Christmas Eve Traditions Around The World
While Christmas Eve is celebrated by millions of families around the globe
, Christmas Eve traditions vary a bit depending upon the country in which they are celebrated.In the United States and Canada, children are taught to leave a glass of milk and a plate of cookies by the fireplace for Santa, knowing that Santa will be tired from a long journey and he will appreciate a tasty treat. It is not unusual for the children to also throw a handful of carrots on the front lawn, so that Santa's reindeer can enjoy a small snack, as well. This tradition is similar in Australia and Britain, where Santa often enjoys mince pies and a glass of sherry. Swedish children leave brownies for Santa.
In the Netherlands, it is a Dutch custom to "put out their shoe" - meaning, the children leave a carrot and hay for Santa's horse. The children wake early the next morning to find that a gift has taken the place of the carrot and hay. The gift is often a marzipan cookie or figurine. In earlier times, the children were warned that if they were naughty, they would receive a bundle of sticks instead of a gift, but this tradition is no longer practiced.
A favorite meal is often a centerpiece of Christmas Eve rituals. Some families gather for a full-course meal, while others have a few special treats that they enjoy while sitting by the decorated Christmas tree. Special holidays foods might include fruitcake,gingerbread or eggnog, but most will include at least one variety of decorated sugar cookie.
Not all Christmas Eve traditions revolve around food. In the United States, Christmas Eve traditions often include reading a favorite storybook to the children, such as "Twas the Night Before Christmas". Favorite Christmas Eve television shows include Charles Dickens' famous "A Christmas Carol" featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, "The Nutcracker" performed by the Moscow ballet, or "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart.
Music plays a large part in most Christmas Eve traditions. Whether they are sung around the piano, or played over an electronic CD system, familiar Christmas carols such as "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" are heard in most households on Christmas Eve.
For most families, it is not important which activities, food, music, or television shows are included in a Christmas Eve tradition - but rather that the same activities, food, music and television shows are shared and enjoyed each year. The fact that these traditions are experienced and shared as a family is what the spirit of Christmas is all about.
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