The real story of Santa Claus goes back to the third century. Nicholas was born around 280 and according to legends in England, his name is Father Christmas. In France, he was known as Pere Noel. In Italy, Babbo Natale, which means Father Christmas, is Santa in Germany, children get presents from Christen the Christ child. Santa or Father Christmas is known for his generosity and kindness, which gave hope to legends of miracles as he performed for the poor and unhappy.
England is known for having great Christmas dinners. Some popular items are cherries, turkey, Yorkshire Pudding, and Mulled Wine. France has a good Christmas dinner as well. Some of the dishes are CHAPON or a castrated rooster, which will be stuffed with any assortment of items, then roasted much as we do a turkey for Thanksgiving in the USA. Side dishes are also similar, with potato dauphinoise and green beans. Italian dinners are Pasta Lasagna, Stuffed Manicotti, and other cheesy baked pasta dishes that are a hit with all ages; this is classic Christmas fare in Southern Italy. Italy’s Christmas Eve dinner is a meat-free meal. American dinners include stuffing, turkey, gravy, bread rolls, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes.
An Italian-Negroni Sbagliato is an Italian Christmas Cocktail. A Negroni Sbagliato is a classic Italian cocktail made with Prosecco! It’s festive for the holidays, but you can enjoy this Italian drink anytime. An English red wine simmered in whole spices, citrus, and sugar, and served hot is another popular beverage around Christmas time. Popular beverages in France consist of King’s Hot Chocolate and Hot Wine. American households usually have Eggnog, a Christmas margarita, Hot chocolate, and Hot Buttered Rum.
Traditions in England on Christmas Eve consist of Christmas caroling, pub visits, wrapping presents, watching festive films, and leaving out milk and cookies for Father Christmas. France’s Christmas Eve tradition is Le Réveillon, a late-night feast or party when families return from la Messe de Minuit Midnight Mass. While the food tradition varies from region to region, the meal contains lavish delicacies, including oysters, foie gras, escargot, and roasted fowl. An American Christmas Eve is known for leaving milk and cookies out for Santa, reading a Christmas classic, watching a Christmas movie, Christmas cards, and baking cookies. “On Christmas Eve I like to spend time with my family opening presents and playing games,” said Senior, Casey Serttas.
All different cultures do some things that others don’t do for Christmas. It can be fun and joyful, and the real reason Sant was made is because of Jesus and His dad, God. But the real reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Jesus’ birth. We also celebrate Christmas because we want to spend time with our family to celebrate Jesus’ Birth and it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Families have a good time together and remember what they did that day. If you’re a Christian, it’s the most important holy day and it’s just the best time of the year.
