Christmas Celebrations Around the World Christmas is a Christian holy day, which is celebrated on 25th December each year. It marks the birth of Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God. Christmas is celebrated in different and unique ways in many countries around the world. Many non-Christian countries also celebrate Christmas, marking the occasion with family and friends gathering and giving gifts Did you know? Presents are often exchanged as a reminder of the gifts the Three Wise Men brought to Jesus. They are also given to show love for family and friends and to remember the true ‘gift’ - Jesus. Australia In Australia, Christmas is during summer. Traditionally, Australians enjoy the lead-up to Christmas day with carols by candlelight and people participate in carol singing in parks. Houses are decorated with Christmas trees and Christmas decorations are put up around the house. On Christmas Day, children who have been good all year receive their presents from Father Christmas. Mexico Mexico celebrates Christmas from 12th December to 6th January. Children often perform in processions called ‘las Posadas’. This is a celebration of the Christmas story when Mary and Joseph looked for somewhere to stay.\ Ys, 'Yy WAN On Christmas Eve everyone visits church = for a midnight service. After church, Gi S ps — * there are fireworks to celebrate the start 7 iS } of Christmas. Christmas Day is a time for going to church and visiting family. Japan In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as a time to spread happiness and is not seen as a religious holiday. Sending Christmas cards and giving presents is popular. A popular food on Christmas Day is fried chicken. There is a Japanese gift-bringer called Hoteiosho, He is a Buddhist monk with a large belly and a cloth sack full of toys, He has eyes in the back of his head, which means that he’s able to see the children and how they behave at all times. Germany In Germany, many Christmas celebrations happen during Advent. Advent is the Christian festival that leads up to Christmas. Christmas trees are thought to have originated from Germany. Another German Christmas tradition are Christmas markets where all sorts of festive food and decorations are sold. On Christmas Eve, Father Christmas (der Weihnachtsmann) leaves gifts _for well-behaved children. Christmas Eve is the main day of Christmas celebrations in Germany, and businesses close in the afternoon in preparation for the holiday celebration, Families sing Christmas carols together and may read the story of Jesus’ birth aloud and exchange gifts.Christmas Around the World Questions 1. Tick the correct answer. What do people traditionally celebrate at Christmas time? Getting presents under the Christmas tree. Visiting family and friends The story of Jesus’ birth. 2. Tick the correct answer. What is the Christian festival leading up to Christmas? carols Advent L] las Posada candles 3. True or false? a. Fried chicken is eaten in Japan on Christmas Day b. Las Posada is celebrated with fireworks c. German people decorate trees at Christmas 4. Who gave gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus? 5. What season is it during Christmas time in Australia? 6. Who is the gift-giver that delivers presents in Japan? Ber «Christmas Around the World Questions 7. Tick the correct answer. Which country would you visit to see fireworks at Christmas time? Australia Mexico Japan Germany 8. List two interesting things German people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations 9. List two interesting things Australian people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations. 10. Challenge option: Draw a picture of a Christmas celebration from around the world. Write at least two sentences describing your picture.Christmas Around the World Answers What do people traditionally celebrate at Christmas time? The story of Jesus's birth What is the Christian festival leading up to Christmas? Advent True or False? a. Fried chicken is eaten in Japan on Christmas Day True b. Las Posada is celebrated with fireworks True c. German people decorate trees at Christmas True Who gave gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus? The Three Wise Men gave gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. What season is it at Christmas time in Australia? Christmas in Australia is in summer. Who is the gift-giver that delivers presents in Japan? Hoteiosho brings gifts to children in Japan. Which country would you visit to see fireworks at Christmas time? Mexico List two interesting things German people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations. Answers will vary but could include: In Germany, many people make advent wreaths, decorate Christmas trees and go to the Christmas Markets, celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve LList two interesting things Australian people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations. Answers will vary but could include: Australian people enjoy going to carols by Candlelight, decorating their house with Christmas decorations and spending time on the beach. Challenge option: Draw a picture of a Christmas celebration from around the world, Write at least two sentences describing your picture. Answers will vary.Christmas Celebrations Around the World Christmas is a Christian holy day, which is celebrated on 25th December each year. It marks the birth of Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God. Some people go to church for midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (24th December). Christmas is celebrated in different and unique ways in many countries around the world. Many non-Christian countries also celebrate Christmas too, marking the occasion with gatherings of family and friends and giving gifts. Did you know? Presents are often exchanged as a reminder of the gifts the Three Wise Men brought to Jesus. They are also given to show love for family and friends and to remember the true ‘gift’ - Jesus. Australia In Australia, Christmas happens during the summer time. Traditionally, Australians enjoy the lead up to Christmas day with carols by candlelight. Houses are decorated with Christmas trees and Christmas decorations are put up around the house. On Christmas Day, children who have been good all year receive their presents from Father Christmas. Some people enjoy Christmas day at the beach. Mexico Mexico celebrates Christmas from 12th December to 6th January. Children often perform in processions called ‘las Posadas’. They are a celebration of the Christmas story when Mary and Joseph looked for somewhere to stay. Houses are decorated and children visit the houses of friends and neighbours and sing a song at each home. Then, the children say prayers of thanks andfestivities begin with food, games and W fireworks. Each night a different NN \WV/GY&__ house holds the Posada party. One WW Z WIZZ party Wy LEI SWZ. game that is often played at Posada SS 24ijj\ Se . 3 S SSS eae : SS parties is piftata. A pinata is a Gi NWS | \\ decorated clay or papier-maché jar AW NS \\ filled with sweets, which is hung from " At the final Posada, families go to church for a midnight service. After church, there are more fireworks to celebrate the start of Christmas and this is the night that Santa Claus will visit children who have behaved through out the year. the ceiling or a tree branch. Japan In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as a time to spread happiness and is not seen as a religious holiday. It is only in the past few decades that Japanese people have started celebrating Christmas and it is not a holiday, so schools and businesses are usually open. Sending Christmas cards and giving presents are popular at this time and parties are held for children with games and dancing. People like to eat fried chicken on Christmas Day and they also eat a Japanese version of Christmas cake, which is a sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries. There is a Japanese gift bringer called Hoteiosho, a Buddhist monk, with a large belly and a cloth sack full of toys. He has eyes in the back of his head, which means that he's able to see the children and how they behave without them knowing. Germany In Germany, the main Christmas celebrations happen during Advent (a Christian festival that leads up to Christmas). The ‘Advent Kranz’, a wreath with four candles on it, symbolizes the countdown to Christmas. Traditionally, families will light a candleon the last four Sundays before Christmas. Christmas trees are thought to have originated from Germany and have been used since the Middle Ages. Another German Christmas tradition is the Christmas markets where all sorts of Christmas food and decorations are sold. On Christmas Eve, Father Christmas (der Weihnachtsmann) leaves gifts for the well-behaved children. Christmas Eve is the main day of Christmas celebrations in Germany and businesses close in the afternoon in preparation for the holiday celebration that evening. Families sing Christmas carols together and may read the story of Christ's birth aloud. Family members exchange gifts.Christmas Around the World Questions 1. Tick the correct answer. In Germany, traditionally people read the story of Christ's birth on what day? 24th December 12th December 25th December 2. Write the correct answer. a. Which country enjoys fried chicken on Christmas Day? b. Which country celebrates with carols by candlelight? c. Which country celebrates with a pifiata? d. Which country holds Christmas markets to buy goods for Christmas? 3. Tick the correct statements. The ‘Advent Kranz’ is a wreath with four candles. The ‘Advent Kranz’ is decorated and displayed in the window. The ‘Advent Kranz’ has one candle lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas. 4. What can be bought at a German Christmas market? 5. Why does Hoteiosho have eyes at the back of his head? 6. What does the giving of presents symbolise? 7. What part of the Christmas story is recreated during ‘las Posada’? Be +Christmas Around the World Questions 8, List three interesting things Mexican people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations. 9. List three interesting things Australian people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations. 10. Challenge option: Draw a picture of a Christmas celebration from around the world. Write at least three sentences describing your picture.Christmas Around the World Answers 1. In Germany, traditionally people read the story of Christ's birth on what day? 24th December 2. a. Which country enjoys fried chicken on Christmas Day? Japan b. Which country celebrates with carols by candlelight? Australia . Which country celebrates with a pifiata? Mexico d. Which country holds Christmas markets to buy goods for Christmas? Germany 3. Choose the correct statements. The ‘Advent Kranz’ is a wreath with four candles. The ‘Advent Kranz’ has one candle lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas, 4, What can be bought at a German Christmas market? Christmas foods and decorations can be bought at a German Christmas market. 5. Why does Hoteiosho have eyes at the back of his head? Hoteiosho has eyes at the back of his head so that he can see everything including how children are behaving. 6. What does the giving of presents symbolise? Presents symbolise the gifts given by the Three Wise Men and also to show love for family and friends. 7. What part of the Christmas story is recreated during las Posada’? ‘Las Posada’ recreates the Christmas story as children act out the part when Mary and Joseph look for somewhere to stay in Bethlehem. 8, List three interesting things Mexican people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations. Answers will vary but could include: In Mexico people start celebrating from 12th December anda procession happens called ‘las posada’. Fireworks are let off and families play pifiata. Finally, people attend midnight Mass at church, 9. List three interesting things Australian people traditionally do during Christmas celebrations, Answers will vary but could include: Australian people traditionally enjoy going to carols by candlelight, decorating their house with Christmas decorations and going to the beach. 10. Challenge: Draw a picture of a Christmas celebration from around the world, Write at least three sentences describing your picture, Answers will vary. ger +e twink cou SeChristmas Celebrations Around the World Christmas is a Christian holy day, which is celebrated on 25th December each year. It marks the birth of Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God. Advent calendars are used to countdown to the celebrations. Christmas is celebrated in different and unique ways in many countries around the world. Many non- Christian countries also celebrate Christmas too, marking the occasion with gatherings of family and friends and giving gifts. Did you know? Presents are often exchanged as a reminder of the gifts the Three Wise Men brought to Jesus. They are also given to show love for family and friends and to remember the true ‘gift’ Jesus. Australia In Australia, Christmas happens during summer time. This means that Australia has different Christmas traditions compared to other countries. Traditionally, ‘Australians enjoy the lead up to Christmas day with carols by candlelight where people participate in singing carols in parks or amphitheatres. Houses are decorated with Christmas trees and Christmas decorations are put up around the house. On Christmas Day, children who have been good all year receive their presents from Father Christmas. Some people enjoy Christmas Day at the beach. Some families go away for a holiday during Christmas time. Christmas Day is during the summer school holidays, so children have a lot of time to enjoy their presents. Mexico Mexico celebrates Christmas from 12th December to 6th January. Children often perform in processions called ‘las Posadas’. They are a celebration of the Christmas story when Mary and Joseph looked for somewhere to stay. Childrenvisit the houses of friends and neighbours and sing a song at each home. The song is about Mary and Joseph asking for a room in the house. They are told there is no room at the house and are turned away. Eventually, they are told there is room and they are welcomed in. Then, the children say prayers of thanks and festivities begin with food, games and fireworks. Each night, a different house holds the Posada party. Christmas Eve is the night of the final Posada. At midnight, families attend a church service. After church, there are more fireworks to celebrate the start of Christmas and this is the night that Santa Claus will visit children who have behaved through out the year. Christmas Day is a time for church and family. Japan In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as a time to spread happiness and is not seen as a religious holiday. It is only in the past few decades that Japanese people have started celebrating Christmas, Sending Christmas cards and giving presents are popular at this time and parties are held for children with games and dancing. People like to eat fried chicken on Christmas Day and eat a Japanese version of Christmas cake, which is a sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries. Christmas is not a holiday in Japan, so schools and businesses are usually open on Christmas Day. There is a Japanese gift bringer, Hoteiosho, a Buddhist monk, with a large belly and a cloth sack full of toys, He has eyes in the back of his head, which means that he’s able to see the children and how they behave without them knowingGermany In Germany, a big part of Christmas celebrations is based around Advent, a Christian festival that leads up to Christmas. The ‘Advent Kranz’, a wreath with four candles on it, symbolizes the countdown to Christmas and traditionally families will light a candle on the last four Sundays to Christmas. Christmas trees are thought to have originated from Germany and have been used since the Middle Ages. Another German Christmas tradition is the Christmas Markets where all sorts of festive food and decorations are sold. On Christmas Eve, Father Christmas (der Wethnachtsmann) leaves gifts for the well-behaved children. Another gift-giver in Germany is the ‘das Christkind’ (the Christ Child) @ young girl with a long white and gold dress with long curly blond hair. She is thought to have wings and a gold crown. Children also hope that ‘der Nikolaus’ (Saint Nicholas) will bring some small gifts, such as sweets and chocolate on the 6th December (St Nicholas’s Day). Christmas Eve is the main day of Christmas celebrations in Germany and businesses close in the afternoon in preparation for the holiday celebration that evening. Families sing Christmas carols together, exchange gifts and may read the story of Christ's birth aloud.Christmas Around the World Questions 1. Who do Christians believe Jesus is? 2. What does ‘eyes in the back of his head’ mean? 3. The ‘las Posada’ is symbolic of what? 4, Name the three German gift-bringers and explain how you earn gifts from them. 5. When is Christmas celebrated in Mexico? 6. When does Advent happen? 7. Describe the ‘das Christkind’ 8. Why do you think non-Christian countries celebrate Christmas? 9. If you could choose one country to celebrate Christmas in, which country would you choose and why?Christmas Around the World Questions 10. Challenge: Write a paragraph summarizing what you have learnt about the Christmas story and then draw a picture of how Christmas is celebrated by people around the world today, Try to include as much detail as possible. gr khe ok coakChristmas Around the World Answers 1. Who do Christians believe Jesus is? Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God. 2. What does ‘eyes in the back of his head’ mean? ‘Eyes in the back of his head’ means that the person can see everything that is going on and if they are behaving or not. 3. The las Posada’ is symbolic of what? The ‘las Posada’ is symbolic of Mary and Joseph looking for somewhere to stay. 4, Name the three German gift-bringers and how do you earn gifts from them? The three German gift-bringers are der Weihnachtsmann, das Christkind, der Nikolaus. You have to behave well throughout the year to be given gifts. 5. When is Christmas celebrated in Mexico? Christmas is celebrated from 12th December to 6th January in Mexico. 6, When does Advent happen? Advent happens during December. 7. Describe the ‘das Christkind The ‘das Christkind’ is a young girl who wears a white and gold dress and has long curly blond hair. She has wings and a gold crown. She brings children presents if they have been good for the year. 8, Why do you think non-Christian countries celebrate Christmas? Answers will vary but could include: Non-Christian countries celebrate Christmas as it a time to meet family and friends, give gifts, decorate and be festive. 9. If you could choose one country to celebrate Christmas in, which country would you choose and why? Answers will vary, 10. Challenge: Write a paragraph summarizing what you have learnt about the Christmas story and then draw a picture of how Christmas is celebrated by people around the world today, Try to include as much detail as possible. Answers will vary,