25 Days of Christmas – Day 14: Epcot’s Holiday Storytellers
From the waterways of eastern Newfoundland to the snow-capped mountains of British Columbia, the Christmas holidays hold special magic for the vast expanse of Canada.

25 Days of Christmas – Day 14: Epcot’s Holiday Storytellers
From the waterways of eastern Newfoundland to the snow-capped mountains of British Columbia, the Christmas holidays hold special magic for the vast expanse of Canada.
Although favorite traditions such as awaiting Santa Claus, or le Pere Noel, trimming the evergreen, and singing Christmas carols are similar to those commonly found in the United States and Europe. Canada has many unique holiday traditions as well.
In some traditional Canadian homes, Santa Claus enlists the help of devilish creatures called Belsnickles to determine which children have been “naughty or nice.” The Belsnickles supposedly enter the homes of naughty boys and girls to cause mischief.
Even Canada’s Inuit children are visited by mysterious creatures called Naluyuks who travel from house to house. The children mush sing Christmas carols to appease the Naluyuks, who pound sticks on the floor before the question the children about their behavior. When the children say they’ve been good, which they always do, the Naluyuks open special gift bags full of wonderful presents.
In. Quebec, le reveillon, a sumptuous traditional French dinner is served after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
Most of Canada celebrates Boxing Day on December 26, in honor of the ancient English tradition of giving filled Christmas boxes to the poor as well as to servants and tradesmen for their help during the year.
Nowell the Lumberjack
Many wonderful Christmas traditions originated in the countries of the United Kingdom. Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each have unique holiday customs, and many of these have been shared worldwide. Well-known Christmas carols such as “Deck the Halls” and Here We Come a Wassailing” were first sung in the United Kingdom.
The tradition of Christmas cards also began in the United Kingdom. In 1843, John Calcott Horsley sent a card depicting an English family brimming with cheer to his friend Sir Henry Cole. The original card caught the attention of a British giftbook company, which published a thousand lithographed copies and sold them for a shilling each.
Not surprisingly, the hanging of mistletoe is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most popular traditions, dating back to the Druidic ceremonies of the winter solstice. Each time a kiss was claimed under the mistletoe, the young man would pick off one berry. The kissing would end when all the berries were gone!
For children, Father Christmas, with his long white beard, green robe, and crown of holly, is still treasured as the jolly gift-bearer who brings holiday joy to the well-behaved.
The magic of Christmas can be seen everywhere in France. The shops and baraques, or booths, along the beautiful boulevards are brimming with toys, glittering lights, and Christmas decorations of every imaginable kind.
Children eagerly await le Pere Noel (Father Christmas), who arrives on Christmas Eve to deliver wonderful presents. Most churches and homes display a beautiful nativity scene called a creche, which is considered on of the most important symbols of Christmas to the French. Traditionally, candles are lit around the creche: sometimes a special Yule log is also burned on the fire.
After families return from Midnight Mass, they enjoy the feast called le reveillon, which often consists of ham, goose, oysters, salads, cheese, champagne, and Buche de Noel, a delicious chocolate cake shaped like a Yule Log.
Children then set out shoes around the Christmas tree in great anticipation of le Pere Noel who fills them with all sorts of goodies!
Two major holidays of Morocco are Eid al-fitr and Eid al-Adha.
One of Morocco’s holiest celebrations is the month of Ramadan, which commemorates the month in which Allah revealed to the Muslin People, the Holy book, The Quran. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in various activities including charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Fast-Breaking. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the moth which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
On the 10th day of Zul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice.
People of Morocco also celebrate Ashura. The word “Ashura” literally means “10th”, as is it on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. Ashura is an ancient observance that is now recognized for different reasons and in different ways among Muslims. In Morocco, one of the most beautiful traditions o