Kids Zone: Christmas Traditions

Monday, 9 December 2024 16:44

By Sara Whatley

What Christmas traditions do your family follow, and is it time to adopt a new one? asks Sara Whatley

Christmas is steeped in tradition; many old, some new and some unique to your family. Different countries follow different traditions, although some get borrowed and become new traditions for other countries or households.

Here are four fun and interesting Christmas traditions from around the world that children will love to learn about, and maybe even do themselves. It could be the start of a new tradition for your own family too.

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS

Father Christmas is the pinnacle of children’s Christmas dreams. He is, after all, the magical present giver, and nothing wins children over more than a present. Little children will not believe their luck when they realise they can actually see him ‘for real’ (some big ones might enjoy this too!). There are countless ‘Meet Santa’ experiences available locally from garden centres to school fairs – that jolly red man gets just about everywhere, in fact all around the world!

CHRISTMAS EVE BOX

This is a growing trend that is turning into a tradition for many. The origin of a Christmas Eve Box may have come from Germany, where some presents are opened on the 24th December. The idea is to give overexcited children a gift they can open before the big day, containing snuggly things to help them settle down to sleep. This might be special festive pyjamas, a plush soft toy, bubble bath, some hot chocolate and maybe a festive film or story. Some families have a personalised box for each child, others do a big family box to bring everyone together.

LETTER TO SANTA

Writing a letter to Father Christmas is a centuries old tradition which children around the world enjoy doing. Originally children would tell Father Christmas how good they had been that year, detailing any particularly good deeds, proving how much they deserved the gifts they were asking for. The letters reach Santa in different ways, for example through the post or up the chimney.

However, there is an actual address children can send letters to (in over 30 different languages including Braille), and if they send them before 16th December they will get a reply.

Write to: Santa Clause, North Pole, HOH OHO, Canada.

No postage required, but send a return address if you want a reply.

CHRISTMAS PICKLE

This American tradition is a funny one. An ornament of a pickle is hidden on the tree, and the first person to find the pickle on Christmas morning either gets an extra present or is bestowed with good fortune for the rest of the year!

Kids Zone: Christmas Traditions

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