13th December is known as 'St Lucia' day, in Sweden (as well as Norway & Finland). It is a festival of light in the long, dark winter. Traditionally, on this day the oldest girl in the family will wear a long white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head. 'Lucia,' the bearer of light, will usually arrive at dawn, singing carols and bringing a tray of treats and some mulled wine (glögg) to the household.
Kristina has been learning with her Mum and her Swedish grandmother.
Rosie and her Mum looked up how Christmas is celebrated in Norway, Poland & Iceland.
They found out that in Norway they have a “Little Christmas Eve” on the 23 December and they celebrate Christmas on the 24th where they have their main Christmas dinner.
In Poland they start their Christmas on the 24th as well. This day is called Wigilia. Polish people believe that all the food, cleaning and housework should be done before the first star appears in the Sky. They relate this star to being the Star of Bethlehem.
Iceland, unlike most other countries have 13, yes 13 Santa Clauses. They are known as the 13 trolls.
Ethan found out that in Russia Christmas is on 17th January. They do caroling, fortune telling and they fast for forty days up to Christmas Eve.
Dylan discovered that in Australia people enjoy eating Shrimp at Christmas. He learned that Christmas falls in Summer in Australia and they have lots of Barbeques.
Did you know that the first song to be played in space was Jingle Bells?
The largest snowman to be built was in Maine, America and it was a huge 113ft tall!
Joshie has enjoyed researching about Christmas in Colombia.