The Snowman Stocking Hook is 7 inches tall including the hanger. The snowman is wearing a blue and white striped scarf and a red hat. Christmas lights are strung between the snowman’s stick arms and his body is covered in jeweled snowflakes. There is a bag of presents on one side of him, and a tree on the other. There is a red present with gold ribbon and a Snow sign next to the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is decorated with gold glitter, red balls, and has a red bird near the top. Your stocking will hang from the holder attached to the center of the Snowman Stocking Holder.
Christmas in France.
In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phrase les bonnes nouvelles, which means "the good news" and refers to the gospel. It is a time of festivities and celebrations. The story of Christ’s birth is re-enacted at the Cathedral square by players and puppets.
The midnight service on Christmas Eve is usually followed by a meal called le reveillon. The word reveillon means the first call of the day or, the call to wake up. The feast symbolizes the spiritual awakening that the birth of Jesus Christ is believed to have brought into our lives.
After the midnight service, the French head towards the many cafes and restaurants serving the reveillon, all night long. The meal, apart from its significance, is very delicious. It includes mouth-watering delicacies such as oysters, baked ham, sausages, roast fowl, wine, salads and more. The Christmas cakes are usually decorated with sugars to resemble the holy child.
French children have their own Father Christmas in Pere Noel. The children leave their shoes out, before going to bed, hoping to find them filled with gifts the next morning. In northern France, it is customary to give gifts to the children on the 6th of December which is Saint Nicholas Day, instead of Christmas Day. Select this link to view our Christmas stockings.
Christmas in Egypt.
Unlike the States and the European countries, Christmas is not a public season in Egypt, and is a holiday only for Christians. The Egyptian Church is a Coptic orthodox church and celebrates Christmas on the 7th of December. Advent is observed for forty days and during this period people are expected to fast eating no meat, poultry or dairy products.
The midnight prayer is held in the Church and ends with the ringing of the bells. After the prayer, families gather at home to have a grand meal known as fata. It consists of rice, bread, garlic, boiled meat and soup. Generally, people in Egypt and the Middle East visit friends and relatives on Christmas morning. They take with them Kaik, a kind of shortbread, on these visits. They have the Kaik with a drink known as the shortbat. Select this link to view our Christmas tree skirt.
Christmas in Finland.
Though not celebrated as fervently as in many other European countries, Christmas in Finland has its own charm. The houses become clean and smell good with the aroma from the decorations. The Christmas tree is usually decorated a few days before Christmas. At breakfast, on Christmas Eve morning, natives of Finland have rice porridge, cinnamon and sugar and milk. An almond is hidden in the porridge and whoever finds it first is believed to have great luck all through the following year, and may even get married.
Visits are paid to relatives and friends on Christmas morning. It is also customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members and light candles. Before the Christmas dinner, children play the piano and sing Christmas carols. Boys often perform the play called the Tiernapojat, which is about the three wise men from the east. The Christmas meal is customarily quite heavy and delicious.
Unlike most parts of the world, presents are opened on Christmas eve. They believe that since Santa Claus lives in Finland, he visits them first. Children give special treats to their pets for Christmas. Select this link to view our artificial prelit christmas trees.
