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Christmas Celebrations in 
Europe 
Creative Classroom Group 2014
GREECE
Greece (Irene) 
On New Year's Day families cut the vasilopita to bless 
the house and bring good luck for the new year. This is 
usually done at the midnight of New Year's Eve. A coin 
is hidden in the bread by slipping it into the dough 
before baking. At midnight the sign of the cross is 
etched with a knife across the cake. A piece of cake is 
sliced for each member of the family and any visitors 
present at the time, by order of age from eldest to 
youngest. Slices are also cut for various symbolic 
people or groups, depending on local and family 
tradition.
Christmas in Greece (Glykeria) 
On Christmas Eve, children go out to sing 'kalanda' (carols) 
playing triangles. They used to carry a boat in the past 
especially in the Greek Islands. 
They are given money or sweets. 
Christmas Trees are decorated although in the past they 
used to use sailing ships instead. 
The main Christmas meal is often Lamb or pork, roasted in 
an oven or over an open spit. It's often served with a 
spinach and cheese pie and various salads and vegetables. 
As desserts there are Theeples (a kind of fried pastry) and 
melomakarono. A traditional table decoration are loaves of 
'christopsomo' (Christ bread) 
In Greek Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Kala Christougenna'
In Greek Schools during the days leading to Christmas 
~~~Theodora Chandrinou-Greece~~~ 
Waiting for Christmas, yet during 
November in Greek Schools, we 
start the preparations. 
First of all we create an external 
cheerful spirit, by decorating all 
classrooms. 
Children are full of inspiration and 
they love to present their celebrating 
creations!
Greece-Maria Mavromati 
Before Christmas housewifes make 
special sweets like melomakarona 
by using semolina and kourabiedes 
by using powered sugar.At 
Christmas lunch we usually eat 
turkey with rise or potaetos grilled in 
the oven.
Christmas in Crete - in Greece (Popi Halkia) 
Even Though I live in Xanthi, I come 
from Crete. 
In New Years Eve parents and 
grandparents give to the children of 
the family the KALH XERA 
(translation good hand). In other 
words they give money to the 
children for the new year so the new 
year to be wealthy and prosper and 
the children usually kiss their hands 
as a token of respect and love.
Sarikopites (Cretan 
pies) 
Sarikopites (pies) 
Prepare a normal dough with 1/2 kilo of flour, a small cup of oil, 1 glass of 
water, salt and a little lemon juice. Roll out the dough and cut in strips 8 to 
10 cm wide and 25-30 cm long. Spread the sour "mizithra" (a kind of soft 
Cretan cheese) all along the strips and fold them. Starting at one end, 
twist the ribbon in a spiral. The shape is similar to a "sariki" (the traditional 
headdress of Cretan men which is why the pies are called 
"Sarikopites":sariki-pies). Deep fry and serve with honey. 
Georgia Prevelianaki
Greece ( Karamitrou Sofia ) 
Klatharies or Kolianta - Bonfires in Christmas Eve 
Klatharies - On Christmas Eve the inhabitants gather 
brush from the surrounding area. Each neighbourhood 
group builds tall, (three to six metres), conical shaped 
mounds that are decorated sparsely with balloons and 
tinsel. After nightfall a parade, including a brass band 
playing local music, begins the celebration. In 
succession each mound of brush is set afire as the 
parade reaches the neighbourhood. The inhabitants 
then dance around the fires. Many of the village youth 
then stay up all night around the remnants of the 
bonfires to start carolling early in the morning of 
Christmas Eve, collecting money while singing door to 
door.
Greece - Crete (Anna Liviaki) 
On Christmas eve in a 
natural cave at Spilia, a 
village in Chania Crete, you 
can attend a representation 
of the manger in 
Βethlehem with shepherds, 
sheeps, fire…..
Christmas and New year’s eve _Greece 
(Dimitriadou Ioanna) 
on christmas and new 
year’s eve, groups of 
children go around 
houses and shops 
and sing christmas 
carols, holding a 
triangle! 
in exchange owners 
of houses and shops 
give them a small 
amount of money and 
candies!!!
Christmas traditional dish in Greece (Angeliki 
Kougiourouki) 
Bamboo 
Traditional festive accompanying dish. 
Ιndispensable complement for CHRISTMAS 
dinner. It is cooked all around my 
region(Thrace) and can be baked or boiled. 
The tradition wants to have gotten its name 
from the bamboo, which means grandmother. 
As the grandmother is old and goes to the end 
of life, so is the "bamboo" eaten at the end of 
the year. According to other people, the dish 
took its name from the manufacturing material, 
pork intestine, as pig was in every home, at 
least the last 100 years, and its derivatives 
accounted for the annual family needs. The pig 
slaughtered on the eve of Christmas.
Christmas customs in Greece (Maria 
Vassilopoulou) 
On Christmas day there is 
a family gathering to 
celebrate the Holy day over 
a rich meal. Stuffed turkey 
is the main dish while 
cabbage dumplings, 
roasted pork,various 
delicious pies and salads 
are also on the Christmas 
table.
Christmas and New Year in Greece 
Eleftheria 
At Christmas, houses fill with 
beautiful scents of sweet, as 
melomakarono, kourabies and 
diples. All friends and relatives 
exchange their gifts and sweets. 
Especially godparents seek the best 
gift to their baptisteries. 
On the first day of the New Year, 
the smallest member of each family 
knocks on the head all others with a 
pomegranate for good luck. 
Additionally, that day, the first who 
comes to every home is said to 
make omen for the whole year.
Christmas traditions in the Greek islands 
(Angela Tsakiri) 
People on the Greek 
islands used to decorate 
ships and boats and still do 
but not as much as in the 
past. 
People on the Greek 
islands hang a branch of 
an olive tree on the door for 
good luck.On New Years 
Day they break a 
pomegranate outside their 
doors to symbolise 
abundance of goods and 
leave the water running for 
a while.
ROMANIA
Romania (Tania Catargiu) 
December 6 is St. Nicholas Day. 
This feast day is celebrated in different ways in different 
countries. Here in Romania the tradition is to put cleaned 
and polished shoes out on a windowsill or by the door on the 
night of December 5. 
Overnight St. Nicholas comes and places presents inside. 
Presents might be chocolates or other sweets, nuts, oranges, 
or small gifts. 
For children who have been bad or need t 
o be reminded to do better a twig with gold, silver, or bronze 
is left.
All the doors are open!Romania(Adina 
Marcu) 
In 24 decembers,romanian 
kids sing in every houses 
and all the doors of houses 
are open for them.The 
carols are very ancient and 
they will bring nuts,apples 
and penny for the people 
where they sing. 
https://www.youtube.c 
om/watch?v=npsf-uOmU3g
Christmas tradition in Romania-Ghelesian Silvia 
In many parts of Romania, 
it's traditional that someone 
dresses up as a goat, with a 
multicolored mask, and 
goes round with the carol 
singers. The goat is known 
as the 'Capra' and it jumps 
and dances around getting 
up to lots of mischief!
Romania(Perisoru village)Nicolae Marina 
In the country side, the caroling tradition comes in different 
forms. There is the simple caroling, which involves only 
people singing, and there are special carols, which include 
dancing and more complex performances. 
There is the Christmas carol which involves carolers 
dressed as bears. In the past, a real bear was also included 
in the dance. The tradition, called Ursul (the Bear Dance), is 
mostly kept in most part of Romania including our village 
Perisoru on New Year’s Eve. The tradition aims to purify and 
fertilize the soil for the next year. The bear cult is of Geto- 
Dacian origins; back then, the bear was a sacred animal. 
Another special carol is called Capra (the Goat). In this 
case, one or several carolers dress up as goats and dance 
to a pipe tune. 
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=552924584791796 
&set=vb.100002227799195&type=2&theater 
The video was made last year with my students 
...hope you will like it….enjoy …
Romania (Aura Ungureanu) Christmas Custom - The Star 
This is another Christmas custom specific 
to the Romanian people and it takes place 
around Christmas Eve. 
Those who bear the Star and go carolling 
are between 7 and 14 years old. 
The custom has a religious significance as 
it is related to the star that made its appearance 
and guided the Three Magi coming from the 
East. 
The children go carolling and carry a big 
wooden star trimmed with coloured paper and 
fir-tree twigs.
Petre Felicia-Constanța, ROMÂNIA 
Games with masks 
The best known is the Goat, practiced in 
villages south of Constanta. The priests say 
that the custom has its roots in ancient times, 
when St. Andrew Christianity spread in these 
lands. Custom goat wandering there since 
that time, and St. taught the natives to bring 
the message of Christ's Nativity and so 
appeared the carol. 
A band of young goat nose accompanied 
clămpănitor walk from house to house to 
make wishes for health and prosperity. 
Carolers make much noise, to ward off evil 
spirits.
Celebrating Christmas in Romania (Váncsa Szilvia) 
-middle part where live hungarian minorities 
The parents and children are 
celebrating the Christmas evening in 
the church - I think the faith in God, 
in Jesus is more important than any 
else thing in this world. 
I wish for every one Happy 
Christmas!
Christmas traditions in Romania 
in our school there is a tradition that 
in the last week of the course, before 
the holidays, students in each class 
decorate a tree with stars and 
golden balls. Teachers and students 
sang lovely Christmas songs 
It organizes a festival that presents 
the most beautiful designs and the 
best cakes me. Everyone is happy 
Merry Christmas Craciun Fericit!
Christmas Goodies from Romania (Alina Mioara) 
In Romania, there is no traditional 
Christmas meal without the main 
dish called ‘SARMALE’ - a sort of 
mince meat rolls in cabbage leaves - 
otherwise very tasty, accompanied 
by a glass (or a couple) of our 
traditional plum brandy named 
‘TUICA’, as well as the famous 
dessert ‘COZONAC’ - pound cake 
with raisin and nut filling.
Christmas in Romania (Daniela Bucur) 
In Romania, we 
always offer 
presents to each 
other and feel happy 
together. Merry 
Christmas to all of 
you!
FRANCE
France (Régine Huzen) 
In France during the 
Christmas time we 
eat and offer a typical 
sweet “La papillote”.
Christmas traditions in our family in France 
Traditions vary according to family origins and 
culture. In my family, what counts as much as 
decorating the Christmas tree involves creating 
objects that will fill the house with pleasant 
fragrance. For instance, we thrust oranges with 
many cloves: it is time-consuming but a nice 
moment to share with all the members of the 
family. We then put them in cupboards, or on 
pedestal tables; We also offer some to our 
dearest. It is a symbolical token to bring 
cheerfulness to everybody all year round. 
Another tradition is that everybody who enters 
our home chooses a bauble and hangs it in the 
Christmas tree, as a lucky charm. 
We also bake cinnamon objects that we hang 
everywhere to give off nice perfumes in the 
house.
Traditions in French Guiana (FRANCE) 
Every weekend, Christmas caroling parties are 
organized. We call them “Chanté Nwèl”. People 
join together to sing in a joyful atmosphere during 
the Advent until December 24th. During these 
parties, people eat a soup called “Creole soup” 
made of vegetables and meat. There are as many 
recipes as cooks! 
It is really difficult to define a stereotyped 
Christmas menu because of French Guianese 
multiculturalism. You can find on the same table 
Christmas ham, “Creole pâtés”or “Marinades”, foie 
gras, oysters, salmon and so many delicious 
dishes. 
The only important thing is to join together around 
a tasty meal in a happy atmosphere with the whole 
family . The feast generally last from December 
24th to December 25th. Some people go to 
Christmas mass. 
Joyeux Noël!
GEORGIA
Celebrating Christmas in Georgia 
On this day, large processions make their way through 
cities, towns, and villages throughout Georgia. These mass 
walks, called Alilo, are central to Georgia’s unique 
Christmas celebration. Banner-carrying clergy lead the 
processions, and men, women and children follow. Dressed 
as shepherds, soldiers, famous religious figures, or wearing 
traditional Georgian clothes, the procession members 
congratulate each other, and collect money for charities
Celebrating Christmas in Georgia 
Christmas trees are an important part of Georgian 
Christmas, as well. Georgian Christmas trees, called 
Chichilaki, are carved from the branches of walnut trees. 
Hanging, curled strands of white wood give these small 
trees a distinctive, unmistakable appearance. It is easy to 
see why Chichilaki are often called “Basil’s beard.” 
More familiar Christmas concepts have a place in Georgian 
festivities, as well. Santa claus, known as tovlis papa 
(Grandfather Snow), is usually depicted wearing traditional 
Georgian clothes and a fur cloak called a nabadi. Although 
Grandfather Snow doesn’t have reindeer or a sled, he still is 
believed to visit homes on Christmas eve, leaving presents 
for the children. 
Most homes also put up a Western-style decorated Christmas 
tree, called nadzvis khe, in addition to the traditional Georgian 
Chichilaki
Christmas in Georgia (Natela Kratsashvili) 
Christmas is the most important holiday for 
Georgians. It’s the most exciting event of the 
year as well. Georgians celebrate Christmas on 
7th of January(new style). On this day large 
processions take their way throughout the cities 
as well as the villages. People sing Christmas 
Carol called “Alilo” and gather sweets and 
money for charity and congratulate each-other. 
Most families decorate Christmas tree and 
Georgian traditional “Chichilaki”, made from 
branches of walnut tree. On Christmas eve, 
each family light a candle and put it on the 
window-sill to meet Christmas at midnight. 
Most of Georgian people go to nearby churches 
to attend Christmas Mass. Then families gather 
together to celebrate such a wonderful day! 
Merry Christmas!!! :)
ALBANIA
Albania (Albana Eski) 
On New Year’s eve all the family 
getting together around the table to 
celebrate.The table is usually full 
with plenty of food and drinks.The 
best of all is the New Year’s turkey 
that is served with potatoes or 
rice.As for deserst we eat Turkish 
Baklava.After midnight the teens 
usually go to celebrate with their 
friends in a nightclub.
ITALY
Italy ( Emanuela Leto) 
Il Mercante in Fiera 
( the Merchant at the Fair) We usually play 
games with our families after the Xmas big 
dinner . One of this is played using special 
cards with pictures on one side. There are two 
decks of identical cards, the leader of the game 
chooses some cards . put them on the table on 
the covered side and put money on them or 
sweets , money or sweets coming from the 
“buying and selling” of the cards among the 
players as in a market. Then the leader extracts 
the identical cards and the players owning 
them have to give him . The winners are the 
ones who own ,at the end of the extraction, the 
hidden cards with the money on them which 
are the prizes.
CHRISTMAS IN ITALY 
Christmas is coming...in every town 
there are different and beautiful 
decorations: coloured lights and 
Xmas trees are everywhere, streets, 
shops, balcony… Moreover, in each 
house, families do a their own crib 
where will born Baby Jesus. 
During Xmas time, streets and 
houses smell of traditional food and 
cake: pettole (little fried balls of 
bread dough), cartellate (biscuits like 
roses with honey) and panettone. 
Merry Xmas from Massafra- Italy
Christmas Bonfires (Italy_Calabria) 
by Chiara Torchia 
On Christmas Eve day, all young people of each district 
of my little town, gather woods to make big bonfires. 
There is a sort of competition between the different 
districts. All want to make the biggest bonfire! 
While men prepare bonfires, women make sweet and 
savory specialties to be offered to the people who at 
night, after the Mass, go around in the town to admire 
the bonfires, to dance and sing till next morning. 
Here is a delicious sweet speciality with honey called: 
“Pignolata”
Special Christmas sweets in Basilicata region in the 
south of Italy 
Christmas is time to prepare some 
typical sweets at home. They are the 
so called “cicirotti” that is fried 
sweets fill in with chickpea, honey, 
chocolate and cinnamon and 
“strufoli” also fried sweets but 
prepared with flower, eggs and 
sugar. Delicious!
Christmas in Naples, Italy (Tonia Calò) 
S.Gregorio Armeno 
In the old part of Naples there is a well known 
street :Via San Gregorio Armeno.Here there 
are a lot of small artisan workshops producing 
traditional characters of nativity scene but most 
of all the most famous men and women of our 
daily life in any fields (politics-religion- art-cinema 
- television…) 
http://youtu.be/yGe_j4CpsHo
Christmas in Wales vs Sardinia 
In Wales, the usual British traditions, making Christmas 
pudding in October and Christmas cake a month before 
Christmas, sending cards before 6th December, lots of 
office parties and club parties dinners/lunches. By the time 
Christmas comes, we’ve really had loads of Christmas 
cheer. I think the tradition I love best is going Caroling with 
friend. It’s wonderful to see children listening to you from 
their windows and bringing a bit of community joy to people 
who are alone most of the year. It makes it special for them 
in a way and makes you feel good doing something for 
others. Then the Christmas midnight mass with everyone 
singing in the church, heartfelt and really letting down your 
hair. 
In Sardinia, my favourite tradition, the nativity scene set in 
every corner of the town. The Zampognare, bagpipe 
players or where I live reed music played on instruments 
called ‘launeddas’. I need to hear them once a year as they 
remind me of hot chestnuts around the fireplace on a cold 
Christmas night with the family and lingering aromas of a 
roast and spices from the Christmas sweet called ‘paisaba’ 
still present in the air. Best wishes from Tina
Italy (Valeria) 
In my city, Palermo, we have a typical Xmas sweet: the 
“Buccellato”, generally a ring-shaped cake made of a 
pastry stuffed by dried fruits (figs, raisins, almonds, pine 
and pistachio nuts) and covered by icing or powdered 
sugar… many calories!! 
Anyway, in addition to this and many other desserts our 
tradition have brought to us, each member of my family 
usually drinks a cup of chocolate on the very 25th of 
December before unpacking gifts. 
Merry Christmas 
Valeria
CHRISTMAS IN MARCHE (ITALY) 
by Diana Paolucci 
In my region the families join 
together and have dinner. There are 
typical dishes such as “cappelletti”, a 
sort of handmade pasta with meat 
inside, another type of pasta called 
“vincisgrassi” (in the photo) and the 
so called“pizza de natà” a cake with 
nuts, raisins ecc. 
ANCONA 
A LIVING CRIB
Christmas in Italy 
Hello from Taranto, in Italy. In my 
city the families have a big dinner on 
Christmas Eve; adults and children 
plays with cards. Mums prepare 
typical sweets called 
“sannacchiudere”, with flour, oil, 
wine, sugar; after they prepare small 
balls and cooked it in the hot oil. 
Then they put on the honey.
BULGARIA
This is how we celebrate Christmas 
in Bulgaria.( Dimitrinka Palakarska ) 
•On the 24 of December, before the dinner is served, the master of the 
house lights the Yule log - cut trunk of oak, elm or Krusevo tree. 
• The meals should be rich and includes everything that is produced in 
the household as boiled corn, boiled beans, rolls, stuffed peppers with 
beans or rice, dried fruits, pickles, onions, garlic, honey, walnuts and 
wine. In the four corners of the room are placed nuts to illuminate the four 
corners of the world. 
•At midnight on Christmas Eve before Christmas, starts and the custom 
- winter ritual for fertility, health and good luck(Koleduvane).On christmas 
, after the church service, all of the people gather to dance, which are 
generally believed to symbolize longevity. Dinner on 25 December is 
much richer thanthe previous night, because it is allowed to eat meat. 
•In Koleduvane are involved young men –newly married, engaged or 
bachelors. The men are singing on the way to the door and into the 
house. Ritual songs are performed differently depending on the place 
they are and for who are they singing for. They are singing songs for 
every one of the family members - from oldest to youngest. The hosts 
usually give gifts like donuts , money, wine, and the ritual end with a big 
feast for all of the performers. 
•And last, but by no means no least, remember to wish something at 
midnight on Christmas Eve before Christmas! According to legends, at 
midnight the heaven opened and the wishes are coming true. 
• 
•
SPAIN
Victoria Carceller from Spain 
In the region where I live, Valencia, 
east of the country, there is a 
tradition called “las estrenas”. 
On 25th December after Christmas 
lunch, the goodfathers (usually the 
oncles) give the estrenas to their 
goodchildren. The estrenas are a 
small amount (sometimes not so 
small) of money that children receive 
after doing a short demonstration in 
front of all the family, like singing a 
song, recite a poem, say a joke ....
Victoria Carceller from Spain 
After doing this , children 
have to kiss their 
goodfather’s hand and he 
open it dropping the coins 
or banknotes
Spanish Christmas- Presents 
Just before the end of our 
holidays, on the frosty 
morning of the 6th of 
January, we receive 
presents from the Three 
Wise Men. 
Kids can’t sleep that night. 
Adults can’t either...
Xmas traditions in Catalonia: 
the “Caga Tió” (Karol Barriuso) 
Caga Tió comes out on 8th December . It is a small log 
with a smiley face, wearing the traditional red Catalan 
hat - the Barretina. The name Caga Tió means 'Poo 
Log'. Every day until Christmas Eve, children look after 
the Caga Tió. They cover him with a blanket to make 
sure that he is warm and they feed him every evening 
with tangerines and cookies. This is to ensure that he is 
nice and full so that he will “poo” out lots of treats on 
Christmas Eve! 
Clik here to view 
a tale on the 
tradition we created. 
On Christmas Eve, after dinner, children are given a 
stick with which they hit the Caga Tió. They sing a 
special song: 
"Caga Tió avellanes I torró (poo Tió, hazelnuts and 
turron) 
Si no vols cagar (if you don’t want to poo) 
Et donanem un cop de pal” (we will hit you with a 
stick) 
The children then reach inside the Caga Tio's blanket 
and find sweets and small toys. Similar to the sorts of 
treats that children receive in their stockings from 
Santa Claus.
“Els Pastorets” - “The shepherds” a traditional nativity 
play from Catalonia. Fina Vendrell. 
2 shepherds are the comic 
characters that find the 
devils and live funny 
adventures before they 
arrrive to Betlem to adore 
the baby Jesus. Children at 
school and adults in 
theatres, perform this 
famous Catalan tradition.
ICELAND
Iceland (Elin Stefansdottir) 
In Iceland we back a 
lot of small cakes.
Christmas customs from Poland 
Wafer 
We love decorating our Christmas tree with home 
made ginger cakes. We used to decorate it with wafer. 
Christmas Eve supper is the most 
elevating moment. We serve 12 
traditional dishes. 
The meal starts with sharing wafer 
called opłatek. We break pieces 
from other family members’ wafers 
and wish them all the best. 
Making such cribs is a special 
tradition of Cracow. Every 
year people make new ones. 
Children are allowed not 
to eat all the dishes but 
are encouraged to try 
them at least. Almost all 
families serve carp. There 
are campaigns to save 
carps from suffering.
Christmas in Poland 
After Wigilia, the family gathers 
under the tree, choinka, to exchange 
gifts and sing carols. 
Shortly before midnight, the family 
gets ready to go to Midnight Mass 
called pasterka which means 
Shepherds' Mass. 
When Jesus was born, only humble 
shepherds came to adore him and to 
spread the good news. 
http://www.events.kamela.org/Christmas2011/Christmas2011.h 
tml
Polish traditional food for Christmas 
In Poland we should eat 12 dishes for 
Christmas Eve supper. The main important 
dish is carp. We try to prepare it in many 
different ways. We usually serve beetroot or 
mushroom soup for starter. Then we eat 
makiełki, these are needles with poppy, nuts 
and almonds. The cabbage with mushrooms or 
peas is also very important. There are also 
potatoes, and special drink - kompot. It is made 
of dried fruit. The dishes can vary from different 
regions in Poland. 
Before the supper we share a special wafer 
and exchanging Christmas greetings. 
Iza W. 
carp 
beetroot soup
Christmas traditions in Split, Croatia 
In Split holiday spirit begins 06.12. at St. Nicholas Day when 
children receive gifts. Gifts in boots placed overnight. 
At St. Lucia 12.12. we sow wheat , which is Christmas 
decoration in the house through the holidays. 
On Christmas Eve they bake “fritule i kroštule”, decorate the 
Christmas tree and in the evening we go to midnight mass. 
All the houses and streets in the city are decorated with 
multicolored lights. 
Christmas is celebrated with family preparing Christmas food . 
Under the Christmas tree all family members will find their gifts. 
Next day 26. 12. on St. Stephen's we visiting relatives, friends 
and neighbors. 
In every church make Christmas nativity scene, visited by 
children all over the holidays.
FINLAND
Mari Jokela from Finland 
As you know Santa Claus is living in Finland. 
Normally Santa Claus comes to our homes on 
Christmas eve, give some presents and maybe 
sing a song with children. But last week I had 
an unique chance to visit his real home. I think 
this can happen only once in a lifetime. 
I am so happy!
Portuguese Christmas 
Traditional boiled cod fish 
that we call “Bacalhau”, 
with vegetables, eggs and 
potatoes all boiled as well, 
with garlic, pepper, olive oil 
and balsamic vinegar is the 
dish that we have in our 
Christmas Eve (Consoada)
PORTUGAL
Portuguese Christmas 
On Christmas Day we 
used to eat roasted 
turkey with roasted 
potatoes and boiled 
greens. We used to 
drink red wine or 
champaigne
Portuguese Christmas 
Traditional dessert: 
Rabanadas (French toasts)-1 
Bolo Rei (King Cake)-2 
Aletria (Angel hair)-3 
Arroz doce (Sweet rice)-4 
Bolinhos de abóbora -5 (Pumpkin 
cakes) 
All these desserts take cinnamon, 
lots of sugar, honey and eggs. 
1 
2 
3 4 
5
Portugal (Cândida) 
Christmas is a wonderful time. There is music and 
lights and the houses are decorated with Mistletoe and 
other appropriate items. 
A pine tree is decorated and all Christmas 
presents are placed underneath it. 
A nativity scene is built: this is a small 
recollection of Jesus’ birth, with small clay figures and 
moss; this is placed under the Christmas tree. 
In fact, Portuguese Christmas has been 
changing a little, because of the contact with other 
cultures. Nowadays, Santa Claus is the one who 
“brings” the gifts to the kids and not Jesus Christ any 
longer.Concerning food, my Portuguese partner has 
said it all! Delicious! 
Since my early childhood, I’ve collected real 
moss in the forest, with my beloved ones, to built 
nativity scene :) Summing up, it’ s a time of joy! 
Nativity scene
Christmas Traditions in Portugal 
Christmas is a season with huge 
religious values. Is all about family and 
celebrating life together. 
From North to South there are many 
different traditions in Portugal like the 
nativity scene, the christmas tree, 
the presents give, the 
Rooster Mass, burning the 
wooden, the christmas di-nner 
(with all kind of foods)! 
In January, small 
choirs gather in 
each village and go 
door by door 
singing to 
announce the birth 
of Christ and wish everyone a Happy 
New Year. They do it in exchange for 
some wine, nuts, sweets or even 
money (so called “Janeiras”). 
FE
GERMANY
Traditions in Germany 
There are many traditions 
in Germany around 
Christmas. 
I would like to share with 
you a presentation my kids 
and me prepared for an 
eTwinning project. 
Just click on the image :-) 
http://prezi.com/voj8hscxpyxm/?utm_campaign=share& 
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Christmas traditions in Europe - A collaborative presentation

  • 1. Christmas Celebrations in Europe Creative Classroom Group 2014
  • 3. Greece (Irene) On New Year's Day families cut the vasilopita to bless the house and bring good luck for the new year. This is usually done at the midnight of New Year's Eve. A coin is hidden in the bread by slipping it into the dough before baking. At midnight the sign of the cross is etched with a knife across the cake. A piece of cake is sliced for each member of the family and any visitors present at the time, by order of age from eldest to youngest. Slices are also cut for various symbolic people or groups, depending on local and family tradition.
  • 4. Christmas in Greece (Glykeria) On Christmas Eve, children go out to sing 'kalanda' (carols) playing triangles. They used to carry a boat in the past especially in the Greek Islands. They are given money or sweets. Christmas Trees are decorated although in the past they used to use sailing ships instead. The main Christmas meal is often Lamb or pork, roasted in an oven or over an open spit. It's often served with a spinach and cheese pie and various salads and vegetables. As desserts there are Theeples (a kind of fried pastry) and melomakarono. A traditional table decoration are loaves of 'christopsomo' (Christ bread) In Greek Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Kala Christougenna'
  • 5. In Greek Schools during the days leading to Christmas ~~~Theodora Chandrinou-Greece~~~ Waiting for Christmas, yet during November in Greek Schools, we start the preparations. First of all we create an external cheerful spirit, by decorating all classrooms. Children are full of inspiration and they love to present their celebrating creations!
  • 6. Greece-Maria Mavromati Before Christmas housewifes make special sweets like melomakarona by using semolina and kourabiedes by using powered sugar.At Christmas lunch we usually eat turkey with rise or potaetos grilled in the oven.
  • 7. Christmas in Crete - in Greece (Popi Halkia) Even Though I live in Xanthi, I come from Crete. In New Years Eve parents and grandparents give to the children of the family the KALH XERA (translation good hand). In other words they give money to the children for the new year so the new year to be wealthy and prosper and the children usually kiss their hands as a token of respect and love.
  • 8. Sarikopites (Cretan pies) Sarikopites (pies) Prepare a normal dough with 1/2 kilo of flour, a small cup of oil, 1 glass of water, salt and a little lemon juice. Roll out the dough and cut in strips 8 to 10 cm wide and 25-30 cm long. Spread the sour "mizithra" (a kind of soft Cretan cheese) all along the strips and fold them. Starting at one end, twist the ribbon in a spiral. The shape is similar to a "sariki" (the traditional headdress of Cretan men which is why the pies are called "Sarikopites":sariki-pies). Deep fry and serve with honey. Georgia Prevelianaki
  • 9. Greece ( Karamitrou Sofia ) Klatharies or Kolianta - Bonfires in Christmas Eve Klatharies - On Christmas Eve the inhabitants gather brush from the surrounding area. Each neighbourhood group builds tall, (three to six metres), conical shaped mounds that are decorated sparsely with balloons and tinsel. After nightfall a parade, including a brass band playing local music, begins the celebration. In succession each mound of brush is set afire as the parade reaches the neighbourhood. The inhabitants then dance around the fires. Many of the village youth then stay up all night around the remnants of the bonfires to start carolling early in the morning of Christmas Eve, collecting money while singing door to door.
  • 10. Greece - Crete (Anna Liviaki) On Christmas eve in a natural cave at Spilia, a village in Chania Crete, you can attend a representation of the manger in Βethlehem with shepherds, sheeps, fire…..
  • 11. Christmas and New year’s eve _Greece (Dimitriadou Ioanna) on christmas and new year’s eve, groups of children go around houses and shops and sing christmas carols, holding a triangle! in exchange owners of houses and shops give them a small amount of money and candies!!!
  • 12. Christmas traditional dish in Greece (Angeliki Kougiourouki) Bamboo Traditional festive accompanying dish. Ιndispensable complement for CHRISTMAS dinner. It is cooked all around my region(Thrace) and can be baked or boiled. The tradition wants to have gotten its name from the bamboo, which means grandmother. As the grandmother is old and goes to the end of life, so is the "bamboo" eaten at the end of the year. According to other people, the dish took its name from the manufacturing material, pork intestine, as pig was in every home, at least the last 100 years, and its derivatives accounted for the annual family needs. The pig slaughtered on the eve of Christmas.
  • 13. Christmas customs in Greece (Maria Vassilopoulou) On Christmas day there is a family gathering to celebrate the Holy day over a rich meal. Stuffed turkey is the main dish while cabbage dumplings, roasted pork,various delicious pies and salads are also on the Christmas table.
  • 14. Christmas and New Year in Greece Eleftheria At Christmas, houses fill with beautiful scents of sweet, as melomakarono, kourabies and diples. All friends and relatives exchange their gifts and sweets. Especially godparents seek the best gift to their baptisteries. On the first day of the New Year, the smallest member of each family knocks on the head all others with a pomegranate for good luck. Additionally, that day, the first who comes to every home is said to make omen for the whole year.
  • 15. Christmas traditions in the Greek islands (Angela Tsakiri) People on the Greek islands used to decorate ships and boats and still do but not as much as in the past. People on the Greek islands hang a branch of an olive tree on the door for good luck.On New Years Day they break a pomegranate outside their doors to symbolise abundance of goods and leave the water running for a while.
  • 17. Romania (Tania Catargiu) December 6 is St. Nicholas Day. This feast day is celebrated in different ways in different countries. Here in Romania the tradition is to put cleaned and polished shoes out on a windowsill or by the door on the night of December 5. Overnight St. Nicholas comes and places presents inside. Presents might be chocolates or other sweets, nuts, oranges, or small gifts. For children who have been bad or need t o be reminded to do better a twig with gold, silver, or bronze is left.
  • 18. All the doors are open!Romania(Adina Marcu) In 24 decembers,romanian kids sing in every houses and all the doors of houses are open for them.The carols are very ancient and they will bring nuts,apples and penny for the people where they sing. https://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=npsf-uOmU3g
  • 19. Christmas tradition in Romania-Ghelesian Silvia In many parts of Romania, it's traditional that someone dresses up as a goat, with a multicolored mask, and goes round with the carol singers. The goat is known as the 'Capra' and it jumps and dances around getting up to lots of mischief!
  • 20. Romania(Perisoru village)Nicolae Marina In the country side, the caroling tradition comes in different forms. There is the simple caroling, which involves only people singing, and there are special carols, which include dancing and more complex performances. There is the Christmas carol which involves carolers dressed as bears. In the past, a real bear was also included in the dance. The tradition, called Ursul (the Bear Dance), is mostly kept in most part of Romania including our village Perisoru on New Year’s Eve. The tradition aims to purify and fertilize the soil for the next year. The bear cult is of Geto- Dacian origins; back then, the bear was a sacred animal. Another special carol is called Capra (the Goat). In this case, one or several carolers dress up as goats and dance to a pipe tune. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=552924584791796 &set=vb.100002227799195&type=2&theater The video was made last year with my students ...hope you will like it….enjoy …
  • 21. Romania (Aura Ungureanu) Christmas Custom - The Star This is another Christmas custom specific to the Romanian people and it takes place around Christmas Eve. Those who bear the Star and go carolling are between 7 and 14 years old. The custom has a religious significance as it is related to the star that made its appearance and guided the Three Magi coming from the East. The children go carolling and carry a big wooden star trimmed with coloured paper and fir-tree twigs.
  • 22. Petre Felicia-Constanța, ROMÂNIA Games with masks The best known is the Goat, practiced in villages south of Constanta. The priests say that the custom has its roots in ancient times, when St. Andrew Christianity spread in these lands. Custom goat wandering there since that time, and St. taught the natives to bring the message of Christ's Nativity and so appeared the carol. A band of young goat nose accompanied clămpănitor walk from house to house to make wishes for health and prosperity. Carolers make much noise, to ward off evil spirits.
  • 23. Celebrating Christmas in Romania (Váncsa Szilvia) -middle part where live hungarian minorities The parents and children are celebrating the Christmas evening in the church - I think the faith in God, in Jesus is more important than any else thing in this world. I wish for every one Happy Christmas!
  • 24. Christmas traditions in Romania in our school there is a tradition that in the last week of the course, before the holidays, students in each class decorate a tree with stars and golden balls. Teachers and students sang lovely Christmas songs It organizes a festival that presents the most beautiful designs and the best cakes me. Everyone is happy Merry Christmas Craciun Fericit!
  • 25. Christmas Goodies from Romania (Alina Mioara) In Romania, there is no traditional Christmas meal without the main dish called ‘SARMALE’ - a sort of mince meat rolls in cabbage leaves - otherwise very tasty, accompanied by a glass (or a couple) of our traditional plum brandy named ‘TUICA’, as well as the famous dessert ‘COZONAC’ - pound cake with raisin and nut filling.
  • 26. Christmas in Romania (Daniela Bucur) In Romania, we always offer presents to each other and feel happy together. Merry Christmas to all of you!
  • 28. France (Régine Huzen) In France during the Christmas time we eat and offer a typical sweet “La papillote”.
  • 29. Christmas traditions in our family in France Traditions vary according to family origins and culture. In my family, what counts as much as decorating the Christmas tree involves creating objects that will fill the house with pleasant fragrance. For instance, we thrust oranges with many cloves: it is time-consuming but a nice moment to share with all the members of the family. We then put them in cupboards, or on pedestal tables; We also offer some to our dearest. It is a symbolical token to bring cheerfulness to everybody all year round. Another tradition is that everybody who enters our home chooses a bauble and hangs it in the Christmas tree, as a lucky charm. We also bake cinnamon objects that we hang everywhere to give off nice perfumes in the house.
  • 30. Traditions in French Guiana (FRANCE) Every weekend, Christmas caroling parties are organized. We call them “Chanté Nwèl”. People join together to sing in a joyful atmosphere during the Advent until December 24th. During these parties, people eat a soup called “Creole soup” made of vegetables and meat. There are as many recipes as cooks! It is really difficult to define a stereotyped Christmas menu because of French Guianese multiculturalism. You can find on the same table Christmas ham, “Creole pâtés”or “Marinades”, foie gras, oysters, salmon and so many delicious dishes. The only important thing is to join together around a tasty meal in a happy atmosphere with the whole family . The feast generally last from December 24th to December 25th. Some people go to Christmas mass. Joyeux Noël!
  • 32. Celebrating Christmas in Georgia On this day, large processions make their way through cities, towns, and villages throughout Georgia. These mass walks, called Alilo, are central to Georgia’s unique Christmas celebration. Banner-carrying clergy lead the processions, and men, women and children follow. Dressed as shepherds, soldiers, famous religious figures, or wearing traditional Georgian clothes, the procession members congratulate each other, and collect money for charities
  • 33. Celebrating Christmas in Georgia Christmas trees are an important part of Georgian Christmas, as well. Georgian Christmas trees, called Chichilaki, are carved from the branches of walnut trees. Hanging, curled strands of white wood give these small trees a distinctive, unmistakable appearance. It is easy to see why Chichilaki are often called “Basil’s beard.” More familiar Christmas concepts have a place in Georgian festivities, as well. Santa claus, known as tovlis papa (Grandfather Snow), is usually depicted wearing traditional Georgian clothes and a fur cloak called a nabadi. Although Grandfather Snow doesn’t have reindeer or a sled, he still is believed to visit homes on Christmas eve, leaving presents for the children. Most homes also put up a Western-style decorated Christmas tree, called nadzvis khe, in addition to the traditional Georgian Chichilaki
  • 34. Christmas in Georgia (Natela Kratsashvili) Christmas is the most important holiday for Georgians. It’s the most exciting event of the year as well. Georgians celebrate Christmas on 7th of January(new style). On this day large processions take their way throughout the cities as well as the villages. People sing Christmas Carol called “Alilo” and gather sweets and money for charity and congratulate each-other. Most families decorate Christmas tree and Georgian traditional “Chichilaki”, made from branches of walnut tree. On Christmas eve, each family light a candle and put it on the window-sill to meet Christmas at midnight. Most of Georgian people go to nearby churches to attend Christmas Mass. Then families gather together to celebrate such a wonderful day! Merry Christmas!!! :)
  • 36. Albania (Albana Eski) On New Year’s eve all the family getting together around the table to celebrate.The table is usually full with plenty of food and drinks.The best of all is the New Year’s turkey that is served with potatoes or rice.As for deserst we eat Turkish Baklava.After midnight the teens usually go to celebrate with their friends in a nightclub.
  • 37. ITALY
  • 38. Italy ( Emanuela Leto) Il Mercante in Fiera ( the Merchant at the Fair) We usually play games with our families after the Xmas big dinner . One of this is played using special cards with pictures on one side. There are two decks of identical cards, the leader of the game chooses some cards . put them on the table on the covered side and put money on them or sweets , money or sweets coming from the “buying and selling” of the cards among the players as in a market. Then the leader extracts the identical cards and the players owning them have to give him . The winners are the ones who own ,at the end of the extraction, the hidden cards with the money on them which are the prizes.
  • 39. CHRISTMAS IN ITALY Christmas is coming...in every town there are different and beautiful decorations: coloured lights and Xmas trees are everywhere, streets, shops, balcony… Moreover, in each house, families do a their own crib where will born Baby Jesus. During Xmas time, streets and houses smell of traditional food and cake: pettole (little fried balls of bread dough), cartellate (biscuits like roses with honey) and panettone. Merry Xmas from Massafra- Italy
  • 40. Christmas Bonfires (Italy_Calabria) by Chiara Torchia On Christmas Eve day, all young people of each district of my little town, gather woods to make big bonfires. There is a sort of competition between the different districts. All want to make the biggest bonfire! While men prepare bonfires, women make sweet and savory specialties to be offered to the people who at night, after the Mass, go around in the town to admire the bonfires, to dance and sing till next morning. Here is a delicious sweet speciality with honey called: “Pignolata”
  • 41. Special Christmas sweets in Basilicata region in the south of Italy Christmas is time to prepare some typical sweets at home. They are the so called “cicirotti” that is fried sweets fill in with chickpea, honey, chocolate and cinnamon and “strufoli” also fried sweets but prepared with flower, eggs and sugar. Delicious!
  • 42. Christmas in Naples, Italy (Tonia Calò) S.Gregorio Armeno In the old part of Naples there is a well known street :Via San Gregorio Armeno.Here there are a lot of small artisan workshops producing traditional characters of nativity scene but most of all the most famous men and women of our daily life in any fields (politics-religion- art-cinema - television…) http://youtu.be/yGe_j4CpsHo
  • 43. Christmas in Wales vs Sardinia In Wales, the usual British traditions, making Christmas pudding in October and Christmas cake a month before Christmas, sending cards before 6th December, lots of office parties and club parties dinners/lunches. By the time Christmas comes, we’ve really had loads of Christmas cheer. I think the tradition I love best is going Caroling with friend. It’s wonderful to see children listening to you from their windows and bringing a bit of community joy to people who are alone most of the year. It makes it special for them in a way and makes you feel good doing something for others. Then the Christmas midnight mass with everyone singing in the church, heartfelt and really letting down your hair. In Sardinia, my favourite tradition, the nativity scene set in every corner of the town. The Zampognare, bagpipe players or where I live reed music played on instruments called ‘launeddas’. I need to hear them once a year as they remind me of hot chestnuts around the fireplace on a cold Christmas night with the family and lingering aromas of a roast and spices from the Christmas sweet called ‘paisaba’ still present in the air. Best wishes from Tina
  • 44. Italy (Valeria) In my city, Palermo, we have a typical Xmas sweet: the “Buccellato”, generally a ring-shaped cake made of a pastry stuffed by dried fruits (figs, raisins, almonds, pine and pistachio nuts) and covered by icing or powdered sugar… many calories!! Anyway, in addition to this and many other desserts our tradition have brought to us, each member of my family usually drinks a cup of chocolate on the very 25th of December before unpacking gifts. Merry Christmas Valeria
  • 45. CHRISTMAS IN MARCHE (ITALY) by Diana Paolucci In my region the families join together and have dinner. There are typical dishes such as “cappelletti”, a sort of handmade pasta with meat inside, another type of pasta called “vincisgrassi” (in the photo) and the so called“pizza de natà” a cake with nuts, raisins ecc. ANCONA A LIVING CRIB
  • 46. Christmas in Italy Hello from Taranto, in Italy. In my city the families have a big dinner on Christmas Eve; adults and children plays with cards. Mums prepare typical sweets called “sannacchiudere”, with flour, oil, wine, sugar; after they prepare small balls and cooked it in the hot oil. Then they put on the honey.
  • 48. This is how we celebrate Christmas in Bulgaria.( Dimitrinka Palakarska ) •On the 24 of December, before the dinner is served, the master of the house lights the Yule log - cut trunk of oak, elm or Krusevo tree. • The meals should be rich and includes everything that is produced in the household as boiled corn, boiled beans, rolls, stuffed peppers with beans or rice, dried fruits, pickles, onions, garlic, honey, walnuts and wine. In the four corners of the room are placed nuts to illuminate the four corners of the world. •At midnight on Christmas Eve before Christmas, starts and the custom - winter ritual for fertility, health and good luck(Koleduvane).On christmas , after the church service, all of the people gather to dance, which are generally believed to symbolize longevity. Dinner on 25 December is much richer thanthe previous night, because it is allowed to eat meat. •In Koleduvane are involved young men –newly married, engaged or bachelors. The men are singing on the way to the door and into the house. Ritual songs are performed differently depending on the place they are and for who are they singing for. They are singing songs for every one of the family members - from oldest to youngest. The hosts usually give gifts like donuts , money, wine, and the ritual end with a big feast for all of the performers. •And last, but by no means no least, remember to wish something at midnight on Christmas Eve before Christmas! According to legends, at midnight the heaven opened and the wishes are coming true. • •
  • 49. SPAIN
  • 50. Victoria Carceller from Spain In the region where I live, Valencia, east of the country, there is a tradition called “las estrenas”. On 25th December after Christmas lunch, the goodfathers (usually the oncles) give the estrenas to their goodchildren. The estrenas are a small amount (sometimes not so small) of money that children receive after doing a short demonstration in front of all the family, like singing a song, recite a poem, say a joke ....
  • 51. Victoria Carceller from Spain After doing this , children have to kiss their goodfather’s hand and he open it dropping the coins or banknotes
  • 52. Spanish Christmas- Presents Just before the end of our holidays, on the frosty morning of the 6th of January, we receive presents from the Three Wise Men. Kids can’t sleep that night. Adults can’t either...
  • 53. Xmas traditions in Catalonia: the “Caga Tió” (Karol Barriuso) Caga Tió comes out on 8th December . It is a small log with a smiley face, wearing the traditional red Catalan hat - the Barretina. The name Caga Tió means 'Poo Log'. Every day until Christmas Eve, children look after the Caga Tió. They cover him with a blanket to make sure that he is warm and they feed him every evening with tangerines and cookies. This is to ensure that he is nice and full so that he will “poo” out lots of treats on Christmas Eve! Clik here to view a tale on the tradition we created. On Christmas Eve, after dinner, children are given a stick with which they hit the Caga Tió. They sing a special song: "Caga Tió avellanes I torró (poo Tió, hazelnuts and turron) Si no vols cagar (if you don’t want to poo) Et donanem un cop de pal” (we will hit you with a stick) The children then reach inside the Caga Tio's blanket and find sweets and small toys. Similar to the sorts of treats that children receive in their stockings from Santa Claus.
  • 54. “Els Pastorets” - “The shepherds” a traditional nativity play from Catalonia. Fina Vendrell. 2 shepherds are the comic characters that find the devils and live funny adventures before they arrrive to Betlem to adore the baby Jesus. Children at school and adults in theatres, perform this famous Catalan tradition.
  • 56. Iceland (Elin Stefansdottir) In Iceland we back a lot of small cakes.
  • 57. Christmas customs from Poland Wafer We love decorating our Christmas tree with home made ginger cakes. We used to decorate it with wafer. Christmas Eve supper is the most elevating moment. We serve 12 traditional dishes. The meal starts with sharing wafer called opłatek. We break pieces from other family members’ wafers and wish them all the best. Making such cribs is a special tradition of Cracow. Every year people make new ones. Children are allowed not to eat all the dishes but are encouraged to try them at least. Almost all families serve carp. There are campaigns to save carps from suffering.
  • 58. Christmas in Poland After Wigilia, the family gathers under the tree, choinka, to exchange gifts and sing carols. Shortly before midnight, the family gets ready to go to Midnight Mass called pasterka which means Shepherds' Mass. When Jesus was born, only humble shepherds came to adore him and to spread the good news. http://www.events.kamela.org/Christmas2011/Christmas2011.h tml
  • 59. Polish traditional food for Christmas In Poland we should eat 12 dishes for Christmas Eve supper. The main important dish is carp. We try to prepare it in many different ways. We usually serve beetroot or mushroom soup for starter. Then we eat makiełki, these are needles with poppy, nuts and almonds. The cabbage with mushrooms or peas is also very important. There are also potatoes, and special drink - kompot. It is made of dried fruit. The dishes can vary from different regions in Poland. Before the supper we share a special wafer and exchanging Christmas greetings. Iza W. carp beetroot soup
  • 60. Christmas traditions in Split, Croatia In Split holiday spirit begins 06.12. at St. Nicholas Day when children receive gifts. Gifts in boots placed overnight. At St. Lucia 12.12. we sow wheat , which is Christmas decoration in the house through the holidays. On Christmas Eve they bake “fritule i kroštule”, decorate the Christmas tree and in the evening we go to midnight mass. All the houses and streets in the city are decorated with multicolored lights. Christmas is celebrated with family preparing Christmas food . Under the Christmas tree all family members will find their gifts. Next day 26. 12. on St. Stephen's we visiting relatives, friends and neighbors. In every church make Christmas nativity scene, visited by children all over the holidays.
  • 62. Mari Jokela from Finland As you know Santa Claus is living in Finland. Normally Santa Claus comes to our homes on Christmas eve, give some presents and maybe sing a song with children. But last week I had an unique chance to visit his real home. I think this can happen only once in a lifetime. I am so happy!
  • 63. Portuguese Christmas Traditional boiled cod fish that we call “Bacalhau”, with vegetables, eggs and potatoes all boiled as well, with garlic, pepper, olive oil and balsamic vinegar is the dish that we have in our Christmas Eve (Consoada)
  • 65. Portuguese Christmas On Christmas Day we used to eat roasted turkey with roasted potatoes and boiled greens. We used to drink red wine or champaigne
  • 66. Portuguese Christmas Traditional dessert: Rabanadas (French toasts)-1 Bolo Rei (King Cake)-2 Aletria (Angel hair)-3 Arroz doce (Sweet rice)-4 Bolinhos de abóbora -5 (Pumpkin cakes) All these desserts take cinnamon, lots of sugar, honey and eggs. 1 2 3 4 5
  • 67. Portugal (Cândida) Christmas is a wonderful time. There is music and lights and the houses are decorated with Mistletoe and other appropriate items. A pine tree is decorated and all Christmas presents are placed underneath it. A nativity scene is built: this is a small recollection of Jesus’ birth, with small clay figures and moss; this is placed under the Christmas tree. In fact, Portuguese Christmas has been changing a little, because of the contact with other cultures. Nowadays, Santa Claus is the one who “brings” the gifts to the kids and not Jesus Christ any longer.Concerning food, my Portuguese partner has said it all! Delicious! Since my early childhood, I’ve collected real moss in the forest, with my beloved ones, to built nativity scene :) Summing up, it’ s a time of joy! Nativity scene
  • 68. Christmas Traditions in Portugal Christmas is a season with huge religious values. Is all about family and celebrating life together. From North to South there are many different traditions in Portugal like the nativity scene, the christmas tree, the presents give, the Rooster Mass, burning the wooden, the christmas di-nner (with all kind of foods)! In January, small choirs gather in each village and go door by door singing to announce the birth of Christ and wish everyone a Happy New Year. They do it in exchange for some wine, nuts, sweets or even money (so called “Janeiras”). FE
  • 70. Traditions in Germany There are many traditions in Germany around Christmas. I would like to share with you a presentation my kids and me prepared for an eTwinning project. Just click on the image :-) http://prezi.com/voj8hscxpyxm/?utm_campaign=share& utm_medium=copy