Blown to a Summer Christmas!

Hi everybody! It's Fly-About Franny, just in time for another Friday report on how people around the world celebrate Christmas. Last week I had just taken off from Spain when a big storm blew me off course and made me land in Africa. Africa is an entire continent made up of over 47 countries, and everyone celebrates a little bit differently depending where they live, but they also have some things in common with each other which are quite special.

What's really great about Christmas in Africa? Well, while you may be spending time on Christmas sledding in a sleigh or making a snowman, in Africa it's hot out. Yes, Christmas in Africa comes during summer! It's so warm people can have Christmas dinner outside. A lot of family traditions include camping or going to the beach on Christmas. Most countries even have fireworks on Christmas night.

Many African families start celebrating Christmas four weeks ahead of time by decorating their houses or farms. We’ve already seen that in a lot of places, but Africans use flowers, bells and fake snow to make their homes and towns feel festive. On Christmas Eve carolers go around the towns and stop at every door to sing traditional Christmas songs. What’s your favorite Christmas carol? In some villages everybody gathers in the center of town to sing, dance and to watch plays.

The singing continues on Christmas Day, as a lot of people head for church in the morning. A big feast and presents are given after church. Santa delivers different types of presents to African children than he does anywhere else. Most kids get new clothes for the church service. Soap, pencils, paper, books and candy are also big gifts.

With all the flowers and decorations, Christmas in Africa is a very beautiful place to be. And it's summer too! Well kids, I have to get my sleigh going again and get on my way to the Philippines, Santa is going to wonder what happened to me. Join me here next week to learn more about Christmas and stop in everyday at the North Pole Times!