Christmas in Canada
Christmas around the world gives host to a wonderful array of Christmas traditions around the world. In the last century with the addition of television and computers Christmas around the world is celebrated in even more countries.
With the popularity of Christmas around the world and the great variety of Christmas traditions around the world the holiday season has never been more popular.
Christmas in Canada is one country where the great mix of traditions are based on the variety of cultures such as French, English, Ukrainian and First Nations people.
The French Canadians have always attended Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (La Messe de Minuit) followed by a huge feast. Many French families wait until New Years for gift giving.
The English traditions of decorating with pine boughs and kissing balls are popular combined with the singing of Christmas carols.
The Ukrainian celebrate Christmas with a rich blend of Eastern Orthodox and agrarian customs. On Christmas Eve the Ukraine end their day of fasting with a Holy Supper (Sviata Vechera) that includes twelve dishes to represent the twelve cycles of the moon.
The German traditions of Christmas trees, carols, gingerbread houses and baking can be found in several houses.
Lastly, Christmas around the world would not be complete without mention of the wonderful Christmas festivities of the First Nations people. The First Nations give way to lots of feasting, singing, dancing and traditional drumming. On Christmas Eve a cloth bag is hung for the children which is opened on Christmas morning full of gifts and candy.
