Christmas is celebrated all around the world. It is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Most Christian religions celebrate this day on December 25th. Christianity is celebrated in most countries around the world. The season is filled with traditions such as decorating trees, eating certain food, colorful light displays and exchanging gifts. Traditions can be specific to what part of the world you live in and can be traced back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Let's see if you celebrate like anyone else.

In Germany, Christmas celebrations start on the eve of December 6th. On December 5th, children all over Germany set their shoes outside or in front of a fireplace. This is in hopes that St. Nicholas will leave candy and small gifts in their shoes. German settlers in Pennsylvania brought the tradition to the United States. Germany is also credited for the Christmas tradition of decorating a tree. One tradition in Germany is about a demon named Krampus who may come to visit children who have been naughty. Krampus takes the naughty list to a whole new level. This tradition is mostly celebrated in the southern part of Germany known as Bavaria where they hold festivals for the grumpy twin to the kind and generous St. Nick. 

Would you believe there is a country where the traditional Christmas food is not turkey but Kentucky Fried Chicken? Yup! KFC has become so popular in Japan, that your Christmas bucket has to be ordered months in advance. Christmas is not celebrated as much in Japan as other places but it is becoming more popular. 

Mexico began celebrating Christmas when the Spaniards brought Christianity to Mexico more than 500 years ago. One tradition brought to the New World was Las Posadas. This tradition has members of the community parade through the streets. One couple in the parade represents Mary and Joseph looking for a safe place for a baby to be born. Traditional Christmas foods in Mexico include tamales, pozole and bunuelos. Did you know the red and green plant called a poinsettia comes from Mexico? 

We may think of Christmas as a winter holiday but hold your reindeer. In the southern hemisphere Christmas is in the summer. In Australia Santa’s sled is pulled by kangaroos and instead of a warm fuzzy red suit, the jolly guy may be dressed up in board shorts carrying a surfboard. Families hold barbecues and take vacations at the beach. So if you ever wanted to go surfing with Santa you will find him south of the equator.

2,100 years ago the tradition of Santa Claus began with St. Nicholas who, as a Catholic Bishop, was very good to children. He also helped people who were poor. As with most stories that are passed down through generations, the story changed with the different cultures. He is now known as Santa Claus, Pere Noel, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, and many more. Although he is known by many names around the world he is still the generous, joyful, gift giver that he was in the beginning.