subject: English speaking nations celebrate the holidays [print this page] English speaking nations celebrate the holidays
In just a few short days, Christmas will finally be here. Though citizens of Ireland, Canada, the UK and Australia all share the same language, these nations celebrate the holiday in a variety of ways.
The Gaelic culture of Ireland has contributed greatly to modern-day celebrations in the nation. According to Ireland-Information.com, many Irish people put candles in the windows of their homes. The flickering flames were originally intended to symbolize a guiding light for Mary and Joseph as the traveled together in search of shelter.
Irish citizens also celebrate the holiday by baking a special bread filled with raisins and caraway seeds. The loaf is placed on a table with a pitcher of milk and a large candle, and some may leave the front door to their home unlatched so that Mary, Joseph or any weary traveler could enter and rest.
In England, much like in the U.S., Christmas music and decorations are hung up in both public spaces and individual homes. Citizens of the UK refer to Santa Claus as Father Christmas, and he is typically depicted wearing a long red or green robe.
British residents will also celebrate Christmas with a large meal that typically features roast turkey and vegetables with fruity Christmas pudding for desert.
Most residents of English-speaking nations exchange gifts during the holiday season. Those who cannot gather with friends and family often transfer money to a loved one in order to spread holiday cheer. Others who are working abroad may send a gift remittance to their friends and family back home.
Australians enjoy caroling during the holiday season, but some of their songs may not be familiar to those who don't live in the Land Down Under. One of the most popular holiday tunes is John Wheeler's The Three Drovers, and they even have their own version of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, which features eight koalas clinging, nine wombats waddling and ten dingoes dashing.
Finally, in Canada, the holidays are commemorated with a midnight mass on Christmas eve, followed by a large banquet featuring delicacies such as as roast goose and plum pudding. However, Canadians don't exchange presents until New Year's Day.
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