Christmas around the World

Australia

In Australia, people decorate their homes and put up a Christmas tree two to three weeks before Christmas.

They don’t play bingo or card games because they aren’t part of their Christmas traditions.

Christmas in Australia comes during the summer season, so people eat fresh prawns on the outdoor barbeque, special fish, oysters, or fresh, creative salads.

Thanks to Anna and Franco, retired businesswoman and estate agent in Griffith, NSW

Belgium

In Belgium Christmas is a special day, and is celebrated on 25th December. The presents are under the tree. Children have a long break at school: two weeks. Giorgia plays bingo and card games: Uno, Domino and Scopa (her mother is Italian, so she follows our tradition). They celebrate at home with the family.

Two people bring presents to children in Belgium – first Saint Nicolas, on 6th December, and then Santa Claus at Christmas.

Thanks to Giorgia, 4 years old, from Brussels

Brazil

Christmas in Brazil is in summer so people have a long break of two months and go to the beach after Christmas day. On 24^th night they have a big family dinner where they eat turkey or seafood. At midnight they exchange presents and go to bed because during the night Santa brings more presents for the children. On Christmas day they have a small lunch with family and friends.

Thanks to Tiago, business consultant from São Paulo

California

At Christmas people in California decorate a Christmas tree and put presents under it. Santa Claus brings presents to children. Most people have meals with family and friends; they play bingo, card games and watch Christmas movies and sing Christmas songs together.

Thanks to Paul, business executive, Los Angeles/New York,

The Philippines

On Christmas Day people in the Philippines go to church and pray. They have a special meal, with chicken, cabbage and noodles. They play bingo and card games. Many people don't receive presents because they are poor.

Thanks to Alyne, catering assistant from the Philippines

Russia

In Russia people celebrate Christmas on 7th January because they have a different religion – they are Orthodox. However, children open their presents on 1^st January, New Year’s Day. They don’t have Santa Claus, but they have Father Frost, who brings presents to children with his granddaughter. If they want their presents, children must sing or dance. On Christmas day, Russians go to church and pray. They set a beautiful table with special Christmas dishes. Christmas holidays start on 31^st December and end on 7^th or 8^th January.

Thanks to Anna Potapova, teacher from Moscow

Scotland

Thanks to Veronica Wilson and her pupils at Cuthbertson Primary School, Glasgow