Americans celebrate many Christmas traditions from far away

Several come from Europe, continuing to bless lives to this day

Each Christmas in Europe is observed on one of two dates

The Gregorian or Julian calendar will determine its fate

Much of the European continent observes St. Nicholas Day

Exchanging gifts of sweets will make it the merriest of days

In German homes, Advent calendars are displayed each year

Eating sweet fruit bread and exchanging gifts with those near

Spain holds special Midnight Mass throughout its vast land

Walking the streets on Christmas Eve with torches in hand

French homes decorated with Christ’s Nativity will bring light

Burning in fireplaces, cherry wood Yule logs illuminate bright

“Old Man Christmas” is Romania’s Father Christmas—Santa’s tagline

Singing Christmas carols, smiling and blessed children pass the time

November and December fill Danish life with parties so fun

Receiving extra presents as each Advent Sunday is done

St. Nicholas visits expectant children in Ukrainian towns

Singing on the streets, Christmas carols remove sad frowns

Naples is home to the largest Nativity scene of all-time

Enjoying Italian Christmas cake and hot chocolate is fine

Many British homes decorate two Christmas trees

Decorating with much holly, ivy, and mistletoe to see

America’s European ancestors brought much to this land

Celebrating Christmas with traditions so holy and grand

Much of the research for this poem came from Christmas Traditions.