Traditions Around the

World

Created by
St. Catherine of Siena
Our World
United States of
America
Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Christ,
is the most widely observed holiday in the
United States. Nativity sets display images of
Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.
Santa Claus visits children on Christmas Eve
and brings them gifts.
People join with family and friends, share
meals, and give presents to one another.

Merry Christmas
 JAPAN

Shinnen
omedeto
 JAPAN
Christmas is a relatively new non-
religious holiday, celebrated mainly in
the cities of Japan. It is devoted mainly
to the pleasure of children.
Trees are decorated with small toys and
origami. Japanese children exchange
origami “birds of peace” as a pledge that
war must not happen again.
Santa is called “Kurohsu” and it is
believed he has eyes in the back of his
head so he can watch children all year long.
 COLOMBIA

PAZ EN
LA
TIERRA
 COLOMBIA

Christmas is the most important holiday in

Colombia. People decorate Christmas trees and
display nativity scenes. Families get together,
eat, dance and exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
Baby Jesus brings presents to the children.
Colombians prepare special dishes. Some serve
turkey, chicken or any typical food from the
region.

Feliz Navidad
 SWEDEN

God Jul Och

Gott Nytt Ar!
 sweden

In Sweden, they celebrate St.

Lucia’s Day on December 13. The
oldest daughter wears a white
robe, red sash, and a crown of
lighted candles. She serves
coffee and cakes to her family.
The Swedish Santa is a little elf-
like person named “Jultomten,”
who delivers gifts on Christmas
Eve.
Favorite Christmas foods are
lutefish, a boiled cod, and kringle,
a Christmas sweet.
 RUSSIA

Pozdrevly Ayu Sprazdnikom

Rozhdestva Khristova Is Novim
Godom!
 Russia
Christmas is not officially recognized
in Russia, but the Russian Winter
Festival is celebrated for twelve days
between December 25 and January 5.
Decorated evergreens are called New
Year’s Trees.
Grandfather Frost and his helper,
Snow Girl, deliver gifts on New
Year’s Eve.
Russians often serve a twelve-course
supper, one course for each of the
twelve apostles.
 Assessment

1. What day is Christmas celebrated in the

United States?
2. In Colombia, who brings gifts to the children?
3. What does Santa have on the back of his
head in Japan?
4. What is Santa’s name in Russia?
5. In Sweden, what does the oldest daughter
wear on her head?
Enrichment Activity

Choose a country and find four facts

regarding the Christmas traditions practiced
in that local..e.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Broderbund ,ClickArt200,000
MUSIC Bolivar, Island Christmas
Tchaikovsky, A Classical Christmas
Neville, Aaron, Soulful Christmas
WORLD WIDE WEB
*http://www.christmas97.com
*http://www.pride-net.com/christmas/
*http://www.christmas.com/html/japan.html
*http://www.christmas.com/html/russia.html
*http://www.christmas.com/html/sweden.html