Holidays Around the World: Canada

from the waterways of eastern Newfoundland to the snowcapped mountains of British Columbia, the Christmas holidays hold special magic for the vast expanse of Canada. although favorite traditions such as awaiting Santa Claus, 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 enlists the help of devilish creatures called Belsnickles to determine which children are "naughty or nice." the Belsnickles supposedly enter the homes of naughty boys & girls to cause mischief. even Canada's Inuit children are visited by mysterious creatures called Naluyuks who travel from house to house. the children must sing Christmas carols to appease the Naluyuks, who pound sticks on the floor before questioning 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 Québec, Le Réveillon, a sumptuous traditional French dinner, is served after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

on December 26, Canada celebrated Boxing Day in honor of the ancient English tradition of giving filled Christmas boxes to the poor as well as to servants & tradesmen for their help during the year.