Every year on December 25 Catholics and Christians alike celebrate a beloved and traditional holy day commemorating the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The story of the birth of Jesus has touched the hearts of children around the world in anticipation of his coming. In countries around the world big preparations are underway to prepare the children for this blessed and holy event. In Spain, on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas, “Sinterklaas,” (Santa Claus) dressed in Bishop’s robes and carrying a huge sack, will travel on his beautiful white stallion on a large steamboat to Holland with an elf, named Black Peter. Black Peter will carry birch sticks for children who have been naughty all year. Good children will wake up to treats such as chocolate and marzipan left in their wooden shoes placed by the fireplace. Usually the children will leave carrots and hay for the stallion.

The feast of Saint Nicholas, December 6, is a reminder of charity and generosity, especially during the Christmas season. Nicholas came from one of the wealthiest families who lived near the Mediterranean Sea. They were wealthy merchants and Nicholas’ parents taught him as a child to be generous and kind, especially to the needy.

Legend has it that St. Nicholas saved three sisters from being sold into slavery by throwing three bags of gold into their stockings. This led to the practice of children giving presents at Christmas.

On December 13 in Sweden, families celebrate the feast of St. Lucia. The girls get dressed up in white robes and wear wreaths with candles around their heads. The eldest daughter will make rolls and buns and serve them to the family with hot cocoa. The boys will wear star hats and follow behind the girls and help with serving the delicious breakfast treats. Today this special tradition is now celebrated in many European countries as well.

In Mexico and other Latin countries, on December 16 children are eagerly awaiting the procession, Las Posadas, that will take place for nine days. Families will walk in groups going from door to door, reenacting the search made by Mary and Joseph to find lodging in Bethlehem. Shelter is not found until Christmas Eve, where a home will open its doors and a big fiesta will take place. Before the feasting takes place guests will kneel around the nativity set and prayers will be said. Afterwards there will be feasting, singing and piñatas.

On Christmas Eve, in Poland and Lithuania, many families prepare an unleavened wafer made of pure wheat flour and embossed with the Nativity scene which they will eat that night along with a meatless dinner. This tradition also exists for families of Italian origin. Seven different fish dinners are always prepared for the eve with chick peas in red sauce, Italian breads and fried cabbage. Honey ball cookies, Italian pastries and jelly filled cookies, nougat candy, and chocolates are exquisitely prepared for dessert.

I hope you will share some of these customs with your family as I do every Christmas with my Little Explorers, while tasting and savoring the aromas of the festive season.