Christmas Traditions
By: Ellie Breeze
Christmas Traditions in Argentina
- On Midnight of Christmas Eve, they set out fireworks. After they have their celebration with their family, they then open all their presents, rather than waiting until later that morning.
- "Papa Noel" is how they pronounce Santa
- Houses are decorated with lights, wreaths, and red and white flowers.
- On Christmas Eve they set out globos, which are paper decorations with a light inside, kind of like chinese lanterns. They then release them into the sky with their family.
- At Midnight they always have a toast to Christmas Day. Some families will go to a midnight services, but others stay home so that they can open their presents sooner.
Christmas Traditions in France
- Some towns have fairs around this time, where they can buy nativity figures that are used to decorate the inside and outside of houses each year.
- "Joyeux Noel" is how they pronounce "Merry Christmas"
- Santa is pronounced "Pere Noel"
- They burn logs on Christmas eve and sprinkle them with red wine. They burn the wood and candles all night and they leave out foods and drinks for santa or "Pere Noel" and hope to get presents under their tree the following morning.
Christmas Traditions in the Netherlands
- Christmas is on December 5th
- Santa is called "Sinterklaas"
- They leave clogs or shoes out, by their fireplace or windowsill and since "Sinterklaas" songs before they go to bed, hoping that he will bring presents. When he comes he puts presents or candy in their shoes.
- Children are told that if they are good, they will receive presents. If they are bad, Sinterklaas'" horse will put them in a sack and take them to Spain for a year where they will learn to behave.