Drawings byjunior A :

i s s u e #9 / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 - J A N U A R Y 2013 Harilaou Chief Editor: Christina Theodoridou Administration: Nikolaos Tsikrikis, Stelios Tsikrikis AXON Papanastasiou 90, T:2310 989242 - AXON Plastira 11, T: 2310 989252, E: axonharilaou@axon.gr Η διεύθυνση και το προσωπικό των σχολείων μας σας εύχονται Καλά Χριστούγεννα, ευτυχισμένος και δημιουργικός ο νέος χρόνος, αγάπη και υγεία στις οικογένειες σας! Drawings byjunior A : Arvanitidis John, Variemezi Vagia, Georgouli Athanasia, Garsoudis Dimitris, Kotsailidis Babis, Mitsopoulou Natalia, Rofaela Irene, Schoinas John, Tsoutris Angel, Dourakoglou George, Natsikou Evi Teacher: Upcoming Events Mock Tests for Lower, Advanced and Proficiency classes on the 8th and the 15th December 2012 Report Cards from the 17th until the 20th December 2012 Midterm Tests from the 17th until the 22nd December 2012

Christina Theodoridou Karagezova Nadia as m t s i r h AC re! adventu Maria Anekawa Tomomi The day before something strange happened. My presents had come from nowhere. I couldn t understand how that happened, I was so surprised. AllMaria the kids sent a letter Jorid Sandmel Anna Papaoikonomou to Santa Claus to find out what happened. The letter from Santa came back the same day. The kids were very excited when they opened the letter. And the letter wrote: Dear children, I know you re very surprised and I m very surprised too! I m sending youtheodoridou this letter Christina because I want to meet you in the North Pole in front of my house! With love, Santa Claus The children thought this letter was strange. In the letter they found a magic powder. They opened it and dropped it on the floor. In two minutes they were in the North Pole, outside Santa s house. They didn t know what to think when suddenly Santa opened his door. He welcomed them happily and treated them with some hot chocolate. They talked about the presents they had received. Suddenly, they saw a Santa clone sharingmaria the presents. Santa was surprised. He had to take back the presents the same night and make the children believe it was a dream. But the next night he had to give the presents to the children again. He couldn t do it because he didn t have the time. But the children helped him share the presents and in the end all went well. Claudia Matsakidou Alexandra Gana Stavros Alhatzidis AnnaStavroula Papaoikonomou Buon Natale! In Italia, durante il Natale le persone fanno molte cose interessanti. Come in altri paesi, c e Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) che porta molti regali ai bambini italiani. Inoltre, ci sono molti piatti tradizionali, e specialmente dolci, come il panettone, le Masiou torte, i biscotti e.c.eleni In fine, gli italiani addobbano l albero di natale. Si tratta di una tra le feste italiane piu belle. Buon Natale a tutti! Στην Ιταλία, όπως και σε άλλες χώρες υπάρχει ο Άγιος Βασίλης που φέρνει δώρα στα παιδιά. Υπάρχουν διάφορα παραδοσιακά πιάτα και κυρίως γλυκά όπως το panettone, οι πίτες, τα μπισκότα κ.τ.λ Οι Ιταλοί, όπως και εμείς στολίζουν το χριστουγεννιάτικο δέντρο. Πρόκειται για μια από τις πιο όμορφες ιταλικές γιορτές. Καλά Χριστούγεννα σε όλους! Καπλανίδης Μιχάλης What is Santa doing? Pre-Intermediate Konstantinos Siamantas, Konstantinos Skribas Panagiotis Nastas, Nikolaos Ntambizas, Steve Mitropoulos, Angela Mavri, Sophia Tzimtzimi, Melina Stavropoulou, Anna Apostolidou Santa Claus isn t giving presents! Santa Claus is sitting on the sofa and watching TV. Santa Claus isn t climbing a tree! He is going down the chimney! Santa Claus isn t driving a car. He is flying! Santa Claus is wearing his pyjamas and drinking an orange juice. Junior B John Theodoridis, Foteini Boga, Stavroula Panteli, Vasiliki Nazari 2

Anekawa Tomomi Stavros Alhatzidis Weihnachten! Stavroula Karagezova Nadia Anekawa Tomomi Japanese 日本のクリスマスはヨーロッパのクリスマ スに雰囲気は良く似ています 全てが緑や ライトで飾られています 日本人はほとん どがキリスト教徒ではないですが 結婚式 やクリスマスなど本来キリスト教のお祝い 事を楽しむのが好きです 子供たちはクリ Christina Theodoridou スマスの日のクリスマスケーキを楽しみに しています クリスマスケーキとはホワイ トクリームと苺で出来ているケーキです クリスマスイブは日本人の若者は恋人と一 緒に過ごし 美味しいレストランでデート やプレゼントを贈りあったりします 大晦 日はもう少し日本らしく 家族一緒にすご しみんなでおそばを一緒に食べて新年を迎 えます 新年は着物を着てお寺などをお参 りする人も多いです 子供たちは年賀状や お年玉目当てに早起きします Weihnachten ist mein liebster Feiertag. Am liebsten wuerde ich ihn in Deutschland feiern, weil ich hoere, dass alles dort sehr schoen geschmueckt und dekoriert ist. Auch moechte ich die Braeuche und ihre Geschichten darueber kennelernen und auch den traditionellen Sankt Nikolaus erleben. Natuerlich moechte ich auch die ganzen Weihnachtsspezialitaeten probieren. Eirini (B2) Ich mag Weihnachten, weil alles geschmueckt ist. Ebenso sind die Leute auch froehlicher und haben Lust den anderen Menschen zu helfen. Aber ich mag nicht die Tatsache, dass die Geschaefte diese Feiertage benutzen um Geld zu verdienen. Sofia (B2) Ich liebe Weihnachten und Neujahr! Sylvester in Salzburg mit meiner Familie ist eine der besten Erinnerungen an diese Festtage. Die Stadt war verschneit und dekoriert mit bunten Lichtern und der Fluss war gefroren. Um Sylvester zu feiern waren Tausende von Menschen auf dem Hauptplatz zusammengekommen. Ausserdem hatten wir, wie jeder andere auch, eine Flasche Sekt Alhatzidis dabei, um unseren LiStavros ebsten zu gratulieren. Nach 12 Uhr haben wir dann das Feuerwerk genossen und das neue Jahr gefeiert. Adreana (B2) Christina Theodoridou Τα Χριστούγεννα στην Γερμανία μου αρέσουν, γιατί φαντάζομαι πως είναι όλα χιονισμένα και πολύ ωραία στολισμένα. Τι σκέπτεστε όταν ακούτε τη φράση Χριστούγεννα στη Γερμανία; Τα Χριστούγεννα στην Γερμανία ήταν από τις πιο ωραίες αναμνήσεις όταν έκανα διακοπές με τους γονείς μου και γιορτάζαμε στις πλατείες και στα υπαίθρια χριστουγεννιάτικα παζάρια. Μου αρέσουν τα ήθη και τα έθιμα των Χριστουγέννων στη Γερμανία, καθώς και τα παραδοσιακά τους φαγητά και γλυκά. On New Year s Day I will find a present under the C hristmas tree! Stavroula H o! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus is coming to town! R udolph is a strong and beautiful reindeer! It helps Santa Claus to fly on his sleigh! I cicles make scenery to be more beautiful! While it was snowing, S anta Claus put our presents in the stockings! At we usually eat Turkey and children get many toys from their parents and relatives! We used to decorate our houses with Στην Ιαπωνία η περίοδος των Χριστουγέννων είναι εξίσου εορταστική όπως και στο δυτικό κόσμο, με χριστουγεννιάτικα δέντρα με λαμπάκια. Οι περισσότεροι Ιάπωνες δεν είναι Χριστιανοί, όμως γιορτάζουνmaria πολλά πράγματα με Χριστιανικό τρόπο, όπως τους γάμους στην εκκλησία και τα Χριστούγεννα. Τα μικρά παιδιά περιμένουν τα Χριστούγεννα για να φάνε Χριστουγεννιάτικη τούρτα (クリスマスケーキ) με λευκή κρέμα και φράουλες. Η παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων στην Ιαπωνία θεωρείται ως η μέρα που περνάει κάποιος με το αγόρι ή το κορίτσι του και συνήθως τρώνε σε εστιατόριο και ανταλλάζουν δώρα. Η Πρωτοχρονιά είναι πιο παραδοσιακή από τα Χριστούγεννα. Συνήθως η οικογένεια μένει σπίτι και τρώνε μαζί νούντλς Soba πριν τα μεσάνυχτα, ώστε να αλλάξουν το χρόνο όλοι μαζί. Η πρώτη μέρα του Annaεπίσημη Papaoikonomou χρόνου είναι πολύ για τους Ιάπωνες, ορισμένοι φοράνε κιμονό και επισκέπτονται τους ναούς. Τα μικρά παιδιά, συνήθως ξυπνάνε νωρίτερα εκείνη τη μέρα για να πάρουν Nengajyou και Otoshidama. Nengajyou είναι μια καρτ-ποστάλ που στέλνουν οι Ιάπωνες την πρωτοχρονιά και Otoshidama είναι ένα χρηματικό δώρο που δίνουν οι γονείς στα παιδιά τους. M istletoe at! We put little A ngels to decorate our tree! The S tar was shining brightly when Christ was born! Pre-Intermediate Topi Maria, Schina Katerina, Avgoustis George, Paparousopoulos Nikos, Papadopoulos Anastasis, Kiriakidou Nephely 3

Karagezova Nadia Anekawa Tomomi Самые любимые праздники в мире Рождество и Новый Год. В Россий Christina Theodoridou праждник Рождество Христово празднуется 7 Января по юлианскому календарю.в ночь на 7 Января люди идут в церквий и потом собираются в своих домах и сидят вокруг праздничного стола с традиционными русскими блюдами. В старину говорили,что если стол на Рождество будет богатым, то и весь год будет благополучным. Для русских, Новый Год,самый важный праздник,который отмечается с болшой торжественностью.в России,Новый Stavros Alhatzidis Год встречают в ночь с 31 Декабря на 1 Января.В большинстве церквей страны совершаются традиционные обряды. Все парки, плошади, дороги, украшаются красочными огнями музыкой к Новому Maria и Году.Все ходят по магазинам, чтобы выбирать подарки для своей семьи, друзей,родственников.во всех семьях украшают ель и хозяйки готовят тра диционный новогодний праздничный стол с пирожками и салатом Оливье.Дети с нетерпением ждут Деда-Мороза,с подарками. В ночь на Новый Год все собираются за столом,едят,пьют,обмениваются подарками и Stavroula желают друг другу счастья,здоровья,любви и успехов. В России, как и во всем мире, Рождество и Новый Год являются одними из самых радостных и любимых праздников для детей и взрослых. Stavros Alhatzidis Maria Рождество и Новый Год в Россий. Alexandra Maria Gana 4 Μια από τις πιο αγαπημένες γιορτές στον κόσμο, είναι τα Χριστούγεννα και η Πρωτοχρονιά. Στη Ρωσία η γιορτή των Χριστουγέννων γιορτάζεται στις 7 Ιανουαρίου, με βάση το Ιουλιανό ημερολόγιο. Τη νύχτα της 7ης Ιανουαρίου ο κόσμος πηγαίνει στην εκκλησία και κατόπιν συγκεντρώνονται στα σπίτια τουςgana και κάθονται Alexandra γύρω από το γιορτινό τραπέζι, με παραδοσιακά ρώσικα φαγητά. Οι παλιοί έλεγαν πως αν το τραπέζι των Χριστουγέννων είναι πλούσιο, τότε θα είναι πλούσια και όλη η χρονιά. Για τους Ρώσους, η Πρωτοχρονιά, είναι μία από τις σημαντικότερες γιορτές, η οποία και γιορτάζεται με μεγάλη λαμπρότητα. Στη Ρωσία όπως και σε όλο τον κόσμο η Πρωτοχρονιά γιορτάζεται τη νύχτα της 31ης Δεκεμβρίου προς την 1η Ιανουαρίου. Στην πλειοψηφία των εκκλησιών της χώρας τελούνται παραδοσιακές λειτουργίες. Όλα τα πάρκα, οι πλατείες και οι δρόμοι στολίζονται με πολύχρωμα φωτάκια και μουσική για το νέο έτος. Όλοι πηγαίνουν στα μαγαζιά για να επιλέξουν δώρα για την οικογένειά, τους φίλους και τους συγγενείς τους. Σε όλα τα σπίτια η οικογένεια στολίζει το έλατο και οι νοικοκυρές ετοιμάζουν το παραδοσιακό γιορτινό πρωτοχρονιάτικο τραπέζι με πιροσκί και σαλάτα Ολιβιέ (ρώσικη σαλάτα). Τα παιδιά με ανυπομονησία περιμένουν τον Πατέρα του Χιονιού (σαν τον δικό μας Αι Βασίλη) για να τους φέρει δώρα. Τη νύχτα της Πρωτοχρονιάς όλοι μαζεύονται στο τραπέζι, τρώνε, πίνουν, ανταλλάσσουν δώρα και εύχονται ο ένας στον άλλο ευτυχία, υγεία, αγάπη και επιτυχίες. Στη Ρωσία όπως και σε όλο τον κόσμο τα Χριστούγεννα και η Πρωτοχρονιά είναι από τις πιο χαρούμενες και αγαπημένες γιορτές των παιδιών και των ενηλίκων. Λαζάρου Θεοδώρα Junior A Jingle bells Χριστούγεννα και Πρωτοχρονιά Stavroula στη Ρωσία Saini Maria Salve, Eleftheriadou Sonia, Mpountola Kalliopi Mpountolas Andreas, Ntampiza Eleni, Tagarakis Marios, Foutzitzis Aristidis, Chatziioannidou Stella Elementary Kommata Chrysa, Kommatas Dimitris, Toufektsidis Charalampos, Ntαlapas Nikolaos, Triantafillidis Iasonas Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Dansing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh O er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bob trails ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight Oh, jingle bells jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Lower George Mavris

An interview with an Elf! Do you like living in the North Pole? I love living in the North Pole because I work next to Santa Clause! The weather is cold and it has a lot of snow. It has also rare animals and it is a quiet place! Are you happy to be Santa s little helper? Being Santa s helper is the most beautiful feeling in the world! I am very excited and happy because we have so much fun when we make toys for the children. What is the weirdest toy a child has ever asked for? Mmm a child asked to meet and talk with Santa Clause. Another child asked for a robot that will do his homework! Oh! I also remember a kid from Italy asked for a real Ferrari! Last but not least, a child asked for an elf-balloon!! How will Santa get in my house if I don t have a chimney? Santa is a spirit and has secret magic powers! I think he gets in from the windows but let me tell you a little secret! He sometimes carries a mini-chimney with him and puts it on the roof of the houses and with his magic ball he makes it a big chimney! Don t ask me how! What do you want for? Yesterday, Santa Clause asked us what we want and I said that I want a new warmer set of clothes because it is freezing cold in the North Pole! And something else I asked him to take me to his trip and give together the presents to the children! Intermediate Nick Garifallou, Irene Smyrnaki, Hara Kotsailidou, Anastasis Karagounis, Sofia Natsikou, Eleftheria Bellou, Chris Evaggelidis, Peter Avgoustis, George Katsaros, Lefteris Kotziampasis, Panagiotis Bogas in Florina Have you ever considered visiting an extraordinary place for this? Then come and visit Florina. Florina is a small beautiful city in north western Greece. Especially during, Florina is the ideal place to be, because it combines in a perfect way, a snowy, magical landscape with Sandmel a lot of differentjorid activities that visitors can do. For example visitors can go skiing on Vigla mountain, which is located 5km outside Florina. Moreover, they can eat in traditional restaurants and go for a walk near the river, in the old city of Florina, where there are many shops. In these shops, tourists can buy a lot of traditional products, such as beans, wine and other traditionalroula handmade sweets. Stamouli The most spectacular event for is a custom that takes place on 23rd December every year. The citizens light fires in every neighbourhood (which are under control, of course) in order to warm up baby Jesus who is going to be born on 25th December. Most people see this not only as a custom but as a chance for people to go for a walk in the end of December, when the temperature is very low and the weather is extremely cold. Claudia Matsakidou The whole city is decorated with angels, stars, tree lights and trees. What makes the atmosphere more festive is that people sing songs all together. Fun usually goes on until early in the morning. So this is an experience that nobody must miss this year. We are looking forward to seeing all of you. Proficiency Ioannidou Anastasia-Natalia house! Materials: 1 pound of oats 125gr. butter, melted 2tsp. of baking 500gr. water 250gr. brown sugar Execution: Mix all the ingredients together, let 20 minutes in the refrigerator. Roll out into a thin dough and cut various shapes to build a house. Bake in preheated oven at 160 C for at least half an hour. Allow to cool. Ingredients for the glaze: 550gr. castor sugar 3 egg whites food coloring of your choice Execution for glaze: Beat egg whites until slightly thickened. Add the food coloring and sugar, beating thoroughly until a stiff icing is formed. Put the icing into a piping bag and decorate the house after gluing it together. Glue lollies of choice with icing. While working with the glaze keep it covered with a membrane to prevent drying. Upper - Intermediate Dimitra Bozi 5

All Over The World is the most lovely celebration for the children living all around the world. All people loveanna this Papaoikonomou exciting period of year because they get presents from everyone and the most important thing is that they re receiving love from their favorite people. But every person to show that he/she loves, celebrate. The way that they celebrate differs from each country. At Belgium, for instance, the night includes a family banquet which is full of aperitifs and delicacies that are usually made of seafood or turkey. The main dish is followed by the dissert which is called Buche de Noel and isstavros actually Alhatzidis a cream cake. After this they exchange their gifts which are put down of the tree or inside a sock that is suspended of the fireplace. The morning s breakfast includes bread which has the shape of Christ and it symbolizes the born of Jesus. At France, each family decorates the tree with the traditional way; they put red swag on it and real white canalexandra Ganagarden they put dles. If they have a fir in their lights and they let them shine all night. The Santa Claus is called Pere Noel there. The night includes a family budget, here too, and this is a chance for all the family members to meet again and it has dishes full of meat and red wine. At German, so many people pay much attention at their home decoration. Many houses have wooden frame where they put lights and after that they put it all together over their windows. Also, they put over the windows some figures made of paper and this looks very nice from outside. They make a swag which is called Adventskranz is made of paper with 4 candles. This symbolizes the 4 weeks before. The Santa Claus (Der Weihnachtsmann) brings presents to the children at the late Midnight. They are put down the tree. The oldest member of a family hits a bell and (s)he invites all the other family members to dinner. This dinner contains fish or goose. At Sweden, the most important day of time is the night. They dinner and this dinner includes pork meat, fish and red beans and this is the time that they exchange presents all the family s members. Many people go to the church and pray from the morning of the day. Finally, our country likes most the celebration. The morning we go to all the houses of our neighbourhood and we sing the Carols. At new years Stavroula Lower George Papaioannou A Wish Santa Claus As now comes to a close, Santa Claus is really close. When comes we are decorating the trees with a lot of different things. there s only one wish to offer May the brilliant story of Jesus enlighten our lives the world over. And as we look back into this time May we ve erased bitter memories with feelings solely sweet. For every hope and every wish to flourish true love and good health we cherish Enjoy life with family and all the people round us doing the best that we all can for good times to surround us. Fill your hearts with loving feelings and joy For all the people is coming Are you ready for this? Around the globe May peace prevail And freedom, hail A chance and equality For every man And every child There s only the wish For true happiness. Proficiency Editted by: Stavroula, Written by: Doupa Vasileia, Kaskamanidis Panagiotis, Kyriakou Eleftheria, Lettas Nikos, Papagianopoulou Eleni, Victoria, Skoura Anastasia, Filippidou Aggeliki 6 eve and at night we dinner all the family together and we chat about what we did the previous year. This celebration is celsandmel ebrated by all thejorid Christians and it s good to be accompanied by love and charity. To sum up, is a worldwide celebration that must be celebrated by all people. The born of Christ shows up the way to our heart that we have to follow if we want to be a good man. The bright star symbolizes that the superior power is watching us and we will be judged someday. When the clock strikes 12 o clock Santa Clause is really close. Children are happy and they re waiting for a new puppy. All the shops are full of hopes for a miracle everyone hopes. With a very tasty turkey, let s travel to the east of Turkey. In winter aren t many bees but we are eating a lot of cheese We are singing Jingle Bells till ends. The star lights at the top of the tree and sets everyone s spirit free. Lower Christy Kepesidou - Roula Vernarli Merry!

dinner A special family meal is traditionally an important part of the holiday s celebration and the Anna food Papaoikonomou that is served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions, such as Sicily, have special meals for Eve, when 12 kinds of fish are served. In England and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard meal includes turkey or goose, meat, grave, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread and cider. Special desserts are also prepared, such as pudding mince pies and fruit cake. (old English: Criscesmaesse, meaning Christ ) is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and widely observed holiday, celebrated on December 25th by billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of tide. is a civil holiday in many of the world s nations, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-christians and holiday season. The precise year of Jesus birth which some historians place between 7 and 2 BC, is unknown. By the early to mind 4th century, the Western Christian Church had plased 25 a date later adopted in the East. The date of may have initially been chosen to correspond with the day exactly nine months after the early Christians believed Jesus to have been conceived, as well as the date of the southern solstice with a sun connection being possible because Christians consider Jesus to be the Sun of righteousness prophesied in Malachi. Upper Intermediate Evagelia Loli & Despina Loli is my favourite celebration because in my opinion makes you come in contact with other people. Also then all the family sits on a table and sings carols together. Last and more important in we decorate the tree, open presents and the whole house smells like cookies. Personally I love it not only for the above and also because schools are closed, I hang out with my friends and some times it snows. Additionally, the whole city is decorated and shops makes you want to look them for hours. That s why I love! Upper Intermediate Irene Scrimba Upper Intermediate Despina Loli, Kleopatra Katsi, Scrimba Irene, Katsiou Vassiliki, Evangelia Loli, Dora Zgouri The pink team Claudia Matsakidou Advent I Norge er advent den tiden på året som markerer ventetiden før jul. Første søndag i advent er alltid den fjerde søndagen før 25. desember, og adventstiden varer frem til julenatt. Vi kaller Jorid søndagene Sandmeli denne tiden for den første, andre, tredje og fjerde søndag i advent. Det er en gammel tradisjon å sette frem en adventslysestake. Den har fire lys, og hvert av lysene representerer de fire søndagene i advent. Det første lyset tennes den første søndagen i advent, fire søndager før jul. Det første og det andre lyset tennes den andre søndagen i advent, og slik fortsetter det frem til alle lysene er tent. En nyere tradisjon er adventskalenderen, som også markerer nedtellingen til jul. Den henges opp den 1. desember og inneholder 24 små gaver. En åpnes hver dag frem til julekvelden. Vi pynter også vinduet med en adventstjerne. Den symboliserer julestjernen, og lyser vakkert opp i vintermørket. Άντβεντ Στην Νορβηγία ονομάζουμε Άντβεντ τις τελευταίες τέσσερις εβδομάδες πριν τα Χριστούγεννα. Άντβεντ σημαίνει ερχομός και συμβολίζει την προσμονή για τα Χριστούγεννα, δηλαδή για τη γέννηση του Χριστού. Ονομάζουμε τις Κυριακές σε αυτήν την εποχή του χρόνου πρώτη, δεύτερη, τρίτη και τέταρτη Κυριακή του Άντβεντ. Παραδοσιακά τοποθετούμε ένα κηροπήγιο με τέσσερα κεριά. Το κάθε ένα από αυτά τα κεριά συμβολίζει μία Κυριακή του Άντβεντ. Την πρώτη Κυριακή του Άντβεντ ανάβουμε το πρώτο κερί, την δεύτερη Κυριακή το πρώτο και το δεύτερο κερί, και συνεχίζουμε με αυτόν τον τρόπο μέχρι να ανάψουμε όλα τα κεριά, την τελευταία Κυριακή πριν την παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων. Μία άλλη παράδοση που έχουμε είναι την πρώτη Δεκεμβρίου να κρεμάμε ένα ημερολόγιο του Άντβεντ. Το ημερολόγιο αυτό περιέχει 24 μικρά δωράκια. Ανοίγουμε ένα δωράκι κάθε μέρα μέχρι την παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων. Την πρώτη Κυριακή του Άντβεντ στολίζουμε επίσης το παράθυρο με ένα αστέρι. Αυτό το αστέρι συμβολίζει το αστέρι των Χριστουγέννων. 7

in Australia In Australia, comes in the middle of the summer holidays! Children have their summer holidays from early to mid December to early February. Australians hang wreaths on their front doors and sometimes go out carol singing in eve. People also decorate their houses and gardens with trees and lights. Neighbours sometimes have little competitions as to who has got the best light display. The neighbours often visit each other to look at the light displays at night. One street in Sydney raises over $35.000 every year for charity with their co-ordinated street display! What s more, Australians decorate their houses with bunches of Bush, a native Australian tree with small green leaves and cream coloured flowers. In summer the flowers turn a deep shiny red over a period of weeks. In each State capital city there is a large Carols by Candlelight service. Famous Australian singers like the Wiggles, Jonn Farnham, Anthony Warlow, Colin Gery, Niki Webster and many more help to sing the carols. These carol services, held in different cities, are broadcast on TV across Australia. There are also huge pageants in each state capital city, that are also broadcast across the country. Most towns and cities have Festivals and parades. In some places, at the local park there is a fireworks display. When Santa gets to Australia, gives the reindeer a rest and uses Kangaroos or six white boomers -> it s a popular Australian song. He also changes his clothes for less hot ones! On Boxing Day (the day after ) most people go and visit their friends and often have barbeques Claudia Matsakidou the beach. A famous Yacht race from Sydney to Hobart in Tasmania is also held on Boxing Day. Most families try to be home together for and the main meal is eaten at lunch time. Many people now have a cold dinner of a barbeque with seafood like prawns and lobsters along with the traditional english food. On Eve, fish-markets are often full of people queuing to buy their fresh seafood for the big day. Australians often have crackers at meal times. This is the Australian! Lower Panagiotis Fasoulidis Eve in Finland If you re interested in in the frozen country of Finland, perhaps you will be pleased a bit when you hear that everyone in Finland, after a light Eve lunch, heads out to take the sauna bath. This sounds like one of the best traditions in Finland (maybe in the whole world). What a nice way to ease tensions before guests come to dinner. Dinner, of course, is a splendid feast. There is ham or pork roast, casseroles with carrots and rice, or rutabaga. Several kinds of fish including herring and cod, lots of whole grain breads, prune tarts, and berry pudding. The holiday drink is glogg, which is a warm wine. About 5 or 6 o clock, families go to the cemeteries to leave candles on the graves of loved ones who won t be there to celebrate any longer. Thousands of flickering lights reflecting against the snow and trees, create a memorable scene. A bit later in the evening there is a knock at the door. Joulupukki Santa has arrived, (unfortunately papa misses his arrival because he had to go do the evening chores). Joulupukki boldly asks, Are there any good children in the house?. Of course there always are, and Santa never misses handing out presents. The children love to sing Joulupukki Laulu or Petteri Punakuono (Rudolph) or other such songs to him, before he leaves to visit the rest of the world. day, except for morning services, is strictly a stay-at-home family day and very quiet. However, everyone visits friends and family on the 26th. there, is the greatest and the most beloved feast of the year, mainly because people have such a nice time Advanced Alexandros Pavlidis 8