Contest

All Christian nations have unique traditions expressing their celebration of Christ’s birth. Most include festive parties, decorated trees, nativity scenes, and specially-baked goodies.

This year’s contest challenged our alumni to match the country with their holiday tradition of food or activity.

Congratulations to our winners! They were the only three to correctly match the countries with their holiday tradition.

Iris (Gonzalez, 1981) Lopez
Jorge Lopez (1981)
Paul Worley (1996)

Ukraine
Christmas season is observed January 6–19.

Hungary
Fish soup, stuffed cabbage, fish, and gingerbread cookies are served.

Poland
Bits of hay are spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder that Christ was born in a manger.

Denmark
A cold rice pudding dish served with a hot cherry sauce, traditionally with a whole almond hidden inside. The lucky finder of this almond is entitled to a small gift.

Japan
White sponge cake covered with cream and decorated with strawberries, is often consumed.

England
Small silver coins are placed in plum pudding mixture which was believed to bring wealth in the coming year.

United States
The greeting "Christmas Gift!" was common among poor farming families in rural areas when people would wake on Christmas morning and rush to say "Christmas Gift" before anyone else.

France
Dried fruit and nuts are known as the "four beggars."

Romania
Children receive their gifts December 5–6 of sweets or books placed in their laced up boots; if they have been naughty they get wooden sticks.

Ireland
On Christmas Eve fish is traditionally eaten as a form of fasting before Christmas.

Norway
Steamed, salted, and dried ribs of mutton are eaten.