In Germany
They hold special markets every December that specialize in selling
decorations and other Christmas related paraphernalia.
The people make and drink a spiced wine, which is called "mulled wine" in
English and "Gluhwein" in their own language.
One of the famous traditional Christmas toys is the Nutcracker doll that now
comes in many different styles.
The "Advent Calendar" originated here and is now used by children in many
other countries that celebrate Christmas.
The Advent Calendar is used for counting down the days to Christmas and has
twenty-four little doors with a picture and sometimes chocolate behind each one.
Children leave out a sock on December 6th for Saint Nicholas to fill with
candies.
Families gather together on Christmas Eve to open their presents.
A traditional cake is eaten at Christmas time, called "Stollen" cake. It is
very rich, fruity and coated with marzipan and icing sugar.
The Christmas tree originated.
At Christmas time if you been a bad boy or girl you will be visited by the
evil Hans Muff and receive nothing.
In France
Every home displays a nativity scene featuring little clay figurines made in
the south of this country.
The Christmas tree has never been popular here.
In many areas children receive gifts from Pere Noel.
They receive gifts on both December 6th and Christmas Day.
In other regions the gifts are delivered by "Le petit Jesus".
There is a traditional grand feast every year held after midnight mass on
Christmas Eve.
A world famous cake is baked for the Christmas season in the shape of a log,
usually coated in chocolate and extremely delicious.
One part of the country celebrates Christmas by eating turkey and chestnuts.
The capital city celebrates by eating oysters.
Adults wait until New Years Day to exchange gifts.
（通讯员北京航空航天大学 赵庆 供稿）
