Ireland, like most countries, has a number of unique
Christmas traditions. Many of these customs have their root in
the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country
were being suppressed, and it is perhaps because of this they
have survived into modern times. Some of these traditions were
brought to Canada by Irish immigrants.
The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on
Christmas Eve is still practised today in Ireland. It has a
number of purposes but primarily it was a  symbol of
welcome to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for
shelter.
The candle also indicated a safe place for priests  to
perform mass as, during Penal Times this was not allowed.
A further element of the tradition is the candle should be lit
by the youngest member of  the household and extinguished
by a girl named Mary.
On Christmas Eve, the table is set and bread made with caraway
seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle.
The door to the house was left unlatched so Mary and Joseph, or
any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome.
The placing of a ring of holly on doors originated  in
Ireland as holly was one of the main plants  that
flourished at Christmas time and which gave  the poor
ample means with which to decorate their  dwellings.
Decorations are traditionally taken down on Little Christmas
(Jan. 6) and it is  considered to be bad luck to take them
down  before this date.
The Gaelic greeting for Merry Christmas is Nollaig Shona Duit
which is pronounced as "null-ig hun-a dwit."
(Source:
www.ireland-information.com
.)
Austrians celebrate St. Nicholas Day Dec. 6
In Austria, Christmas begins with the feast of St Nicholas or
Heiliger Nikolaus Dec. 6. On this day the saint and the devil
ask the children about their good and bad deeds. Good children
get sweets, toys, apples and nuts.
Traditional Austrian Christmas dinner includes baked carp.
Christmas trees are put up Dec. 24.
Italians say Buon Natale
The Christmas season in Italy begins during the Novena (the
eight days preceding Christmas) and lasts until the Feast of
the Epiphany (Jan. 6).
The Italian Christmas is centered around the presepio, or
nativity scene. The first presepio was introduced in Italy by
Saint Francis of Assisi. Similar to the role of the Christmas
tree, every Italian household has their own unique presipio,
some of which have been handed down through many generations.
Throughout Italian towns and cities large and small presepios
are displayed. Great cathedrals will often feature life size
figures of people and animals.
