Christmas all over the world

In my Italian class we are currently discussing feast days and one of these is Christmas. Now I know how people celebrate that day in Italy and in America, but I am also interested in other countries traditions and so I made some research!

… in China
In China only a few people are Christians and because of this it is very often only celebrated in the big cities. There you can find nearly the same traditions as in Europe or America: lights and other decorations on the streets and in department shops, Christmas carols and in some houses there are Christmas trees decorated with paper flowers, paper lanterns or paper chains. A special custom on Christmas Eve is to present your family and friends apples, because the Chinese word for “Christmas Eve” and “apple” sounds similar!

… in the Netherlands
The name Santa Clause comes from the Scandinavian “Sinterklaas”. In the Netherlands children leave their shoes out on 5^th December to be filled by Sinterklaas who brings the presents. The kids also put carrots into their shoes for Sinterklaas’s horse. They are told that only the good ones receive presents, but bad children will get hunted by Zwarte Piet (Black Peter). There is also a Dutch tradition which is similar to an Austrian/a German: at school pupils write their names on a piece of paper and then put it in a hat. Now everyone has to pick one paper and make a surprise present for the student. On Christmas Eve, Dutch Children believe that Santa Claus, (who is also called 'Christmas man' to avoid confusion with Sinterklaas!) comes from Lapland in Finland to deliver more presents!

… in Italy 
The Italian children have to wait until 6^th January, which is called “Epifania”, for their presents. According to the traditions, the presents are delivered by an ugly witch called “Befana” who flies on a broom. She slides down the chimney, and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children and leaves coal for children who are bad!