The children put a shoe in front of the fireplace and a carrot or hay for Sinterklaas' horse. He fills the shoes with gingerbread, speculoos and chocolate letters.
France
"Le Reveillon", the Christmas feast, is the highlight of the French holiday. Parade dessert: "Buche de Noel", a chocolate sponge cake roll.
The midnight mass is attended by the entire family.
Then, while no one is in the house, Santa "Père Noel", as he is called here, comes looking for the living room with the nativity scene.
There the children have placed their freshly polished shoes. Into each pair, Père Noel slides his gifts.
Austria
On Christmas Eve, the Austrian Christmas carol "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" traditionally ushers in the gift-giving.
January 06 ends the Christmas season with the carol singers, who go from house to house collecting money for charity.
Italy
Not the Christmas tree but magnificently decorated nativity scenes are the focus of the Italian Christmas. All the neighbors vie for the most beautiful "Presepio".
On Christmas Eve, a sort of family lottery takes place. Everyone draws the number of their gift from a little bag.
On January 6, "Befana", an old, ugly witch with a broom, comes and brings gifts to good children, a lump of coal to bad ones.
Spain
In Spain, it is traditionally the Magi who bring the presents to the children on January 6 in place of Santa Claus, with naughty children receiving only pieces of coal instead of presents.
To this end, many Spanish cities celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings in the form of a parade on January 5.
Since the 1980s, Central European and Anglo-Saxon traditions such as the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, and gift-giving on Christmas Eve have become increasingly common.
Greece
In Greece, on December 24, children parade through the streets with drums and bells, singing kalanda (songs of praise said to bring good luck) and receiving small gifts in return.
Christmas fires are then lit for 12 nights to protect against the kalikanzari (goblins).
On the night of January 1, St. Vassilius places the gifts for the children in front of their beds.
For the family, on this day, there is a cake in which a gold coin is baked. To the lucky one who finds it in his piece, he shall have a happy year.
The highlight of Christmas is Epiphany (Epiphany) on January 6.
Russia
Due to the Julian calendar, Father Frost does not bring presents to children in Russia until December 31.
He is accompanied by a girl, the Snowflake, and a boy, New Year.
Christmas itself is celebrated in Russia on January 7 (corresponding to December 25 in the Julian calendar). On January 11, New Year's Day in Russia, the Christmas season ends.
Poland
The Christmas season in Poland begins with the first Advent. Advent is a time of fasting that does not end until Christmas Eve.
In Poland, Christmas is celebrated with the extended family. Christmas dinner does not begin until the first star has appeared in the sky.
There is always one more place setting than needed. It is for unexpected visitors and a sign of hospitality.
Only after the meal are the presents unwrapped. Then the whole family goes to church for midnight mass.
Czech Republic
On December 24, the baby Jesus brings the presents in the evening. No food is to be eaten before the Christmas meal and the subsequent gift unwrapping.
Other Czech Christmas traditions include interpretations of the future.
Apples are cut crosswise: If a star appears in the core, a good year is imminent; if a cross appears, there will be a bad year.
Girls throw shoes over their shoulders to see if marriage is imminent. This is said to occur when the spike points to the door. Pewter casting is also part of this type of tradition.
Find more Christmas traditions from around the world HERE
More Christmas specials:
The Great Frankfurt Tip Christmas Special: Introduction and Origins
The Christmas Tree and Other Christmas Symbols
Christmas greetings from all over the world
Christmas poems
The Christmas Story
Frankfurt Christmas Recipes
Christmas markets in Frankfurt and RheinMain
The Frankfurt Christmas Market
