Christmas around the
GLOBE
Sally Sexton , Editor
Leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Clause . Decorating your home and
Christmas tree with twinkling lights . Sipping eggnog and singing Christmas carols .
As Americans , we have many traditions when it comes to celebrating the Christmas holiday . But have you ever wondered what it ’ s like in other parts of the world ?
We did the homework for you , delving into how other countries celebrate their holiday .
Sweden
Every year , cities and towns throughout Sweden build large statues of Yule goats , a Christmas symbol dating back to ancient pagan festivals .
Julbock , a giant Christmas goat at the Gävle town market in Sweden .. Courtesy photo
In 1966 , a giant straw goat was built in Gävle , standing 42 feet high and weighing 3.6 tons .
The Gävle Goat , perhaps the most famous in the country , is built every year in the same spot beginning on the first day of Advent in late November or early December , and intended to stand until after New Year .
Philippines
A traditional festival held in San Fernando has made the city the Christmas Capital of the Philippines .
The Giant Lantern Festival features a display and contest of parols — or lanterns — consisting of thousands of spinning lights that illuminate the night sky . The shape of the parols is thought to
A Filipino vendor selling parols . Courtesy : Keith Bacongco
GAINESVILLE LIVING 7 HOLIDAY 2024