Among Protestants
1. In Scandinavia
Because the Scandinavian
countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are high in the northern
hemisphere, daylight hours are extremely short during the midwinter
Christmas season. Therefore, many Christmas celebrations there incorporate
ancient Yule festivals that honor the first lengthening of days following
the winter solstice. For example, Swedes sing carols in honor of the
legendary Queen of Light, who is believed to bring hope during periods of
darkness.
The holiday season in many parts of Scandinavia begins on December 13 with the celebration of Santa Lucia�s Day. According to legend, Lucia was burned at the stake because she refused to deny her Christian faith and marry a pagan. In her honor, young girls dress in white robes and red sashes, and wear crowns of greenery and glowing candles. In some communities, these girls lead processions of carolers through the streets. Scandinavians also celebrate Christmas by decorating evergreen trees and preparing such special foods as lutefisk (preserved cod); pickled herring; and krummkake, a delicate, cone-shaped cookie. Scandinavians give farm animals extra feed at Christmastime, in memory of the animals that were present when Jesus was born, and leave grain outdoors for birds. According to ancient legends, elves play mischievous tricks during the midwinter season, but they also help Santa Claus bring gifts to children. In Sweden, children hope to receive gifts from Santa Claus, known as Jultomten; in Denmark, he is Nisse; and in Norway, Julenisse. Many children simply know him as Santa Claus and believe that he lives in Greenland.
2. In Germany
The German custom of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmastime has
become one of the most popular images of Christmas around the world. At one
time, Germany supplied the world with almost all of the decorative glass
ornaments for Christmas trees. The Christmas season begins in Germany during
the first week of December, when town squares become filled with stalls
selling everything from toys to hot spiced wine. On the evening of December
5, children wait for a visit from Saint Nicholas, who brings them gifts.
Most children also receive gifts on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Germany,
Santa Claus distributes gifts, but in other regions children�s treats are
delivered by Knecht Ruprecht, a mythical figure dressed in animal
skins. From Christmas Eve through all of Christmas Day and the next day,
stores are closed and all work stops as families exchange gifts, attend
church, and wish one another Fr�hliche Weihnachten (happy Christmas).
On Christmas Eve, families traditionally gather around Christmas trees
decorated with lights, ornaments, and Lebkuchen, which are spiced
cookies cut into decorative shapes. Church services on Christmas Eve are
illuminated by worshipers holding candles.
3. In England
Religious customs of Christmas celebrations in England center on recounting
the story of Christ�s birth. Most people who celebrate Christmas also
participate in such secular customs as watching Christmas plays, feasting,
singing, and helping the poor. Before Christmas Day, children write wish
lists to Father
Christmas,
who is the British version of Santa Claus. They then throw these letters
into the fire. Children believe that if a draft draws the letter up through
the chimney, their wishes will be fulfilled. Children open their gifts on
Christmas afternoon, following a meal of goose or roast beef and a dessert
of plum pudding.
The day after Christmas is also a national holiday in England, known as Boxing Day or Saint Stephen�s Day (see Saint Stephen). Long ago, English gentry gave small gifts known as Christmas boxes to their servants on the day after Christmas. English custom still sets aside Boxing Day for tipping the delivery person and others who have performed personal services throughout the year. Many people in England also make charitable contributions to churches and to the needy on Boxing Day.
4. In India
The relatively few Christians in India celebrate Christmas with festivities
that bear the marks of former British rule. Many decorate Christmas trees,
distribute greeting cards, and exchange gifts. Servants accept baksheesh
(money tips) from their employers. In turn, the servants give a lemon to
the head of the household on Christmas morning as a symbol of their esteem.
During the Christmas season, Indians in the southern part of the country
decorate their houses with clay lamps at night.
5. In Australia & New Zealand
Because Australia and
New Zealand are in the southern hemisphere,
Christmas there falls during
summertime. In the warm weather of the season, many Australians and New
Zealanders celebrate Christmas with picnics on the beach. British colonizers
introduced traditional European holiday customs in the late 18th century,
but these customs have since been modified to accommodate local conditions.
For example, in addition to making decorations with evergreen boughs and
Christmas trees, Australians and New Zealanders adorn their homes with
flowers and other summer plants. Australians gather at large festivals to
sing Christmas carols by candlelight. Some carols feature imagery of the
Australian Christmas bush, a local plant that flowers at Christmastime.