Spanish.....Feliz Navidad
Danish......Glaedelig
Italian.......Buone Fesle Natalizie
French......Joyeuz Noel
Dutch.......Vrolyk Kerstfeast
German.....Froelich Weihnacten
Polish........Boze Narodzenie
Turkish......Yeliniz Kitu Oslum
Listen to "Merry Christmas" in different languages.

Italy

Epiphany is the day for children. In this country folklore tells of Befana, who was
a woman who failed to go with the wise men. She is now
looking for the Christ child and delivers gifts for
all the young children. On Epiphany Eve the
children empty their pockets for treats.
Naughty children receive ashes or a birch rod.

Poland

For Christmas Eve supper, they have 12 meals. One of the meals
is carp prepared in different ways. No meat is served.
There is an extra place setting for unexpected guests.
This country has a custom that after supper the children open presents.
Then the entire family attends a midnight mass. Christmas day
is reserved for visiting family and friends.

Mexico

Christmas festivities and traditions begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive
days of parties and candelight processions. The Pinata
is a common part of many parties.Most Mexican homes
decorate with a nativity scene. On Christmas Eve at midnight,
bells whistles and fireworks mark the anniversary
of the birth of Christ. Families then attend "Misa de Gallo"
or "Mass of the Rooster."

Germany

The day of celebration is on December 6th,
St. Nicholas Day.Children place a shoe or boot
by the fireplace. During the night, St. Nicholas, the patron
saint of children, goes from house to house carrying a book
with a record of the misdeeds of the children.
If they have been good, he fills the shoe or boot
with delicious goodies. If they have not been good
their shoe is filled with twigs. Parent usually decorate the
Christmas tree and place presents under it. The tree is not
seen by the children until Christmas Eve. Then carols are sung,
sometimes sparklers are lit, the Christmas story is read
and gifts are opened.