Fellowship and sharing of food keynote Christmas celebrations around the world. The religious and spiritual significance of this Christian holiday shines throughout the season and is enhanced by foods and customs which have become an important part of family observances. For many this significance is based on the heritage of a particular nationality or tradition.

In most homes, Christmas celebrations last more than one day. Preparations often begin in late November or early December when fruitcakes are baked and the fragrance of freshly baked cookies fills the air. In many countries the holiday extends from Christmas Eve until January 6 – the Twelve Days of Christmas.

In Sweden the celebration starts on December 13, Saint Lucia’s Day. A daughter of the house, dressed in white and wearing a crown of lighted candles, begins the day by taking special bread or buns and coffee to her parents and other family members before they rise. In some towns the Lucia girl also visit’s the needy. Friends and neighbors exchange visits and hospitality during the day.

Many of the foods of the season originated in England. It was during Henry VIII’s reign that fruitcakes and plum puddings were first served. By the seventeenth century mincemeat was being used in Christmas pie. Some of these were huge weighing up to 100 pounds with a box shaped crust to represent the manger of the Christ Child. Spices and fruits used in pies and puddings were considered reminders of the gifts of the Magi.

The custom of having a nativity scene in the home began in Italy. St. Francis of Assisi celebrated Mass in the forest, while nearby, real people and live animals depicted the nativity. The idea of repeating the setting in miniature spread and much of the house to house calling on friends includes viewing the crèche and sampling a rich, sweet holiday bread, filled with fruit and decorated with almonds.

In Mexico, the posada, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, combines spiritual devotion, hospitality, and a treat for the children. Families form a procession to the homes of friends. Their symbolic admittance is climaxed when the children, blindfolded, break the piñata, a decorated clay or paper mache container filled with candy and trinkets.

In some German traditions, Belsnickel, a cranky character, watches children to make sure they are good every day until Christmas. If a child has been on his best behavior all day, he is rewarded the next morning by finding a little plate with a Christmas cookie placed on an outside kitchen window sill. If he has been naughty, the plate might be empty or contain a stone instead of a cookie.

Where ever you live, their will always be a family tradition to celebrate the holidays.