Christmas Traditions

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Christmas trees are usually put up in the home 2 days before. Decorations consist of apples, candles and little red capped gnomes.

After Christmas Eve dinner, someone dresses up as Tomte or Christmas gnome. The tomte, unlike Santa Claus is supposed to live under the floorboards of the house or barn and ride a straw goat. He distributes gifts.

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Slide 16

Christmas in Thailand

It is not a holiday in Thailand but is enjoyed and celebrated by the people.

The children attend school on Christmas Day but Santa is usually at the school passing out candy to them.

Schools have beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the middle of the playground.

Many students go to school, that day, with party hats on.

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Slide 17

Christmas in Ukraine

Sviata Vechera OR "Holy Supper" is the central tradition of the beautiful Christmas Eve celebration. The table is set with a few straws of hay on it, as a reminder of the manger in Bethlehem.

When the children see the first Star in the eastern evening sky (symbolizing the trek of the Three Wise Men) the Holy Supper may begin

At the end of the Sviata Vechera the family sings Kolyadky, Ukranian Christmas carols.

Father Frost visits all the children on a sleigh, pulled by only 3 reindeer.

The celebration of Christmas takes place on January 7 and is usually a peaceful and quiet event.

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Slide 18

Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas (Chung Mung Guiang Suhn) is one of the four most important festivals of the Vietnamese year.

Children put their shoes in the front of the door, to find them with presents in them on Christmas morning.

Chicken soup is served at the Christmas party.

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