Christmas is celebrated around the world in lots of different ways.

Traditions include: Gift-giving, Special meals, Christmas trees and lights

Jesus’ birthday isn’t known exactly, but many countries have chosen the 25th of December.

Although it is a Christian holiday, it is also now a celebration for many non-Christians around the globe.

Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

• Eat a dinner of turkey, roasted potatoes and parsnips.

• Tell stories about Father Christmas – he rides a sleigh pulled by reindeers and delivers presents.

• Watch TV on Christmas Day to watch the Queen’s speech.

In Britain, we usually…

• What do you eat for you Christmas dinner?

• What do you do with your family?

• Do you watch the Queen’s speech?

• What sort of presents do you get?

• Eat differently depending on where they live. Some of them eat frankfurters, while other eat fish.

• Tell stories of Christkindl – a small, angel-like child that comes to visit other children with presents.

• Make Christmas lists for Christkindl, then draw pictures on it and cover it with sugar.

In Germany, they usually…

• Only 1% of the population is Christian.

• Most houses and shops still decorate their buildings to celebrate Christmas.

• Fried chicken is often eaten on Christmas Day. They also make a special cake with strawberries and whipped cream.

In Japan…

• Christmas is celebrated January 7th.

• Some people do not eat until the first star appears on Christmas Eve. After this, they eat a dish called sochivo. It is made with rice, honey and fruit..

• A man called Father Frost comes to bring presents to children.

In Russia…

• They give presents to each other on Christmas Eve.

• Gifts are brought by small gnomes called ‘Nisse’.

• One of their most famous traditions is giving a huge Christmas tree to the UK. This is to say thank you for the UK’s help during World War II.

In Norway…

• Christmas is also known as ‘bada din’ in India. This means ‘the big day’.

• Father Christmas comes to visit the children in India, he is also known as Christmas Baba in Hindi.

• He delivers his presents on a horse and cart.

In India…

• What sort of food do they eat in Germany at Christmas?

• What do Japanese people have on top of their cakes?

• What date is Christmas celebrated in Russia?

• Who brings the gifts to children in Norway?

• How does Christmas Baba deliver presents in India?