Christmas

In
Canada

Multiculturalism
xochitl Acedo
 Canada
Canada is a diverse country where people from various cultural
backgrounds reside. Christmas is celebrated in numerous ways,
incorporating traditions that originated from French, English, Irish,
Scottish, German, Norwegian, Ukrainian, and Native/First Nation
cultures.

Canadians exchange Christmas cards with their loved ones to

express their best wishes.

Many Canadians open their presents on Christmas Eve. Some

open only their stockings on Christmas Eve, saving the rest for
Christmas Day.

Canadians adorn their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and

other festive decorations. Stockings are hung by the fireplace,
and it's a tradition to leave them out for Santa.

The main Christmas meal in Canada is typically roast turkey with

all the trimmings, including mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Popular desserts include Christmas/plum puddings and
mincemeat tarts, while Christmas crackers are a common sight
on the table. A rich fruit Christmas cake is also a staple during
the Christmas season. However, people from different
backgrounds and cultures have their own favorite foods at
Christmas.

If there's snow on the ground, skiing, skating, and tobogganing

are popular winter activities in Canada. Children in Canada
believe in Santa Claus. In fact, Canadians are proud to say that
Santa Claus is from their country (although people in Finland may
disagree).
The Santa Claus Parade in Toronto is one of the oldest and
largest Santa parades globally. It began in 1913 when Santa was
pulled through the streets of Toronto, and children followed him
along the route. This parade now has over 25 animated floats and
2000 participants! It's broadcast on TV worldwide.

'Sinck Tuck' is a festival celebrated by the Inuit in some provinces

of Canada. This celebration consists of dancing and gift
exchanging.
Mummering is a tradition that mainly takes place in the province
of Newfoundland where people dress up in costumes and knock
on someone's door, saying, "Are there any Mummers in the night?"
or "Any mummers 'loud in?'", meaning 'are mummers allowed in
the house?' Then they sing and dance and have Christmas cake
and a cup of something nice before moving on to the next house.
In some places, if the host does not guess who the Mummers are,
the host must join the Mummers in their merry-making. However,
some places have banned Mummering because people used it as
an excuse to beg.

Many Canadian families have cookie-baking parties. They bring a

recipe for Christmas cookies, bake, and exchange them with
family members. Gingerbread people, houses, and cheese straws
are favorites.

In northern Canada, some people plan a Taffy Pull held in honor of

Saint Catherine, the patron saint of single women. This party
provides an opportunity for single women to meet eligible single
men!

Labrador City in Newfoundland holds a Christmas Light-up

Contest each year. People dress up their houses with lights and
often have big ice sculptures in their front gardens! They have no
trouble finding enough snow or ice, as Labrador City has about 12-
14 feet of snow every year!