“Christmas Around the World”

Instructions

Use the Internet resources listed with each question to track down some holiday traditions in countries around the world.  If you'd like to use it, a copy of the questions is available for you to print and record your answers.
 

Questions

1. What kind of trees are decorated at Christmas time in India?
   Internet Resource:  Christmas in India
   http://www.christmas-world.freesavers.com/india.html
2. Christmas trees are not commonly used in Greece.  What is the main symbol of the season in most Greek homes?
   Internet Resource:  Christmas in Greece
   http://www.gogreece.com/learn/christmas.htm
3. In the Netherlands, what do children leave in their shoes as a gift for Sinterklaas's horse?
   Internet Resource: Christmas in the Netherlands
   http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/around/netherlands.html
    
4. In the 1970's an old Christmas tradition was revived in Estonia. What was it?
   Internet Resource:  Christmas in Estonia
   http://www.christmas.com/worldview/ee
5. In rural areas of Jamaica, holiday celebrations include a ___________________, a form of parade and festivities brought from Africa.
   Internet Resource:  Christmas in Jamaica
   http://www.christmas.com/worldview/jm
6. On what date does Christmas end in Sweden?
   Internet Resource: Christmas in Sweden
   http://www.christmas.com/worldview/SE
7. What is one of the most popular Christmas tree ornaments in Japan? 
   Internet Resource:  Christmas in Japan
   http://www.christmas.com/pe/1018
8. How do Venezuelans in the capital city of Caracas get to church services on Christmas Eve?
   Internet Resource: Christmas in Venezuela
   http://www.christmas.com/worldview/ve
    
9. What do Romanian children often do on Christmas night?
   Internet Resource: Christmas in Romania
   http://www.christmas.com/worldview/RO
    
10. What is the name of the special porridge eaten at Christmas Eve dinner in many homes in Russia?
    Internet Resource:   Christmas in Russia
    http://www.christmas.com/worldview/ru
11. In Luxembourg, "Kleeschen" is another name for __________ who comes from the heavens to reward children who have been good.
    Internet Resource:   Christmas in Luxembourg
    http://www.christmas.com/worldview/lu
12. On what day during the holiday season are gifts traditionally exchanged in Slovakia?
    Internet Resource: Slovaks and Christmas Traditions
    http://www.slovak.com/xmas_traditions/
     
13. Why are there 13 days of Christmas in Iceland rather than 12?
    Internet Resource:   Christmas in Iceland
    http://www.eurochristmas.com/euroinfo/iceland.htm
14. What kind of fruit is often found in the stockings of children who live in the Canadian Prairies?
    Internet Resource: Canadian Christmas
    http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Noel/angl/basnoel.htm
     
15. What is the main holiday decoration in most Mexican homes?
    Internet Resource:  Mexican Christmas Traditions
    http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/christmas.html