What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
--Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
With Christmas a mere two days away, it is easy to fall prey to the commercial trappings of the season. What once began the day after Thanksgiving has now morphed into a holiday season that rears its head well before Halloween. Who can forget these classic holiday moments? The Peanuts Gang celebrating Christmas by caroling and exploring a true meaning of the day. The animated tale of Rudolph remains an annual favorite on TV. Scrooge's story resonated in the classrooms of my students for over two decades. I am sure many other students read the same Dickens classic in their schools too. Nativity Scenes in Historic Kirtland have garnered country-wide attention. With over 20 years history behind it -Santa, an elf toyshop, and Country Lights have sold out in mere days for Lake Metroparks. Even the Grinch makes an annual visit to a lighthouse in Fairport Harbor. Today let's examine some different traditions from around the world.
Some Holidays Traditions From Around The Globe-
- Austria celebrates the Feast of Saint Nicholas with traditional baked carp.
- In Denmark, Christmas is a time when Nisse, a mischievous elf heads out and enjoys playing jokes. Families leave a bowl of porridge to avoid his worst pranks.
- Flaming plum puddings, and one with a favor baked in it await those seeking good luck in Australia.
- St. Nicholas travels by boat with his little helper Black Peter in Holland.
- Mattack, whale skin with blubber interiors are eaten at Christmastime in Greenland.
- In Sweden a little brownie, or ultomen helps Santa deliver gifts.
- In Bulgaria, Christmas Eve is the most important holiday and 12 dish meals are a tradition, all without meat.
- Taffy making and esiteddfodde (carols) are part of Wales festive customs.
- In Spain tiny oil lamps are lit in homes. 'Jota' - dancing in the streets is also part of the midnight celebrations.
- LaPosada, a reenactment of that first night is a main tradition in Mexico.
- In Canada Santa has his own zip code- ho,ho,ho.
What's another name for Santa's helpers? (subordinate clauses)
What do you call a stingy elf? (elf-ish)
How do you describe a wealthy elf? ( Welfy)
If athletes get athlete's foot, what do elves get? (Mistle- Toes)
What do you call a wound that is caused by being hammered by an elf? (It's Elf-inflicted)
What do you call a Santa Claus that does not move? (Santa Pause)
What goes "oh,oh,oh?" (Santa walking backwards)
And to all...
Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel Frohe Weihnachten Feliz Navidad
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