Christmas All Over the World
Song: Christmas Around the World (An adapted version of “Thank You”)
Primary Children
All over the world people are celebrating Christmas. Join with us and learn about some of the customs of other countries.
In Sweden, Jultomten arrives in a sleigh pulled by goats. Please enjoy our Swedish Dance.
Dance: Swedish Candle Dance - Beehives
A candle burns in every window of the houses in Ireland to help light the way for Mary and Joseph.
In Italy, LaBefana is a fairy queen who comes down the chimney bringing gifts to good children.
The first Christmas cards were made and sent in England.
Children in Norway bring Christmas to the birds by tying wheat on the end of long poles.
Russian children wait for the snow princess and father frost to come to their winder celebration.
Dance: Russian Kicking Dance
In Japan, the Christian Japanese spend the Christmas day doing nice things for others, especially people in the hospitals.
Some people in Switzerland, believe that animals can speak at midnight on Christmas Eve.
A sweet long cake that looks like a Yule Log is eaten in France on Christmas day.
On Christmas Eve in Spain, the children stuff their shoes with hay hoping for a gift.
In Mexico children break a pinata full of candy and toys to celebrate Christmas.
Dance: Mexican Hat Dance.
A bowl of pudding is left for the Jule Nissen, an elf who brings presents to children in Denmark.
In Albania, people leave some pancake on their plate to show gratitude, then they stand and swing the table while they sing.
In Brazil, a crèche, which is a nativity scene is put up honoring the Christ child.
In Germany, where Christmas trees originated, the parents surprise the children with a decorated tree.
In Hawaii, Santa Claus comes in an outrigger canoe and many people eat Christmas dinner on the beach.
Dance: “Mele Kalikamaka”
In Poland, the children and the grownups make Christmas decorations out of eggshells, straw and fruit.
In Holland on St. Nicolas's day, wooden shoes are placed outside the door to be filled with treats.
A Christmas parade is held in the Philippines and the children wear colorful flower wreaths.
Here in the United States, we decorate our homes and trees with colored lights as we wait for the day that celebrates the birth of baby Jesus.
In any language, in any country, one thing ties them all together and that is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Please join with us in singing Silent Night.
Song: Away in a Manger - Kenzie Hall
While Mary and Joseph & Nativity Scene take their place on stage
Congregation sings Silent Night
At the end of Silent Night, the candle dancers tip their heads forward and all lights go down. The lights form a Christmas tree.
Closing Prayer.
