Cuba

Merry Christmas

Feliz Navidad

Cuba

Approximately 90 miles south of Key West (southern tip of Florida).

History…For many years Christmas celebrations were frowned upon and in 1969 the Cuban government imposed an outright ban on this cherished holiday. But before that, my friend? Christmas in Cuba was something wonderful indeed!

Fidel Castro•Marxist political leader.

Helped lead Cuban revolution. Served as

president from 1976-2008.

• People of Cuba lost civil liberties. • Newspapers were tightly

controlled.• Castro’s method of control

included executions and imprisonment.

History…Fidel Castro in 2015

Had surgery in 2006 and rumors are that his health is failing.

Placed his brother Raul Castro in charge.

Still very influential in Cuban government and politics.

History…• For many years

Christmas celebrations were frowned upon and in 1969 the Cuban government imposed an outright ban on this cherished holiday.

• Atheism became the law of the land.

History…• Economic problems (food

shortages, malnutrition, etc.)

1960s-1980s

Many Cubans immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, converting Miami,

Florida into a bilingual city.

They brought their Christmas traditions with them to Florida and many of these traditions are still prevalent there

today.

DecorationsFor the decorations, think about greenery, or hibiscus blooms. Bongo drums, maracas, straw sombreros (not Mexican sombreros and definitely no Mexican sarapes) add to the setting.

Decorations

ParrandasParrandas are street parties held in small towns. Began in the 18th century. Comparable to a carnival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooDlO_bRgm4

It is the night before Christmas, and all through the “towns” of Miami, in the hamlets of Hialeah,

Sweetwater, Kendall, and Westchester, in backyards large and small, Cubans are carrying

on the oldest and most cherished tradition of their homeland: the Noche Buena feast. For

many, the biggest celebration of the year takes place on this Christmas Eve night, still

celebrated in the traditional way with a huge party, dozens of friends, an extended family, and the main attraction: a whole roasted pig.

The women of the family have been working on this feast for days. They have shopped the local

markets to purchase plantains, yuca, and sour oranges. The quest for the perfect plantain, one

that is completely green and devoid of any spots, can itself consume several hours. The women have

cleaned and re-cleaned their homes from top to bottom. They have spent hours in the kitchen

preparing the desserts before the big day: large bowls of cascos, orange, guava, and grapefruit

shells in sweet, heavy syrup; and baskets of buñuelos, fried sweet dough that is a must for

Christmas.

Food- La ComidaThis includes the lechon asado

(roasted pig), Moros y Cristianos (Black beans and rice), and plenty of

Cuban cider to drink. The biggest tradition is to have a pig roast. The

day before Christmas Eve, a pig would be selected, slaughtered, cleaned and

would begin marinating for the cookout the roast the next day.

El lechon

Food- La ComidaLet’s take a look at the main dish. (Notice the

title of the video.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grJtfuPYMZs

Food- La ComidaRecipe for Cuban Flan

http://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/el-flan-de-la-reina-recipe/

France

Merry Christmas

Joyeux Noel

FranceMarie

Joseph

le bébé Jésus

Let’s learn some French Christmas Words!

France

les bergers

l’agneau

France

les rois

France

le sapin Père Noël un cadeau

un ange un renne un traîneau

France

le bonhomme

de neige

Le bonhomme de neige

Il est très joli et beau

Il a deux yeux, un nez, et une bouche

Et sur la tête un grand chapeau!

Netherlands

Merry ChristmasZalig Kerstfeest

NetherlandsThe main Christmas

celebration in the Netherlands is on St. Nicholas’ feast day

which is 6th December.

Dutch people celebrate

Sinterklaasavond which is like our Christmas Eve.

Did you know?

The name Santa Claus comes from the Dutch word for St. Nicholas –

Sinterklaas.

NetherlandsWhat do you think Dutch children leave instead of stockings for Sinterklaas

to fill?

On Sinterklaasavond children leave out their shoes in the hope that Sinterklaas will fill

them with presents. They also leave a carrot with their shoes

for Sinterklaas’ horse.

Germany

Merry Christmas

Fröliche Weihnachten

Germany

German children also put their shoes

out in the hopes that they will be

filled with presents, just like Dutch

children.

If the children have been good when they come down

on St. Nicholas’ Day their shoes will have been filled

with sweets and chocolates.

If the children have not been good then they might receive

slaps by St. Nicholas’ companion Knecht Ruprecht.

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas was born during the 3rd century, about 700 years ago. His parents were very wealthy and he was raised to be Christian.

While St. Nicholas was still young both his parents died and left him all their money. Nicholas obeyed Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor’ and he used ALL the

money his parents had left him to help the poor, the sick and the suffering. He dedicated his whole life to serving God and became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need

and for his love for children.

St. NicholasSt. Nicholas’ Day is celebrated in

many countries around the world on 6th December every year.

(sung to the tune of 'Jingle Bells')

Christmas bellsAll is wellWe're all having fun.Games and jokes and things to eatJoy to everyone.Oh, Christmas bellsAll is wellWe're all having fun.It's party time for the new-born babeAnd everyone's welcome.

Dear God,Thank you for fun, for getting together with friends and family.For presents and games and things to eat and drink.Thank you that you want us to celebrate and have fun at Christmas time.Thank you that we're all invited to the party.Amen.