Or Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun as they say in Turkey, or Joyeux Noel as they say in France, or Feliz Navidad as they say in Spanish speaking countries, or Merry Christmas as we say here. (In case you’re wondering, the title is in Mandarin.)
Learning how families celebrate Christmas all over the world is in and of itself an educational experience. This is one of the most interesting and fascinating things that we do all year. As a result of “visiting” a few countries around Christmas time each year, we have incorporated a few other traditions into our own family celebration. Here is just a small sampling of things to do. . .
Throw a party!
We’ve only done this once and I admit, this is definitely not the easiest way to study the subject matter. But it was a lot of fun. Guests were invited to celebrate an ‘Around the World’ Christmas. Upon arrival they were given made up passports. The house was set up with an “airplane” (chairs in a row and some very creative engineering with refrigerator boxes) and we would go to the airplane to hear a brief story, then do a craft, enjoy a recipe or engage in some other ‘ethnic’ activity. This could be a great co-op activity and that way the bulk of the work wouldn’t be on you.
Eat the Food!
There are a variety of dishes that are just made at Christmas time. It is likely that you needn’t look farther than your own family cook book to find some things. Our family has a tradition of making German cabbage rolls. My best friend has spent the last several days making pasteles and will undoubtedly enjoy a pernil for their Christmas celebration.
Go Christmas Caroling. . .
In Spanish or in French. When we do it (which I will tell you is NOT every year), we sing something well known, such as Silent Night, in English first. Then we sing it in Spanish (which most of our neighbors speak) and then we sing it in French. (At the end of this blog, I’ve included the words in both French (first) and Spanish (second).
For other great ideas on how Christmas is celebrated around the world look at Santas.Net
Nuit de Paix–French
Ô nuit de paix, Sainte nuit
Dans le ciel L’astre luit
Dans les champs tout repose en paix
Mais soudain dans l’air pur et frais
Le brillant coeur des anges
Aux bergers apparaît
Ô nuit de foi, Sainte nuit
Les bergers sont instruits
Confiants dans la voix des cieux
Ils s’en vont adorer leur Dieu
Et Jésus, en échange
Leur sourit radieux
Ô nuit d’amour, Sainte nuit
Dans l’étable, aucun bruit
Sur la paille, est couché l’enfant
Que la Vierge endort en chantant
Il repose en ses langes
Son Jésus ravissant
Ô nuit d’espoir, Sainte nuit
L’espérance a reluit
Le Sauveur de la terre est né
C’est à nous que Dieu l’a donné
Célébrons ses louanges
Gloire au Verbe incarné
Noche de Paz–Spanish
Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor.
Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz
Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús.
Brilla la estrella de paz,
Brilla la estrella de paz.
Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor.
Sólo velan en la oscuridad
Los pastores que en el campo están
Y la estrella de Belén,
Y la estrella de Belén.
Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor.
Sobre el santo niño Jesús
Una estrella esparce su luz,
Brilla sobre el Rey,
Brilla sobre el Rey.
Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor;
Fieles velando allí en Belén
Los pastores, la madre también,
Y la estrella de paz,
Y la estrella de paz.