CHRISTMAS IN USA AND IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY

The United States And the Basque Country are thousands of miles apart. They have very little in common: a different language, different customs and different traditions. But how different is the way we each celebrate Christmas?
In the United States celebrating Christmas means putting their socks in the fireplace whereas in the Basque Country we put our shoes under the Christmas tree. However, the Americans and the Basques have something in common: the Christmas tree. As you know, this tree is the symbol of Christmas because in many countries they are decorated with balls and colorful lights. Do you know that the New York's tree has 30.000 balls? It's amazing!

Concerning  dinner, in our country it's typical to eat fish and meat in Christmas, whereas in USA they eat turkey and potatoes.
Speaking' about the new year, do you know how they celebrate it in USA?

In New York for instance, there are spectacular displays of fireworks and  big multitudinous celebrations  in major cities like New York, where hundreds of thousands of people pack Times Square on 31 December at midnight for the count down. On 1 January it is a holiday and major parades in some cities are held, like the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. However, in the Basque Country we celebrate the new year eating 12 grapes and then we have a fantastic time drinking with friends in night. 


Regarding the famous character that gives presents to children, In USA they have the famous Santa Claus who lives in the North Pole with his wife Mrs. Claus whereas in the basque Country we have the great Olentzero who lives in the mountains with his friend donkey Prontsio.

To conclude, I wish you a mery Christmass and an happy New Year!!!!!!