Hi!
Chrismas is drawing near!
Merry Christmas, Feliz Natal, Happy Christmas, Hauskaa Joulua, Bo Nadal, Sheng Tan Kuai Loh, Gëzuar Krishlindjet Vitin e Ri!, Fröhliche Weihnachten, Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand, Bones Navidaes & Gayoleru anu nuevu!, Zalige Kertfeest, Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo, Tchestita Koleda, Sretan Bozic, Glaedelig Jul, Srecen Bozic, Gajan Kristnaskon & Bonan Novjaron... These are only a few of the many different ways people use to wish each other Merry Chrismas around the world. Similarly people celebrate Christmas in many different ways around the world.
I think that everybody knows how Christmas is celebrated here, in the Basque Country. The Olentzero is the most outstanding figure among Basque children. This mythological character is very similar to Father Christmas or Santa Claus; but he has some special traits. He comes on Christmas Eve and he leaves a lot of presents for everyone, especially children who have been 'good' through the year; but if their behavior has been bad, he only leaves them some coal. The Olentzero has his face smeared with coal, wears a beret and basque traditional garb smokes a pipe and carries a gix bag. In the Basque Country some people also celebrete Christmas on the 5 of January. That's when the Three Magi arrive.
In Argentina, on Christmas eve, families and friends meet and when the clock strikes 12, they throw rockets and fireworks. They usually decorate the tree after that and then they open the presents. During all the weekends of December, they make farewell parties with friends and coworkers at home or at restaurants. For their family dinners it is common for all the members to bring something to eat.
In the United Kingdom, the mistletoe is very traditional because people think it keeps them from demons and also it brings them good luck in the house. Also, people say that kissing a boy under the mistletoe brings good luck. So, if you are ever under a mistletoe and you see a boy kiss him under it! In Great Britain Christmas would not be the same without the "crackers", a type of firecracker. This type of firecracker contains a cap, a suprise present and a gum.
In Italy, during the "notte di Capodanno", I mean, the last day of the year, it is typical to eat a plate of lentils and the to go out to the disco. Women normaly receive red lingerie as a present because they believe this will bring them good luck during the year. And in Rome and Naples, they throw old junk to start the new year properly. To make a fresh start!
In Australia, Christmas are celebrated in summer, because Australia is located in the other hemisphere so while we are freezing cold here Australians are enjoying summer. So there they celebrate Christmas at the beach and with Father Christmas in shorts and flip-flops. In my opinion, it would be fantastic to celebrate Christmas there, because it is hot and I would be able to go to the sunbathe!
These are some of the many places were Christmas is celebrated. As we can see, depending on the country Christmas is celebrated differently!
No matter where you live I WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I hope you like it!
BYEBYE!
