St. Nick
Carols
חֲנוּכָּה , (aka honika!)
Kwanzaa
Christmas Traditions by Country
100
Born to Greek parents near the end of the third century in the coastal city of Patara, which is in the Southwest region of this present day country
Turkey
100
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
Away in a Manger
100
Spell the category title.
Hanukkah (/ˈhɑːnəkə/ HAH-nə-kə; Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה ḥanuká, Tiberian: ḥanuká, usually spelled חֲנוּכָּה, pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, [ˈχanukə] or [ˈχanikə] in Yiddish; a transliteration also romanized as Chanukah or Ḥanukah)
100
Originated in this Country
The United States of America
100
The Giant Lantern Festival is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando. Eleven villages take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern. The lanterns are made from a variety of materials and have grown to around six metres in size. They are illuminated by electric bulbs that sparkle in a kaleidoscope of patterns.
Philippines
200
For the families who observe the Christian feast day of Saint Nicholas, it's an annual tradition for the parents to play the role of St. Nick on this night of December, not the 24th, and fill their children's stockings -- or shoes -- with candy, fruit or even small toys.
December 5th
200
Everybody knows a turkey and some Mistletoe help to make the season bright
The Christmas Song "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire"
200
The Jewish Festival of lights commemorates the rededication of this
Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
200
Falls on these dates every year
December 26 to January 1
200
Perhaps one of the most unorthodox Christmas Eve traditions, people hide their brooms in this country. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. To this day, many people still hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to stop them from being stolen.
Norway
300
In parts of northern Europe and German-speaking regions children are given treats and gifts. Many will leave letters for St. Nicholas, as well as carrots or grass for this animal, he is said to arrive on.
His donkey
300
She didn't see me creep down the stairs to have a peep; She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
300
Observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, called a menorah (or hanukkiah). One branch is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. This is the name of the unique candle.
the shamash (Hebrew: שַׁמָּשׁ, "attendant").
300
Created in 1966 during the aftermath of this "uprising."
The Watts riots
300
Aside from a few small, secular traditions such as gift-giving and light displays, Christmas remains largely a novelty in the country. However, a new, quirky “tradition” has emerged in recent years – a Christmas Day feast of the Colonel’s very own Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Japan
400
Known as "Sinterklaas," in this country
The Netherlands
400
Our finest gifts we bring
Little Drummer Boy (Pa rum pum pum pum)
400
Latkes and these round jelly doughnuts are eaten in Israel and around the world on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The doughnut is deep-fried in oil, filled with jam or custard, and then topped with powdered sugar.
Sufganiyah (Hebrew: סופגנייה or סופגניה [ˌsufɡaniˈja]; plural: sufganiyot
400
The name Kwanzaa derives from the phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits of the harvest," in this language
Swahili
400
A beast-like demon creature that roams city streets frightening kids and punishing the bad ones – nope, this isn’t Halloween, but St. Nicholas’ evil accomplice, Krampus. St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls, while Krampus is said to capture the naughtiest children and whisk them away in his sack.
Austria
500
The most popular nonbiblical saint in the pre-modern Christian church, (more churches have been named for him than for any other saint except Mary, the mother of Jesus. St. Nicholas is recognized as the patron saint of these (1/2 is sufficient).
Children and sailors, as well as the patron saint of Greece and Russia, along with a number of cities.
500
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
O Holy Night!
500
While not part of the canonized Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) used by modern Jews, (though the Catholic and Orthodox Churches consider them part of the Old Testament), the story of Hanukkah is preserved in these books.
The First and Second Maccabees
500
Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966, and was a major figure in this movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
The Black Power Movement
500
In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, 13 tricksy troll-like characters called The Yule Lads come out to play and visit the children. For each night of Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window and a different Yule Lad visits leaving gifts for nice girls and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones.
Iceland