Christmas in our countries
Christmas in Greece
Christmas1 from Christine Oulousidou
http://www.flipsnack.com/96F6E9B8B7A/3-fdzuq1c70.html
Christmas in Spain.
http://es.slideshare.net/lisibo/navidades-en-espana-presentation
http://es.slideshare.net/lisibo/navidades-en-espana-presentation
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryspanish/festivals/christmas/slideshow1.shtml
In Spain, for most people the Christmas season starts on 22nd December with 'El Gordo', the biggest lottery in the world. Around 2,000,000,000 Euros is won in prize money. The Spanish lottery was started by King Carlos III in 1763. The winning numbers are traditionally sung by children from San Ildefonso primary school in Madrid, which used to be an orphanage.
In the weeks before Christmas, children in Spanish-speaking countries often make models of the story of Jesus' birth in a stable. This will include figures of his parents Joseph and Mary, the animals, shepherds and three kings bringing presents. In Cataluña, in eastern Spain, there is also a tradition of showing one of the shepherds having a poo — and they even make a kind of poo-shaped cake, with sugar flies on it!
The equivalent of April Fools' Day takes place in Spain on December 28th. This is 'el día de los Santos Inocentes', Holy Innocents' Day. Children often cut out paper men and stick them on people's backs without them knowing.
Spanish people celebrate 'Nochevieja', New Year's Eve, on the 31st of December, just like the British. As the clocks strike midnight, many Spaniards eat a grape with each of the twelve chimes. This is supposed to bring luck for the New Year.
In Spain, traditionally the Christmas season lasts until 6th January, which is known as 'el día de los Reyes Magos': Epiphany or Three Kings' Day. On this day, children wake up to find presents brought in the night by the 'Reyes Magos' or three Wise Men. Some children leave out straw for the kings' camels on the night of the 5th January before they go to bed. Then, later that day, the three kings ride on floats in processions through the high street, throwing sweets for children.
Christmas in Czech republic