During the month of December, countries around the world are celebrating similar holidays, most of which are associated with religion.  Even though we may be in different countries, we all are brought together by the season of giving.

In Denmark, Christmas Eve or “Juleaften” is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Parties are all night and everyone is has a good time. A mischievous elf named Nisse makes sure the children stay in good behavior. The families leave out a bowl of rice pudding on Christmas Eve for him and in return, he is kind and helpful. The Danish also have “Julemand,” or Christmas Man. Before Juleaften or Christmas Eve, parents can be seen secretly decorating the tree so it’s a surprise for the kids. The children are finally able to see the beautiful tree lit on Christmas Eve and then sing carols around it.

Sisi, a foreign exchange student from Denmark, said, “Everybody in Denmark does the  same things but the Danish tradition of celebrating it all on the 24th is different. We eat a special dessert, sing around the tree, and open all of the presents on the 24th. But in America you don’t sing around the Christmas tree. What’s up with that?” She said she prefers her traditions at home but she looks forward to experiencing something new this year.

In Germany, the Christmas preparations start before December even starts. Christkindl, the angel, collects the letters left by children on their windowsills. Christkindl and Weihnachtsmann (Christmas man), both bear gifts to the children. Some homes in Germany even have more than one Christmas tree! One thing that the children look forward to is on December 6th. On December 5th, they leave a shoe or boot outside the door and the next morning they either find presents or a rod in their shoes! Presents are for the good kids and rods are for the bad kids. Even though Christmas is over on December 25th, on January 6th for Three Kings Day. Catholic boys and girls dress up as kings and sing carols around the neighborhood for donations for different projects.

In the United States, Santa Claus is the man that brings gifts for all the good children. We set up decorations, lights, and put up a tree. Christmas brings together the families and it is a time to give to the less fortunate. Junior Robert Dunning goes to church with his family in East Hampton on Christmas Eve and then has a nice family dinner. Junior Alex Patricolo, has a huge feast with his family and participates in the traditional Italian “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” His family even made up their own “Feast of the Seven Pastas.”

Every family has their own traditions in the U.S. and most of them aren’t the same but, having a nice family dinner and decorating as a family are the most common. No matter what country you live in, Christmastime is one of family and giving. We are all brought together by that common bond. Happy holidays!