How Does Your Family Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas celebrations around the world are very different. It's fun to see how others enjoy this special season. Traditions and customs differ the world over.

The tiny town of Bethlehem is thought to be the site of Christ's birth. And each year at this time, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is adorned with many flags and decorations, and a dramatic procession is held each Christmas Eve. In Iran, where the wise men are believed to have lived, Christians long have marked the season by fasting from animal products. In Mexico, the main Christmas celebrations involve processions re-enacting Joseph and Mary's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Christians in India often decorate mango or banana trees at Christmas. And Christian children in China hang muslin stockings and wait for a visit from Santa Claus, whom they call ``Christmas old man.''  It's fun to learn about celebrations from other parts of the world. We hope you have a blessed Christmas.