CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

These days the Christmas atmosphere has joyously invaded all our homes and is spreading all over the world. Christmas is celebrated in lots of different countries and cultures in the world.  So what I’d like to do with you today is a virtual journey through 4 different countries and their Christmas celebrations. I ‘ve chosen to take you to China, Republic of Congo, Australia and Jamaica with me. Ready to take off?

CHINA

In China, only about one percent of people are Christians, so most people only know a few things about Christmas. Because of this, Christmas is only often celebrated in major cities. In these big cities there are Christmas Trees, lights and other decorations on the streets and in department stores. Santa Claus is called “Shen Dan Lao Ren” and has grottos in shops like in Europe and America. In Chinese Happy/Merry Christmas is “Sheng Dan Kuai Le”. Only a few people have a Christmas Tree . If people do have a tree,  it is normally a plastic one and might be decorated with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns.
The Christmas Trees that most people would see would be in shopping malls! A tradition that's becoming popular   on Christmas Eve is giving apples. Many stores have apples wrapped up in colored paper for sale. People give apples on Christmas Eve because in Chinese Christmas Eve is called "Ping'an Ye", meaning peaceful or quiet evening, which has been translated from the carol 'Silent Night'.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Christmas in the Democratic Republic of Congo is more of a religious festival than  commercial. Most people won't have any presents. Christmas Eve is very important with Churches having big musical evenings and a nativity play. These plays last a very long time. They start at the beginning of the evening with the creation and the Garden of Eden and end with the story of King Herod killing the baby boys. People taking part in the play really like to show off their 'best' acting skills and tend to go over the top and 'ham it up'! King Herod and the soldiers are often figures of fun and Mary is often well advanced in labor before she arrives!  On Christmas day, most families try to have a better meal than usual. If they can afford it, they will have some meat.

AUSTRALIA

In Australia, Christmas comes in the towards the beginning of the summer holidays! Children have their summer holidays from mid December to early February, so some people might even be camping at Christmas. Australians decorate their houses with bunches of 'Christmas Bush', a native Australian tree with small green leaves and cream colored flowers. In summer the flowers turn a deep shiny red over a period of weeks. When Santa gets to Australia, he gives the reindeer a rest and uses kangaroos. He also changes his clothes for less 'hot' ones!

JAMAICA

Christmas is a very special time in Jamaica and like a lot of other countries, radio stations play carols all through the Christmas period. Lots of people paint their houses and hang new curtains and decorations for Christmas. Most families spend Christmas Day at home with friends and family members. In Jamaica, Christmas Eve is also called 'Grand Market' and is a really exciting time, especially for children. In every town and city in the country there is a cross between a festival and a market. During the day, people go shopping for Christmas foods, sweets and toys, etc. You might also buy some new clothes ready for the celebrations in the evening. The Christmas day meal is usually prepared on Christmas Eve. The traditional Jamaican Christmas meal include fresh fruits, sorrel and rum punch and meat. The Christmas Day breakfast includes ackee and saltfish, breadfruit, fried plantains, boiled bananas, freshly squeezed fruit juice and tea. Dinner is usually served in the late afternoon and this may include chicken, curry goat, stewed oxtail, rice and peas.

                                 For more info about Christmas around the world visit

                                  http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/

                                     WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FESTIVITY?   

                              HOW DO YOU USUALLY CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?                                     

                    

                         MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

                                                                                 

GIOVANNI BENITO