How do Canadians celebrate Christmas?
The way Christmas is celebrated in Canada is roughly the same as that in other Western countries. Canada is a multicultural country with people from different backgrounds and beliefs, so the ways of celebrating Christmas are also different, but there are still some things in common. Traditions and customs. Globally, December 25th is an official holiday in Canada, while many people also celebrate the day off on the afternoon of December 24th (Christmas Eve), as well as on December 26th (Gift Day).
Christmas is an important holiday in Canada, where many people gather with family and friends to exchange gifts, enjoy delicious food, and watch fireworks and lights. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the common ways Canadians celebrate Christmas, as well as some unique activities and foods.
Santa Claus:
Canada’s Santa Claus is an image of a man wearing red clothes, wearing a white beard, and driving a sleigh pulled by reindeer. He would put presents in children’s stockings or under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Many children write letters to Santa telling him what gifts they want, or go to the mall to meet him in person. Canada Post will help deliver children’s letters and provide a reply service from Santa.
Christmas dinner:
Canadians will hold a grand dinner on Christmas Day or the eve, inviting relatives and friends to share it. The dinner menu may vary by region and culture, but typically includes turkey, ham, goose, fish, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, various salads and vegetables, etc. For dessert, they make a steamed cake called Christmas pudding, filled with fruits and nuts, and topped with brandy cream. There is also a dessert called fruit cake, which is a dense cake made of dried fruits and nuts. It is usually prepared several months in advance. Some people also prepare cookies or ice cream.
Christmas gift:
Canadians give each other gifts during Christmas as a sign of friendship and love. There are no fixed rules on the type and value of gifts. They can be chosen according to the preferences and needs of the recipient. Some people buy gifts in advance, wrap them in colorful paper and ribbons, and put them under the Christmas tree or in socks. Some people will buy gifts on Christmas Day, or use cash or gift cards instead. Some people also participate in an event called “Secret Santa,” where everyone draws a name and then buys a gift for that person without revealing who they are.
Christmas tree:
Canadians place Christmas trees at home or in public places and decorate them with lights, balls, garlands, angels, stars and other decorations. Some people choose to go to a farm and cut down a real pine tree, while others buy an artificial plastic tree. Christmas trees are usually decorated in early December and left until the New Year when they are taken down.
Christmas songs:
Canadians like to sing or listen to songs during Christmas. Some songs are traditional religious songs, such as “Silent Night”, “Ode to Joy”, “Angels Sing Loudly”, etc. Some of the songs are modern pop songs. Some people join choirs or church choirs and sing in public places or in churches. Some people will go to other people’s homes or their own homes to sing together around the piano or guitar.
Christmas card:
Canadians send Christmas cards to relatives and friends before Christmas to express their blessings and care. Christmas cards usually have Christmas-related patterns, such as Santa Claus, snowmen, elk, snowflakes, etc. Some people will write the words themselves, others will print them. Some people also include a photo of their family, or some New Year’s resolutions.
Christmas activities:
Canadians participate in various activities during Christmas to add to the festive atmosphere and fun. Some activities are outdoor, such as skiing, skating, making snowmen, snowball fights, etc. Some activities are indoors, such as watching movies, playing games, doing crafts, etc. Some cities will also hold large-scale activities, such as Christmas parades, fireworks shows, lighting exhibitions, etc. Secondly, Canadians also participate in some special activities to celebrate Christmas. For example, on the night of December 24th, some people will go to churches to attend midnight mass, and some cities will also hold Christmas light displays for people to enjoy the colorful lights and decorations. In addition, there will also be Santa Claus parades in some places, allowing children to meet their beloved characters. In some areas in the north, there is also an activity called “Taffy Pull”, which is to pour boiled syrup on the snow and then roll it up with a wooden stick to eat. In the French-speaking province of Quebec, there is a meat pie called “Tourtière”, which is made with pork, beef or game. In Newfoundland, there is a dish called “Jiggs Dinner”, which is made with salted beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and buttered bread. As for drinks, there is a kind of creamy eggnog called “Eggnog”, which is mixed with milk, cream, eggs, sugar and spices, and sometimes some whiskey or brandy is added.
In short, Canadians celebrate Christmas in many different ways, but they are all full of joy and warmth. If you have the opportunity to spend Christmas in Canada, you will definitely feel their warmth and hospitality.
