Christmas Around the World

Did you know....

Check this article out from Wikipedia to learn how Christmas is celebrated in other parts of the world:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_around_the_world

Some facts from this article include:

In Japan, Christmas Eve is a time for lovers to exchange gifts, have a special date and stroll under Christmas lights erected by companies and governments to enhance the romantic feel of the day.

In Pakistan, December 25th is a public holiday that coincides with the birth anniversary of Jinnah - the founder of the nation.

The Philippines has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season. Although it presently starts from early September, traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on Dec. 16. Known as the Misas de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses) or Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish, these masses are more popularly known in Filipino as the Simbang Gabi.

Georgians celebrate Christmas on January 7 (Julian calendar). Traditional in Georgia is to go on Alilo, a mass walking in streets, dressed in special forms to celebrate and congratulate each other the holiday.

Joulupukki is the Finnish name for Santa Claus. The name Joulupukki literally means Yule Goat or Christmas Goat. This name is likely to come from an old Finnish tradition, where people dressed in goat hides called nuuttipukkis used to circulate in homes after Christmas eating leftover food.

Nigerians decorate homes (compounds) and churches with both woven and unwoven palm fronds, Christmas trees and Christmas lights