Christmas In Our Hearts

The first harbingers of Christmas arrive in October when jarring sales and decorations follow fast on the heels of summer. But by December, Christmas's true heralds are out: twinkling lights lining streets, the smell of balsam and spice cookies wafting through the house and visits from friends and relatives. The season's spirit drives people to the mall, to the kitchen, to midnight mass and to festive gatherings.

Christmas has had a long and varied history. It was been celebrated for centuries by different people, at different times, in different places, and in many different ways. It is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe. A tour around the world would be terrific to see how people celebrate Christmas.

First Stop ---- France!

In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phraseles bonnes nouvelles, which means "the good news" and refers to the gospel.

In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year's harvest.

Hold on tight! England is here ---- ‘Merry Christmas’

“We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas … “

Caroling began in England. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money. It’s already a widely known tradition in the whole world whenever Christmas is here.

In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep.

Can’t get enough? Mexico comes rushing forward with their paper mache sculptures called piñatas. It’s filled with candy and coins and hung from the ceiling. Children then take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks, sending a shower of treats to the floor. Children race to gather as much of the loot as they can.

Last Stop ---- Philippines!

‘Maligayang Pasko!’

Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. Known as the Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish and in Filipino as Simbang Gabi, or "Night Mass", this novena of Masses is the most important Filipino Christmas tradition.

For Filipinos, Christmas Eve ("Bisperas ng Pasko") on December 24th is celebrated with the Midnight Mass, and immediately after, the much-anticipated Noche Buena – the traditional Christmas Eve feast. Family members dine together around 12 midnight on traditional Noche Buena fare, which includes: queso de bola (Spanish: "ball of cheese"), "Tsokolate" (a hot chocolate drink) and jamon (Christmas ham). Some would also open presents at this time.

Christmas is also a fascinating miscellany of traditions. Every family that celebrates Christmas has its own customs--some surprisingly universal, others entirely unique--but all comfortably familiar in their seeming antiquity. Where ever you go and how different you celebrate Christmas, it’s the spirit of the season that is important.