Christmas Around the World
Friend December 2024 “Primary Power”
Finland
Friend December 2022 “Hi Friends” I like visiting the cemetery on Christmas Eve. We light candles on the graves of family and friends. Aasa L., age 3, Northern Savonia, Finland
Friend December 2024 “Christmas Eve Candles” Every year on Christmas Eve, people in Finland visited the cemetery to light candles on the graves of their loved ones. Joska’s family discussed why they light candles on Christmas Eve on graves. Joska thought it was because Jesus is the light of the world. His mother agreed and said, “It’s because of Jesus Christ that we can be with our family forever. And because He lived again, all of us will live again too.”
Latin America
Friends December 2022 “Find It” In many parts of Latin America, people set up Nativity scenes but leave the manger empty. They add the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. It helps them remember His birth! Can you find the hidden objects?
Columbia
Friend December 2019 “Family Night Fun” Columbia Christmas mosaic gelatin treat.
Mexico
Friend December 2021 “The Piñata Surprise” Alan’s whole family is at Abuela and Abuelo’s (Grandma and Grandpa’s) house for Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)!
Mali
Friend December 2021 “Christmas in Mali” Judith and her siblings were going to their branch’s Christmas party. Not many people in Mali celebrated Christmas. In this part of Africa, most people didn’t know much about Jesus. To them, Christmas was just an ordinary day of work and play.
Guatemala
Friend December 2022 “Cookies, Hugs, and Love” Because of a hurricane and Covid, Eva’s family Christmas traditions of celebrating with family, friends, and neighbors was not possible. Eva was sad. Their family decided to buy food for people who lost their homes in the hurricane and Eva wanted to make cookies for the children in the shelter. Serving others helped her feel better.
Venezuela
Friend December 2024 “Tying Hallacas” Ivette’s family gathering together to make hallacas, a Venezuelan holiday food. This year, Abuela had promised Ivette that she could help make them. When she found out that her job was to put her finger on the string to help finish the knot, she was disappointed and didn’t think her job was needed. Her Abuela said, “We all play a special part in making hallacas—just like we all play a special part in Heavenly Father’s family.”“We are all needed in this family,” Mom added. “It’s how we stay strong.” As she looked around at her family she realized that everyone was different. Her aunt told the best jokes. Her mom gave amazing hugs. And Abuela always knew what to say to make things better. Heavenly Father had given them all different gifts, but that was what made them special.
Multiple Countries
Friend December 2019 “Christmas Around the World” Christmas crafts, decorations, and refreshments from Mexico, Italy, Haiti, and Denmark.
Friend December 2021 “Christmas Crafts around the World” Sweden, Philippines, Brazil, England
For the Strength of Youth December 2023 Around the world, people celebrate the Savior’s birth in many different ways. Match the Christmas tradition with the part of the world it originates from.
Christmas Foods Around the World
For the Strength of Youth December 2022 “Fun Stop” Can you match the bolded food names with their picture and description? (Hint: foods are grouped on a table by country.) Christmas Food around the World: 1. E 2. F 3. A 4. B 5. K 6. L 7. I 8. J 9. C 10. D 11. G 12. H
