CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS

Christmas traditions in Europe

Christmas isn't celebrated the same way in each country. Each country has its own traditions. Let's do a little tour of Europe.

    IN FRANCE:

Joyeux Noël

Father Christmas rides through the sky on his sleigh. He brings presents to the kids and put them in their shoes during the night of Christmas Eve. Christmas is mainly a family occasion. People eat turkey and Yule log (a cake in the shape of a log).

    IN ENGLAND:

Merry Christmas

Father Christmas brings presents to English kids. He visits them over the night of Christmas Eve. He leaves the presents in stockings hung by the fireside. In England, it wouldn't be Christmas without turkey and plum pudding. Plum pudding's a cake prepared months in advance!

     IN SPAIN:

Feliz Navidad

In Spain, Christmas is primarily a religious celebration. They celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. There is no Father Christmas. Instead, it's the Three Wise Men who visit on the 6th of January and leave toys in clogs left on the balconies. In Spain, they eat almond soup at Christmas. And they eat touron for pudding. This is made of caramel and almonds.

     IN BELGIUM:

Zalige Kertfeest

Saint Nicolas and his donkey, laden with toys, visit on the 6th of December. Children leave a turnip and a carrot near the fireplace for the donkey. On Christmas eve, they often eat spéculoos in the shape of Saint Nicolas. These are small, very sweet, dry biscuits with cinnamon.

      IN GERMANY:

Frohe Weihnachten
Frohliche Weihnachten

The Germans invented the tradition of the Christmas tree 400 years ago. In the north of the country, Saint Nicolas brings presents on the 6th of December. He rides through the sky on a sleigh. In the south, however, it's Father Christmas who rewards the children who've been good throughout the year. Germans often eat Gingerbread with a little phrase written on top.

      IN ITALY:

Buon Natale

Italians celebrate Christmas over 3 days, from the 24th to the 26th of December. Presents are given later, on the 6th of January, by an old lady with white hair called La Befana. Italians eat a Christmas cake called panettone.

       IN GREECE:

Eftihismena Christougenna

Christmas is not as important for the Greeks as the Easter celebrations. There is no Father Christmas. Instead, Saint Basil brings the children presents on the 1st of January. In the evening, Greek children sing to their neighbours. In exchange, they receive sweets.

Translated from: Le petit quotidien n° 88