Christmas customs in other countries
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from November 1988.
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In Panama, for instance, Christmas is a time for visiting. The visits begin on Christmas Eve, when friends come to your home. So the visits continue, until Christmas night, when it's time for a party. Children open their gifts at midnight in this country, where decorated trees, both artificial and green, add to the holiday atmosphere. On Christmas Day, special fruitcakes and yellow cakes are served in honour of the holiday.
Italian children look forward each Christmas to the arrival of Babbo Natale or Father Christmas. Another Italian custom popular with youngsters is the exchanging of panettone, special cakes baked at Christmastime. Attending mass and gathering together with other family members for a big dinner are other Christmas traditions in Italy.
In Brazil, the holiday celebrations begin at midnight on Christmas Eve. Factories sound off their sirens at this time, and the cities are brightly decorated with light, as stores stay open all night. After church services, families gather together for a feast of turkey or lamb, tropical fruits and Christmas cake. And, they toast each other with champagnes. In this country, you'll find only artificial trees in the homes, because of the warm climate.
Bavarian children eagerly await a visit from Knecht Ruprecht on 6 December. This Santa like figure distributes candy to good children while naughty youngsters get a spanking from "Grumbles", a devilish figure carrying sticks or a switch. The Christkindl or Christ Child brings Christmas presents on Christmas Day as well.
It's summertime in Peru during the Christmas Season, so instead of going sledding, youngster there go roller skating and biking on Christmas Day. The festivities begin with midnight mass on Christmas Eve, after which families go home for hot chocolate with panettone and open presents. There is food in abundance at this time, notably roast pig or turkey, either cooked on a spit or in the ground. Musical instruments are played while everyone sings folk songs and there is much dancing. Firecrackers are set off during these holiday parties in Peru. Denmark celebrates Christmas as the greatest holiday of the year and preparations are elaborate indeed in this Scandinavian country.
The season begins with Baking Day, when the dough is mixed for brunekage, a paper-thin spice cookie served at Christmas. Mixing is done two or three weeks before the baking in order. to allow the dough to ripen and the flavcurs to blend. Families gather for an early meal on Christmas Eve, and after dinner, the father and mother disappear into the parlour or living room, which has been kept locked. The doors are flung open to reveal the Christmas tree, decorated not only with ornaments but with small Danish flags as well.
