Christmas around Europe

Q. How do you say Merry Christmas in the various countries of the EU

A.

Austria: Froliche Weihnachten

Belgium: Zalig Kerstfeest (Flemish); Joyeux No�l (French)

Denmark: Gl�delig Jul (Danish); Gledhilig J�l (Faroese)

Finland: Hyv�� Joulua (Finnish); God Yul (Swedish)

France: Joyeux No�l (French); Nedeleg Laouen (Breton); Bon Natale (Corsican); Polit Nadal (Occitan)

Germany: Frohes Weihnachtsfest

Greece: Kala Christougenna

Holland: Vrolijk Kerstfeest (Dutch); Noflike Krystdagen (Frisian)

Ireland: Nollaig shona dhuit

Italy: Buon Natale (Italian); Bon Nad�l (Friulian); Bonu Nadale (Sardinian)

Luxembourg: Sch�i Kr�schtdeeg (Luxembourgeois)

Portugal: Boas Festas

Spain: Feliz Navidad (Castilian); Nabid�! (Aragonese); Bones Naviodaes (Asturian); Zarionak (Basque); Bon Nadal (Catalan); Bon Nadal (Galician)

Sweden: God Jul (Swedish); Buorit Juovllat (S�mi)

UK: Nedelik Looan (Cornish); Nollaig Chridheil (Scots Gaelic); Nadolig LLawen (Welsh)

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Q. What about the different ways of celebrating the festival in Europe

A. The version of Christmas we have in the UK is very much an Anglo-American thing, though it seems now to be spreading across the world. It is worth remembering, therefore, that traditions vary quite markedly even within the relatively harmonious cultures of western Europe. So, while we in the UK and Ireland share the tradition of receiving presents from Father Christmas - or Santa Claus - on the morning of 25 December after he's climbed down a chimney, Irish children often put out sacks rather than stockings for him to put presents in.

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Q. And a few examples

A. In Spain, Papa Noel delivers his presents by climbing up balconies, while on 6 January the three wise men come to visit and also leave gifts for the children.

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In Finland, it is a tradition to have a sauna bath before Santa's visit. On Christmas day most people go to 'Christmas Church' and afterwards visit the grave sites of their loved ones and light candles.

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In Austria Heiliger Nikolaus rewards good children with sweets, nuts and apples on 6 December, while on 24 December the Christ Child brings presents and the Christmas tree for the children. The children wait until they hear a bell tinkling. Then they enter a special room where the Christmas tree is waiting all decorated with candles, ornaments and sweets. Next door in Germany, children decorate their Christmas Lists with pictures and then leave them on the windowsill overnight, weighed down with a little sugar so they won't be missed.

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In France young children leave their shoes by the fire on Christmas Eve for a gift from 'le p�re No�l', while the older children and adults go to church at midnight and then return home for a late supper called 'le r�veillon'.

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In Italy, on the evening of the 26 December, children are visited by a good witch named Strega Buffana. She flies around Italy on a broom and leaves treats for good children and coal for naughty children.

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From more on Phrases & Sayings click here

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By Simon Smith