The word ‘Christmas’ means ‘gifts’ for children. Underneath the Christmas tree they can find
something what they mentioned in the letter to Santa Claus. For sure this is the most expected
moment for children after the dinner. They are waiting for Santa since a week before. At
midnight the church is full of people because there is a mass called ‘shepherdess’.
England
Also as in Poland family members are decorating a Christmas tree a week before the Christmas.
Homes of English people are decorated with holly and other evergreens. They hang a mistletoe
and kissing underneath. They also spend time with family at the table. They bake cookies,
cakes. The main dish is turkey. Christmas in England are similar to those in Poland.
Spain
Also as in England houses and Christmas trees are decorated by family members. They drink
alcohol during the dinner and eat the same dish – turkey. They also spend time with family at
the table. The traditional Spanish Christmas dinner is turkey stuffed with truffles. They
celebrate Christmas on some kind of festivals about this holiday.
Italy
Christmas is a major holiday in Italy. Decorations and huge Christmas trees can be found in
main piazzas. Children go out for Carol singing and playing songs. Tables are full of seafood,
cakes with hot chocolate.
Holland
There are lots of festivals about these Christmas during it in Holland. Orchestra plays on some
kind of trumpets, tambourine. Houses are decorated. Many people place beautiful Advent star
lights in their windows. Families celebrate St. Nicholas Eve at home with lots of good food, hot
chocolate, and for children of course presents.
Croatia
The Christmas tree is the main symbol of Christmas. They're traditionally decorated with
ornaments in the shapes of fruits. There's an old Croatian tradition that young men gave their
girlfriends a decorated apple at Christmas. There are organized many charity donations and
sales in stores. Santa Claus are brings presents.
Slovenia
Christmas trees are decorated with homemade decorations like in olden times, and evergreen
decorations. Typical Slovenian Christmas dinner is made from three courses. First – soup,
second-main course, last-desert. They go on shepherdess at midnight.
As we can see Christmas in these countries are very similar.
Celebration of the Easter in “The Bridge” countries
Szymon Polak
In Poland:
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