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Christmas Around the World
Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the globe. Each country
has its unique traditions, making this holiday truly magical. Let’s explore how
Christmas is celebrated in five different countries:
The United Kingdom
In the UK, people decorate their homes with
Christmas lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees. A
special tradition is pulling Christmas crackers during
dinner, which contain small gifts, jokes, and paper
crowns. On Christmas Eve, children hang stockings
by the fireplace for Santa Claus to fill with gifts.
France
In France, Christmas is called Noël. Families enjoy a
festive meal called Réveillon on Christmas Eve, which
often includes dishes like foie gras, oysters, and the
famous dessert, bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). Children
leave their shoes by the fireplace for Père Noël to fill
with presents.
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Mexico
Christmas in Mexico begins with Las Posadas, a
nine-day celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph's
journey to Bethlehem. Families often break a piñata
filled with candies. On Christmas Eve, people attend
midnight Mass and enjoy a big feast featuring
tamales, pozole, and buñuelos (fried pastries).
Germany
Germany is known for its charming Christmas markets,
or Weihnachtsmärkte, where people buy handmade gifts,
decorations, and enjoy mulled wine (Glühwein). On
December 6th, children receive small gifts from St. Nicholas.
The Christmas tree, decorated with candles and ornaments,
is a central part of the celebrations.
Australia
Christmas in Australia falls during summer, so many
people celebrate with barbecues and beach picnics. Santa
Claus often appears in shorts and sunglasses! Australians
also enjoy carols by candlelight in parks and on television.
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Task 1 Choose the correct answer for each question.
What do children in the UK hang by What is a key feature of German
the fireplace on Christmas Eve?
Christmas markets?
a) Christmas lights
a) Barbecues
b) Stockings
b) Fried pastries
c) Shoes
c) Handmade gifts
d) Cracker d) Stocking
Which of the following is NOT What is a common way to
mentioned as part of Christmas celebrate Christmas in
celebrations in Mexico?
Australia?
a) Tamales
a) Attending Christmas markets
b) Mulled wine
b) Barbecues and beach picnics
c) Piñata
c) Leaving shoes by the fireplace
d) Midnight Mass d) Eating tamales
Task 2 Match each country with the correct Christmas tradition.
The United Kingdo
Franc
Mexic
German
Australia
a) Las Posadas and breaking a piñata
b) Carols by candlelight and beach picnics
c) Christmas crackers and stockings by
the fireplace
d) Réveillon and bûche de Noël
e) Christmas markets and Glühwein
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Task 3 Read the statements below and decide if they are true or false.
Christmas crackers are a tradition in Germany
Children in France leave their shoes by the
fireplace for Père Noël
Las Posadas is celebrated for nine days in
Mexico
Australians often enjoy carols by candlelight
during Christmas
In the UK, people eat tamales during Christmas
dinner.
Task 4 Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
What food is commonly served during Réveillon in France?
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How do people in Mexico celebrate Las Posadas?
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What makes Christmas in Australia different from other countries?
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Why are German Christmas markets so popular?
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Which country’s traditions seem the most interesting to you? Why?
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