European Traditions
In this country, children place their shoes by the fireplace on December 5th to be filled with gifts by Saint Nicholas.
What is the Netherlands?
In the United States, this sweet, spiced beverage is often enjoyed during Christmas.
What is eggnog?
This tradition involves hanging socks or stockings by the fireplace for Santa Claus to fill.
What is hanging Christmas stockings?
This jolly figure is known for delivering gifts to children around the world on Christmas Eve.
Who is Santa Claus?
This Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
What is Christmas?
This Eastern European country celebrates Christmas on January 7th due to the Orthodox calendar.
What is Russia?
This fruitcake, filled with marzipan and powdered sugar, is a German Christmas specialty
What is stollen?
In Japan, it is customary to eat this fast-food meal for Christmas dinner.
What is KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)?
In Italy, this kind witch delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve.
Who is La Befana?
This nine-day celebration in Mexico reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
What is Las Posadas?
The festive bread called 'panettone' is a traditional Christmas treat in this European country.
What is Italy?
This Christmas dessert, also called plum pudding, is traditionally set on fire before serving in the United Kingdom.
What is Christmas pudding?
In Norway, people hide these items on Christmas Eve to prevent witches from stealing them.
What are brooms?
In Iceland, these 13 mischievous brothers visit children in the 13 nights before Christmas.
Who are the Yule Lads?
This midnight service is a common tradition in many Christian countries on Christmas Eve
What is Midnight Mass?
In Spain, this event on January 6th marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men and is celebrated with parades and gifts.
What is Epiphany (Día de los Reyes)?
In Mexico, families enjoy these steamed cornmeal treats filled with meat or sweets during Las Posadas
What are tamales?
In Venezuela, many people travel to early morning Christmas Mass using this unusual mode of transportation.
What are roller skates?
This horned, frightening companion of Saint Nicholas punishes naughty children in Central European folklore.
Who is Krampus?
This Orthodox Christian country celebrates Christmas with a 43-day fast ending on January 7th.
What is Ethiopia?
This Scandinavian tradition involves a procession led by a girl wearing a crown of candles, celebrating Saint Lucia’s Day on December 13th.
What is the Swedish Lucia procession?
In the Philippines, this colorful rice cake is served during Simbang Gabi, a series of Christmas masses.
What is bibingka?
In Catalonia, Spain, this log is 'fed' and then 'beaten' to release presents and candy on Christmas Eve.
What is the Tió de Nadal (Caga Tió)?
In Germany, this female spirit visits homes to reward or punish children during the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Who is Frau Perchta?
In this country, Christians celebrate 'Ganna' on January 7th, beginning with a church service at 4 a.m.
What is Ethiopia?