Christmas Down Under is never white. Instead of Santa Claus, dawned in Red and trimmed in white, Australia awaits “Swag Man” who wears a brown Akubra, a blue singlet and long baggy shorts.In Czechoslovakia, the home of Good King Wencleslaus, families cut down a branch from a cherry tree and wait for it to bloom before Christmas, for good luck and a short winter. While waiting for the branches to bloom, children think about Svaty Mikulas, the Czech Saint Nicholas.
Papai Noel bears gifts in Brazil. Brazilians celebrate through the tradition of creating a Presépio, or nativity scene, watching fireworks and lighting giant “trees” made of electric lights.
The French eat a late supper after midnight mass on Christmas Eve called Le reveillon. Children await Pere Noel and his disciplinarian Pre Fouttard, who tells Pere Noel just how each child has behaved throughout the year.
In Rome cannons are fired to announce the beginning of the holiday season.
In Mexico every town and city sets up decorated puestos, which vend crafts, food, and flowers.
A Romanian Christmas involves house-to-house caroling and poetry reciting.
Christmas in Sweden calls for the eldest daughter in each family to put on a red sash and white dress, and an evergreen wreathe with seven lighted candles on her head. This daughter carries coffee and buns to each family member. A Christmas gnome, tomte, carries gifts for all on Christmas Eve.
Christmas in Bethlehem is of most piety, as it is the town where Jesus is said to have been born. Each Christmas even hosts a dramatic procession comprised of horsemen, Arabian steeds, giant crosses and a star marking the site of Jesus’ birth.
Those in China who celebrate Christmas receive a visit from Dun Che Lao Ren, or “Christmas Old Man.” However, the main focus on the holiday season in China is that of the Chinese New Year, taking place at the end
of January. This “Spring Festival” is a worship of ancestors, which is celebrated with several-course meals and firecracker displays.Norway has a gift-bearing gnome or elf called Julebukk, who appears as something like a goat.
The Scots save merriment for New Year’s Eve, or Hogmanay. It is believed that the first person to step into a household will affect the fortunes of the family. This tradition is known as “first footing.”
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah occurs around the same time as the winter solstice and is sometimes otherwise known as “The Festival of Lights.” Kwanzaa, meaning “first fruits,” is celebrated by African-Americans to celebrate their heritage. Families exchange gifts and eat African cultural meals.
Solnal is the Korean New Year's Day. The Christians attend church on Solnal and Buddhists attend temples to honor their ancestors.
India celebrates Pongal in January; it is a harvest festival celebrating the new crop.
Christmas Markets are held in cities, towns and villages throughout Germany. These markets are historical and
festive, evoking a magical atmosphere. Traditional and non-commercialized gifts, and snacks such as chestnuts, grilled sausages, and gingerbread, are sold. The holiday spirit is abundant all around the world this time of the year.
In the States, the food shelves are stocked, the streets are decorated, and the radio stations are jingling holiday tunes.
With its first snow, Burlington, Vermont is officially a wintry wonderland.
Burlington’s holiday season offers seemingly endless events, charity opportunities, and a beautifully lit Church Street.
“The kids’ favorite is the tree-lighting ceremony,” explained Julia Wong, of South Burlington. “Every year we stroll Church Street before the lighting of the tree and finish the night with hot chocolate from Lake Champlain Chocolates. I always get the Aztec—I like the kick,” she finished with a genuine holiday smile.
Every year, on the Friday following Thanksgiving, festivities liven Church Street. A parade begins at noon, at 5:30 P.M. the Open Stage Company presents “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” and at 6:05 P.M. the city tree is lit. Merriment continues throughout the night with horse and buggy rides, visits with Santa, and a kickoff to the shopping season.
The holiday spirit is not finished at the end of this night, however. Events continue until New Years day.
The Burlington Town Center holds events for children. And the Flynn Theatre puts on holiday plays, such as “The Nutcracker,” and “A Christmas Story.”
Holiday music is played on Church Street to compliment the decorated streetlights and buildings.
Food, clothing, and gift drives are held in stores, restaurants, and shelters to spread the cheer to those who are struggling in these economic times.
“The Burlington events really get you into the giving mood,” said Patrick Danylik, a local student, carrying a box of canned goods for the food shelf. “My goal is to pass the spirit on.”
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