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Show Christmas Celebrations In Other Countries Differ from America's Chirstmas is here again, bringing cheer and good, will to all men. Though there is a war, people peo-ple in America and otner lands will celebrate Christmas as usual. Church services and family gatnerings are held in Holland. The children will scramble to betl early because Saint Nick will be there to fill their wooden shoes whicn they will place in the window. Only the naughty ones expect switches and coal instead of the usual gifts and candy. Saint Nick's horse is fed by the food the children will leave in baskets. French children look for the toys and candy that the Christ Child or Father Christmas bring on Christmas day. The grown-ups wait until New Year's Day to exchange their gifts. 411 attend Midnight Mass, then return home to enjoy the manger scene which nearly every home has. Christ is actually born each Christmas in Poland. Po-land. Each family leaves an empty chair by a table for Him to sit in. In the morning, a neighbor boy comes to the house and strikes the Yule log which has been burning all night to signify His birth. Their gift is a promise of good harvest . during the coming year. Rumanian children eat cake which represents swaddling clothes of Infant Christ on Christmas day. Grown-ups and children alike go caroling in the streets and from door to door. They sing their greetings and in return receive gifts. The Spanish people celebrate with flowers, oranges, or-anges, and candles. When Christmas' trees are scarce, they decorate olive trees. They hold street festivals at which the children receive small gifts. On January 5, ; La Befana (an old woman) presents pre-sents the toys to the children. Christmas is celebrated in midsummer in Brazil. At the annual carnival, one can hear the guitars and clicking castanets. Children receive gifts on Christmas day. Here in America, Santa Claus is the children's best friend. Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, carols, and gifts are enjoyed by all. With this Christmas spirit, everyone ' enjoys a Christmas that is spent with thought of the Christ Child. , |