Chances are if you are reading this blog post you live in the United States so you know how we decorate and celebrate Christmas.  We trim a Christmas tree, exchange gifts, have bountiful meals, decorate our houses inside and out, bake cookies and more.  But, how do other countries celebrate this religious day?  This 7 part series will cover many areas of the world and are grouped by geographic areas.  Part 1 covered North & South America, Part 2 India & Africa, Part 3 Italy & Greece, Part 4 Scandinavia, Part 5 China & Russia, Part 6 France, Switzerland & Germany and Part 7 the United Kingdom.

Italy
A nativity scene is the center of decoration where guests kneel and musicians sing before it.  The figures in the nativity scene may be hand-carved and very detailed.  The manger is topped by a pyramid like structure where fruit, candy and small presents may be placed on its shelves.

In Rome cannons are fired on Christmas Eve to announce the holiday season.  On January 6th, the Epiphany, presents are exchanged.  La Befana (i.e. Santa Claus) delivers punishment for the bad and presents for the good.

Greece
Gifts are usually exchanged on St. Basil’s Day, January 1st.  Christmas ranks second to Easter as far as importance of the major holidays.  Children visit their neighbors on Christmas Eve offering good wishes and singing carols. Christmas trees are rare in Greece. A daily ritual transpires where basil is wrapped around a cross and hung from a shallow wooden bowl with a small amount of water in the bowl. One family member dips the cross and basil into holy water and sprinkles each room in the home.  A fire burns day and night for 12 days from Christmas to the Epiphany or January 6th to ward off evil spirits.  On St. Basil’s Day, January 1st, presents are exchanged.

Continue reading our series on Christmas Decorations & Celebrations around the World.  Part 1 covered North & South America, Part 2 India & Africa, Part 3 Italy & Greece, Part 4 Scandinavia, Part 5 China & Russia, Part 6 France, Switzerland & Germany and Part 7 the United Kingdom.

Chances are if you are reading this blog post you live in the United States so you know how we decorate and celebrate Christmas.  We trim a Christmas tree, exchange gifts, have bountiful meals, decorate our houses inside and out, bake cookies and more.  But, how do other countries celebrate this religious day?  This 7 part series will cover many areas of the world and are grouped by geographic areas.  Part 1 covered North & South America, Part 2 India & Africa, Part 3 Italy & Greece, Part 4 Scandinavia, Part 5 China & Russia, Part 6 France, Switzerland & Germany and Part 7 the United Kingdom.

India
Christmas is a major celebration in India beginning on December 24th and continues until New Year’s Day.  Christians attend mass in churches but in major cities Christmas Festival (as it is called) is celebrated by all religions and is a national holiday.  Christmas trees are decorated with stars, balloons and images of Santa.  Festivities such as baking, lighting candles and caroling are participated in by all.  Students of all denominations participate in nativity plays and caroling.

Christians in India actually start their Christmas preparation at least a month in advance by indulging in spring cleaning and shopping.  Everyone receives new clothes for the festival and gifts are bought for children in the family and for friends.  Those working away from their family come home to celebrate.

Decorations in India are based on their location.  Christians from Southern India light clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses.  Rather than embellish an evergreen tree, they decorate banana or mango trees.  In Northwest India, Christians go caroling every evening for a week.  In Mumbai, homes are decorated with large stars and nativity scenes.

Africa
Carolers walk throughout their village in the morning singing songs.  Christmas worship is a major celebration whereby attendees give presents near the Communion table.  December 26th is Boxing Day, a public holiday and a day of relaxation.

South Africa
Windows are decorated with wool, tinsel and sparkling cotton.  On Christmas Eve, children hang their stockings.  Christmas trees are not common but pine branches adorn people’s homes.  A decorated Christmas tree will be surrounded with gifts for the children. 

Ghana (Africa’s West coast)
Churches decorate the church and residents their homes four weeks before Christmas.

Liberia (Africa’s West coast)
An oil palm is used for their Christmas tree and may be embellished with bells. At church the Christmas scene is enacted and carols sung.  Dinner is eaten outdoors in a circle followed by games and then fireworks at night.

Continue reading our series on Christmas Decorations & Celebrations around the World.  Part 1 covered North & South America, Part 2 India & Africa, Part 3 Italy & Greece, Part 4 Scandinavia, Part 5 China & Russia, Part 6 France, Switzerland & Germany and Part 7 the United Kingdom.

Chances are if you are reading this blog post you live in the United States so you know how we decorate and celebrate Christmas.  We trim a Christmas tree, exchange gifts, have bountiful meals, decorate our houses inside and out, bake cookies and more.  But, how do other countries celebrate this religious day?  This 7 part series will cover many areas of the world and are grouped by geographic areas.  Part 1 will cover North & South America, Part 2 India & Africa, Part 3 Italy & Greece, Part 4 Scandinavia, Part 5 China & Russia, Part 6 France, Switzerland & Germany and Part 7 the United Kingdom.

North America
Canada
Canadians decorate pine Christmas trees with ornaments, enjoy Advent calendars, Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses plus leave presents under the Christmas tree.  Santa Claus brings the gifts down the chimney and sets them under the Christmas tree on Christmas Day and flies from house to house with his 9 reindeer, just like the United States.

In Quebec, the French speaking part of Canada, people may put a decorated Christmas tree both inside and outside, adorned with colored lights.  On January 6th, Christmas ends and residents make a cake which has a bean inside.  The person who finds the bean is the king or queen.

Mexico
A small artificial tree, bush or even a branch from a real tree is the norm for their Christmas tree.  Piñatas containing money and candy and are scattered after the children repeatedly strike the piñata and break it open.  Mexicans decorate the outside with large, colorful lights and an elaborate nativity scene is a staple for most Mexican’ families.  The poinsettia plant was brought to the U.S. from Mexico in 1928 by Joel R. Poinsett where it became popular due to its bright red color.

South America
For countries that exist in this region,   Christmas falls during their summertime.  People in South America celebrate Christmas very religiously.  The manger at Bethlehem is the central focus where an entire room is often filled with an elaborate nativity set.  The display is landscaped with elaborate scenes and includes small figures such as shepherds with their flock, the Wise Men crossing the desert, trains and sailboats.

Brazil
Falling snow is represented by placing pieces of cotton on a pine tree.  Fresh flowers are used to decorate the house, fireworks and huge Christmas trees of electric light displays are seen in the skies of major cities. Nativity scenes are common and displayed in homes, stores and churches in December.  Father Noel brings presents.  Midnight mass is attended by devout Catholics.

Guatemala
The nativity scene is the primary focus for Christmas decorations. Children find their presents under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning, but adults do not exchange gifts until New Year’s Day.

Venezuela
Daily early morning mass is frequented by the religious from December 16-24th.  In major cities residents roller skate to mass and many neighborhoods close the streets to cars until 8:00 am.  After mass, tostados and coffee are shared by all.

Continue reading our series on Christmas Decorations & Celebrations around the World.  Part 1 will cover North & South America, Part 2 India & Africa, Part 3 Italy & Greece, Part 4 Scandinavia, Part 5 China & Russia, Part 6 France, Switzerland & Germany and Part 7 the United Kingdom.

Ornament Shop.com strives to provide great customer service and a satisfying shopping experience with a large variety of ornaments, snow globes, photo frames, Christmas trees and more.  Feedback is so important to us, and many of our customers contact us to relay their positive experience regarding our great customer service, shipping, quality of products and selection.  I've decided to share their great feedback with you!  They are not edited as these are the exact messages received from our customers!

1. Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 2:23 PM
    To: dianne@ornamentshop.com
    Subject: Thanks again...

Happy New Year Dianne!
Just wanted to send a quick "thanks"  for another wonderful year of ornaments.  Started purchasing for my daughter's boyfriend too, so I'm sure this will continue way beyond the 6 or so years I've been a customer.  Your customer service is amazing, as I was witness to several years ago when I need a duplicate order within 2 days to cover the order I thought I lost!!  Was able to keep our tradition of opening new ornaments for Christmas Eve...not too many companies would have come through.  I continue to sing your praises to all who talk about ornaments each year....I thank you, and hope you will continue on for many years to come.
 
Thank you,
Debbie

2. Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 6:07 PM
    To: dianne@ornamentshop.com
    Subject: happy customer

i have ordered ornaments from you for the last several years and have never been disappointed.
the quality is great and people love to receive them.  they have so much more meaning when they are personalized.

thank you,
diana

3. Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 11:33 AM
    To: dianne@ornamentshop.com
    Subject: Ornaments

This was my second year ordering from your wonderful selection of Ornaments. I have bought an Ornament for each of  my seven Grandchildren since birth they range from the age of 21 to 13 at this time and I was able to find each of there interests in your collection of Ornaments. Each one loved the selection I made my only regret is that I did not find you sooner. Please keep adding new ones you have an AWESOME company. Happy New Year!!!

Sharon , a very satisfied customer.

4. Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 10:40 PM
    To: dianne@ornamentshop.com
    Subject: Re: OrnamentShop.com Order Confirmation

Dear Dianne - this is the first time I have used your website.  I ordered 2 personalized ornaments on Sunday and they came today (Thursday).  Amazing!  and they are prefect.  I will definitely order from you again!  I found your site searching google.  Just wanted to let you know how impressed I am!  Thank you!
Margaret

5. Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011
    To: dianne@ornamentshop.com
    Subject:  Re:  ornaments

Good morning Dianne,
I just wanted to let you know, I received my ornaments on Friday and I LOVE them..  They are so adorable and cute…  I’m going to order 2 more today.   THANK YOU so much for taking the time to get them PERFECT!!!!  I believe my parents and Mother in-law are going to LOVE them also..  Thanks again, and I’m going to place my second order.

Honie

6. Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 10:29 AM
    To: dianne@ornamentshop.com
    Subject: Dianne@OrnamentShop.com

I received my ornaments and love them. The wrapping was the best I've seen.  The website was very easy to use also. I have exceeded my budget already and was wondering if you have 'after Christmas' sales, so I could afford to get some more for next Christmas.

Thanks so much.

Kathryn

Bizrate (an online price comparison, shopping & rating site)
In addition, we consistently score in the mid 9’s, out of 10, from Bizrate customers who complete the online survey, so it is not just a few customers we are keeping happy.  It has been a pleasure to provide high quality, unique ornaments, accessories and other gift items for you this past year.  2012 will be our 30th year offering personalized ornaments and gifts and our 14th year on the Internet!

However, don’t forget us just because Christmas season is over for 2011!  We offer personalized ornaments & photo frames for wedding favors, baby showers, graduation gifts, birthdays, anniversaries and more!  Nothing is more treasured than a personalized gift and we personalize your gift at no extra charge!  We also offer ornament stands for the non-holiday ornaments that you want to display year-round.  

Thank you again for your business and we hope you have a Happy 2012 Year! 

Dianne, Ornament Shop.com