Friday Fact - Christmas Around the World

Do you know how other countries celebrate Christmas?

Here is a very brief listing of the "gift givers" from other cultures:

Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th in Eastern Europe. Children put a boot by the window on December 5th and it is filled with treats by Saint Nicholas.

In China, "Dun Che Lao Ren," or Christmas Old Man, brings gifts to children.

The Dutch "Sintirklass" arrives by boat on December 6th. Children leave a wooden shoe filled with hay and carrots for the donkey which carries St. Nicholas' pack of toys.

In Italy "La Befana" is a good witch who dresses all in black. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace on the eve of January 6th. Befana comes down the chimney on her broomstick to leave gifts.

In Germany families go to church on Christmas Eve. While they are at church the "Christkind" or Christ Child brings presents to their homes.

In Spanish-speaking countries, such as Spain, Mexico, South America, children wait until January 6th for their presents. The Three Kings or Wise Men bring the gifts. Children put shoes by the front door to get their gifts. There is usually a big procession through the streets with floats for each of the Wise men.

In Sweden a gnome called "Juletomten" brings gifts in a sleigh driven by goats.

In Switzerland the "Christkindl" or Christ Child brings the gifts. In some towns, Christkindl is an angel who comes down from heaven to give gifts.

In England Father Christmas is a stern version of Santa Claus who brings gifts on Christmas Eve.

In France "Pere Noel" brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace.

Of course, in the U.S. Santa Claus is a name that brings joy to millions of children every year.

I pray that each of you would experience the real gift-giver this year. The reason we really celebrate Christmas and the only one who can give joy that lasts. His name is Jesus, he was born in a stable thousands of years ago to a young virgin. He grew up without sin and was crucified on a cross for the sins of this world. We've all heard the story but have you experienced the reality in your own life? Unlike the other "gift-givers", Jesus is real, history proves what He did and His gift of eternal life to each of us is free.

Merry Christmas!