By Alize Scholtz<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The word \u201cChrist\u201d in Christmas is obviously a reference to the name of Christ. Therefore the word Christmas in fact means Christ festival. This is also why compounds with \u201cChrist\u201d are usually spelt with a capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few versions of stories about Father Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St Nicholas (Santa Claus) was a bishop in T\u00fcrkiye. Not much is known about him, except that he was very good to poor children. Some of his gifts for poor families were sometimes thrown down chimneys. When he became a bishop he started wearing a red hat and coat, which is why the outfit is associated with Father Christmas. There are many legends about St Nicholas, but we don\u2019t know whether any of them are true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As per tradition, Christmas is celebrated in the following ways in different countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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France<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJoyeux No\u00ebl!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Traditions in France have changed a lot, but one that still stands is that everyone sits down for a meal on 24 December and tucks into a luxury meal called r\u00e9veillon. <\/em>It starts early in the evening and lasts until midnight or even later. Turkey is still a popular dish to serve, but options such as lobster, snails and oysters can also be found on the table. Dessert is a chocolate Swiss roll filled with berry jam (buche de No\u00ebl<\/em>). All these rich foods are of course accompanied by a good wine or champagne for added indulgence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Italy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBuon Natale\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Father Christmas has competition in pastaland and her name is Befana, a haggish old woman who visits every house and leaves candy for good children. This generosity is a form of penance \u2013 when the three wise men were on their way to visit the baby Jesus, she didn\u2019t want to give them food and shelter, and she now wants to make up for it. In Italy gifts are only exchanged on 6 January, since it was traditionally believed that that was the day the three wise men arrived at the baby Jesus. Unlike the French, the Italians eat a light seafood meal on Christmas Eve. The types of fish and the way it is served vary between the different regions in Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Austria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrohe Weihnachten\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This nation is known for their seriousness. The shops close at 16:00 on Christmas Eve. Most bars, restaurants and nightclubs also close. Every city has its own Christmas tree in the town square where lights are lit up and families get together to sing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the first week of December Austrians celebrate the existence of Krampus, a beast-like creature that roams the streets and punishes naughty children. Young men dress up like Krampus and scare children with clanging chains and bells. Luckily St Nicolas then comes the next day to reward good children with sweets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Netherlands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVrolijk Kersfeest\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n One tradition that used to be celebrated in the Netherlands has come under a lot of fire. The Swarte Piet festival was held early in December. He was supposed to be Father Christmas\u2019s helper and was depicted by people with black faces and red lips. He keeps tabs on all the things children have done during the past year. Good children will receive gifts from St Nicholas, but naughty children will be stolen by Swarte Piet. In recent years a lot of changes have taken place with regard to the attitude and practices surrounding Swarte Piet, due to its racist nature. The change was inevitable, and these days alternatives are used for this helper. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christmas Day is however celebrated more quietly by the Dutch. For the most part, it consists of a church service and a family meal.<\/p>\n\n\n