggs) will be a served.

In Scotland, haggis (stomach of a sheep, stuffed with its chopped lung, liver, heart, oatmeal, and spices) will be the delicacy of Christmas dinner.

The first course of Christmast dinner in Denmark is risengrød (rice porridge with a hidden almond). The person who finds the hidden almond will receive an "almond gift."

In the Philippines, roast suckling pig is the specialty of the day.

In Ireland, roast goose or turkey with potato stuffing is the highlight of the meal.

In Greece, the table centerpiece is also the first course. Yes, let me explain that. Christopsomo ("Christ bread") is placed in the center of the table before the meal. It is served at the beginning of the meal to break the Christmas Lent fast.

The meal ends in Brazil with Rabanada (dessert similar to French toast).

Unique Decorations...
Some of the unique ways our neighbors will be decorating for Christmas:

In the Philippines, bamboo parol (star lantern) is the symbol of Christmas.

In Italy, ceppo (3-tiered pyramid) comes out for Christmas.

The Danish treasure the homemade ornaments and candles that decorate their fig (not pine) Christmas trees.

The Irish decorate their Christmas trees with countryside materials such as holly and ivy.

Interesting Traditions
On Christmas Eve in Greece, children go to houses and stores singing Greek Christmas carols. In return, they are given coins and treats. Christmas dinner in Australia is usually held on the beach as a picnic or a barbecue. In Brazil, Christmas presents are hidden outdoors (it is warm and they do not have to worry about snow) and children search for them. The Finnish Christmas Eve is not complete with a family sauna and visit to the cemetery.

Source:
'Christmas Around the World' book series by World Book, 1996. World Book Inc., Chicago, Ill.