The 12 Days of Christmas - Aussie Version

We all know the traditional 12 Days of Christmas, but do you know the Australian

version? Here’s the Aussie 12 Days of Christmas with all the great Australian

On the 1st day of Christmas

My true love sent to me,

An emu up a gum tree.

On the 2nd day of Christmas

My true sent to me,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 3rd day of Christmas

My true love sent to me,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 4th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing

2 pink galahs

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 5th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 6th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

6 brolgas dancing,

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 7th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

7 possums playing,

6 brolgas dancing,

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 8th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

8 dingoes digging,

7 possums playing,

6 brolgas dancing,

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 9th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

9 wombats working,

8 dingoes digging,

7 possums playing,

6 brolgas dancing,

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 10th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

10 lizards leaping,

9 wombats working,

8 dingoes digging,

7 possums playing,

6 brolgas dancing,

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 11th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

11 numbats nagging,

10 lizards leaping,

9 wombats working,

8 dingoes digging,

7 possums playing,

6 brolgas dancing,

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

On the 12th day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

12 parrots prattling,

11 numbats nagging,

10 lizards leaping,

9 wombats working,

8 dingoes digging,

7 possums playing,

6 brolgas dancing,

5 kangaroos,

4 koalas cuddling,

3 kookaburras laughing,

2 pink galahs,

And an emu up a gum tree.

Image Credit: Josh McIntosh

Here’s the link if you would like to get the book Twelve Days of Christmas, by June

Williams and Josh McIntosh: http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Twelve-Days-of-

Christmas-John-McIntosh-John-McIntosh-Illustrated-by/9780947163921

Watch the kids animated version of the Australian 12 Days of Christmas:

The 12 Days of Christmas Carols

On the 1st day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 2nd day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 3rd day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 4th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 5th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 6th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 7th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Seven Swans a Swimming

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 8th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Eight Maids a Milking

Seven Swans a Swimming

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 9th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Nine Ladies Dancing

Eight Maids a Milking

Seven Swans a Swimming

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 10th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Ten Lords a Leaping

Nine Ladies Dancing

Eight Maids a Milking

Seven Swans a Swimming

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 11th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Eleven Pipers Piping

Ten Lords a Leaping

Nine Ladies Dancing

Eight Maids a Milking

Seven Swans a Swimming

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 12th day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

12 Drummers Drumming

Eleven Pipers Piping

Ten Lords a Leaping

Nine Ladies Dancing

Eight Maids a Milking

Seven Swans a Swimming

Six Geese a Laying

                    Five Golden Rings

                    Four Calling Birds

                    Three French Hens

                    Two Turtle Doves

                    and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

The Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas

December is by far the most popular month all over the world. Why? Because it’s the

Christmas Season! It’s not just Christmas Day that fills you with joy by being surrounded

with family and friends (and Christmas presents), but the entire month has a more

uplifting, happier spirit of community. However, did you know that the actual Christmas

season starts on Christmas Day itself? Well, December 25th is the official beginning of

the 12 days of Christmas, a much talked about Christmas tradition.

There are so many stories behind this Christmas tradition and you may be wondering

what it means.

Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas

There are two explanations given to the meaning of this Christian tradition. According

to Christian theology, 12 days of Christmas is a period between the birth of Christ, and

the beginning of Christianity, to the coming of the three wise men or the Magi. Therefore

this period starts on 25th December (Christmas Day) and ends on 6th of January (Three

King’ Day or the Epiphany).

Also, the 12 days of Christmas refers to a popular Christmas carol. In this song, the

singer boasts about the many expensive gifts he/she received from their ‘true love’

during this period of the 12 days of Christmas. One unique thing with the song is the

way the verses build on each other like that shopping list memory game we played in

primary school.

Most people all over the world today are conversant with the version of this song that

start with this verse:

On the first day of Christmas,

My true love sent me,

A partridge in a pear tree

The other 12 verses that follow add a gift for each day in such a manner that the next

verse builds on the one before it all the way to the 12th verse.

Origin of the Carol, ‘12 Days of a Christmas’

This Christmas carol has unclear historical origin. However, the earliest version of the

song is said to have featured in a book by the title, Mirth With-out Mischief, which is a

children’s book written around 1870. According to historians, the song is of French

origin and was first published in England as a poem, having no musical rhyme or chant.

There have been so many variations in the lyrics of this carol at different times in

history. There are some that mention ‘ships a-sailing’ or ‘bears a-baiting’ while others

talk of the gift giver as the mother to the singer instead of the ‘true love’. In most of the

early versions, ‘four colly birds’ are listed. ‘Colly birds’ here refers to blackbirds.

The version that most people are familiar with today is the one composed by an English

composer by the name Fredrick Austin in 1909.

What the controversy behind this Christmas carol?

The claim that this carol is a Christmas song has received lots of criticism. The view that

this song may have been composed as a way for the Roman Catholics in England to

practice their faith, has been greatly questioned and corrected. Critics of this claim point

out that there were no severe persecutions at that time to warrant the use of this song

as a catechism song to teach their faith secretly to their young Catholics.

All in all, 12 days of Christmas is a popular Christmas tradition surrounded by a lot of

mysteries and variations abound particularly in regard to the interpretation of the

Christmas carol, the 12 Days of Christmas.

Watch this kids animated version of The 12 Days of Christmas by Hoopla Kidz:

Finally the Holidays are here! And after a relaxing day, it’s fun to enjoy a good movie with your kids. Here is list of the best ever Christmas movies. The list is in reverse order.

10. Love, Actually (2003)

It is one of the best Christmas movies. It has got all Christmas moments in it. Lots of love everywhere, big family gatherings, wild parties. It has got all. You are going to enjoy your time at this movie.

9. The Santa Clause (1994)

When Santa falls off Scott Calvin’s roof (played wonderfully by Tim Allen), it invokes the Santa clause, making him the next jolly fat man dressed in red to deliver the world’s gifts.

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

It a wonderful film about a mythical character Grinch, who plans to steal gifts from the people of Whoville. Jim Carrey has done a splendid job as Grinch. It spreads the message of positivity and hope about the Christmas. Entire movie revolves around Christmas and fun and gifts and lot more…..

6. A Christmas Carol (2009)

A very heart touching movie about three ghosts. The role is played by Jim Carrey. The entire movie makes for a very cheer filled mood. Especially the ghost of the Christmas past shows about his loss. What he gave up for his pursuit of meaningless wealth

5. Jack Frost (1998)

A very simple and yet heart touching in presentation. The Storyline is very touching. It about man knowing the importance of relationship after getting killed in an accident…

4. The Family Stone (2005)

The movie is havoc! It is a fun filled riot! It’s about a dysfunctional family reuniting for Christmas. Everyone seems to be the best man playing the role. Entire family drama is wrapped around Christmas, when things finally patch up.

3. Home Alone 2: lost in New York (1992)

Yeah. It has familiar wonderful moments. And yes with the same kid it around! Yes, twice!!! The movie is definitely fun filled the kids will love it. They never stop laughing watching this movie

2. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Very nice plot of Santa’s Son taking the job of delivering gifts. The Film is about hope and happiness and James McAvoy has done a great job in playing the character of Arthur. It’s a must watch movie for everyone.

1. The Polar Express (2004)

It is the adventure of the Christmas. A roller coaster ride in the polar express train in the chilly mountains and valleys. The train is on a journey to the North Pole. It is an adventure-thriller for children.

The lucky country we live in - AUSTRALIA.

The tradition of having Australia Day as a national holiday on 26 January is a recent one. 
It wasn't until 1935 that all the Australian states and territories used the name Australia Day to mark the date 26 January. From 1994 we have celebrated Australia Day consistently as a public holiday.

Citizenship ceremonies are generally conducted by local government councils and can be held on Australia Day as part of the program of events. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection administers citizenship ceremonies. Citizenship symbolizes the belonging of a country where you were born or a country where you have decided to make your home.
If your were not born here, an application process must be taken for you to become an Australian citizen. Once approved, arrangements are made for you to attend a Citizenship Ceremony where you would undertake a pledge before a person delegated by the Minister, then you are an Australian citizen. This a commitment to Australia and its people to be united as a nation and respect and share the values of our beautiful country.

On Australia Day we recognise the unique status of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The National Australia Day Council (NADC) is committed to playing a part in the journey of Reconciliation by helping all Australians to move forward with a better understanding of our shared past, and importantly how this affects the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today, and how we might build a better future together.

The NADC’s approach to Reconciliation is one of leadership. We recognise that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and some non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, may have mixed feelings about celebrating this day. January 26 has multiple meanings: it is Australia Day and it is also, for some, Survival Day or Invasion Day. The NADC acknowledges that the date brings a mixture of celebration and mourning and we believe that the programs presented by the NADC should play a powerful and positive role in advancing Reconciliation.

Australia Day has many Ambassadors, to list a few from Queensland

- Uncle Albert Holt

- Angelo Puglisi

- Chern'ee Sutton

- John Lazarou

And this years Young Australians of the year Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett.

The full list with all states can be seen on http://www.australiaday.org.au/

A great place to celebrate Australia Day in Brisbane would be at Southbank where you can enjoy the day, either having a picnic or cooking a Barbecue (with Lamb of course). At 7.30pm there will be a fireworks display for approximately 10 minutes on the banks of the Brisbane river to celebrate the occasion. Also a very popular event on the day is The cockroach races at the Story Bridge Hotel @Kangaroo Point, other venues do thong throwing. 

Many others will be enjoying the gathering of family and friends over a barbecue or a game of cricket in a park or on our beautiful sandy beaches by the water.

However you choose to celebrate Australia Day there is no doubt that this is a country filled with great pride and great humour.

Happy Australia Day!!!

Although Christmas traditions are completely different from culture to culture, the

atmosphere that brings the most joyous holiday is the same everywhere. In all parts of the

world, for those who celebrate it, Christmas is a day of love, gratitude and family gatherings.

Here are some of the Christmas traditions around the world.

UNITED KINGDOM - Merry Christmas

Preparations for Christmas begin with food, of course, sending Christmas cards, decorating

the house and preparing gifts. On Christmas Eve, the stocking are putted on the edges of

the bed or on the chimney, where there Santa leaves gifts. Christmas begins with the

opening of gifts and lunch after which a televised speech follows the royal family. In the

afternoon are visited neighbors and relatives. During Christmas dinner custom is serving

Christmas pudding most often plum (cakes pastry stuffed with a variety of dried fruit) in

which there is a "treasure".

The United Kingdom was the first country that for Christmas decoration began to use

mistletoe. Mistletoe garlands adorned the doors and homes, and anyone who is found

beneath the cornice can be kissed or should kiss someone. In Covent Garden Santa Claus

(Father Christmas) lights the lamps, and on the famous Trafalgar Square there is a beautiful

tree and, of course, mistletoe.

FRANCE - Joyeux Noel

On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace in order to Santa Claus (Pere

Noel) brought gifts. In addition to shoes, on Christmas morning, sweets, fruit and small toys

are also hanging from the tree. In the north of France, children are bestowing on December

6th, the day of St. Nicholas instead of Christmas. Adults are each donating to the New Year.

Church bells on are playing Christmas songs. In the square, near the cathedral, are showing

the birth of Christ.

Almost every home has a nursery, around which actually spins the whole Christmas

celebration. Nursery contains clay figurines called Santos, which in December are sold at

Christmas fairs in Marseille and Aix. Figures except that depict St. Family and pastors often

appear and craftsmen, fishermen, farmers.

The French are making chocolate cake in the shape of the trunk that is called La Buche de

Noel. The same trunk, to previous time of period, was burned to drive away the ghosts that

light. The cake is served with other foods during Le Reveillon, very late dinner after midnight

Mass on Christmas Eve. The main dish varies on regional culinary traditions, and in Alsace

served goose, in Burgundy turkey with chestnuts, while Parisians celebrate with oysters and

pate from goose or duck liver (pat de foie gras). After dinner, when the family goes to bed,

leave the food on the table in case of a Virgin Mary.

The Christmas tree is a product of the French, the first Christmas tree lit up in Alsace in the

17th century. In 1840, the Duchess of Orleans conveys the Christmas tree in Paris.

ITALY - Buon Natale

Christmas season lasts for three weeks and starts 8 days before Christmas, known as the

Novena (Novena). A week before Christmas, the children go from house to house dressed

as shepherds and singing Christmas songs for what they are getting money. The real

celebrations begin fasting for 24 hours before Christmas Eve with a meal dominated

panettone - cake / bread slot-like shape.

After sunset shot from a cannon at Castel S. Angelo in Rome marks the beginning of the

holiday season. In the 21 hours in the church begins Holy Mass. After the mass approaches

the holiday meal with family starts. On Christmas Day at noon, the Pope gives blessing to all

who gather at the Vatican square.

Christmas Eve is called Cenon and served a traditional dish of eels. Christmas dinner

consists of Torttelini in Brodo, soup with stuffed pasta and Capone, boiled or baked rooster.

Gifts are drawn from the so-called urns of fate in which there is always one gift for each.

While in other parts of Italy, the children their gifts can only open on January 6, the

Epiphany. According to tradition, brings gifts ugly witch called La Befana on the handle of

her broom. La Befana is scheduled to visit the newborn Jesus, but she was late and erratic

since then, leaving gifts in every house for children in the case that Jesus is there. Comes

down to the chimney and leaves gifts to good children in shoes and stockings and naughty

coal.

FINLAND

Hyvaa Joulua! As in many countries, one of the main features of the Christmas is the

Christmas tree. Decorate the Christmas Eve rows of fruit, paper flags, tinsel and candles.

Clean the whole house, and a lot of time is spent in the kitchen in the preparation of various

dishes. When everything is taken care of, be sure to go to the steam bath before preparing

the Christmas dinner. Food is served between five and seven, and gifts are exchanged

before or after a meal. Also, throughout Finland, especially in rural areas, residents in the

yard birds leave crumbs and they are not having dinner while birds do not eat their meal.

Christmas day begins at six o'clock, when people go to church and remind us that this is a

time of love and family gatherings. It is interesting that on Christmas Day people go to the

cemetery to light candles in memory of the dead.

GREECE

Greeks celebrate Christmas on December 25. One of the most important symbols of

Christmas in Greece is St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. Witnesses say he saved the

ships that were sinking, and therefore now each ship carries its icon. On Christmas Eve, the

boys with drums and triangle are going from house to house and sing songs. Exchange for

dried fruit, almonds or gifts. Fasting forty days before Christmas, and on Christmas Day they

are preparing fat dishes. In Greece, you will rarely find a Christmas tree adorned, but any

home decorated with basil wrapped around a small wooden cross hanging above the

wooden containers with holy water. On the day of Saint Basil, the first of January, they

exchanged gifts, and are known for custom of giving gifts to hospitals and orphans.

RUSSIA - Pozdravlyayu with prazdnikom Rozhdestva

In Russia, Christmas is replaced with celebration of winter. However, traditional Russian

Christmas is celebrated praying as much as 39 days, until January 6, then starts the 12-

course dinner in honor of the 12 apostles - fish, beet soup or borscht, cabbage stuffed with

millet, cooked dried fruit, etc.

On Christmas songs are sung and people gather in churches that are decorated with a

Christmas tree - Yelka and flowers and colorful bulbs. Christmas dinner usually consists of

goose and pig.

Crucian carp is a traditional Christmas figure who distributes gifts to children. Her name

means' grandmother and the legend say that she refused to visit Jesus with the sage due to

cold weather. However, she regretted it and went after him with a full basket of gifts. She

never found Jesus, therefore, visited every house and gives good children toys.

They believe that gifts give the Sjeguroška or snow women and Santa Claus, who is called

Daddy; it does not follow the reindeer, but the girl (flakes) and a boy (New Year). On that day

children eat black bread, which is located in the hanging socks, telling poems and sing

Christmas songs.

However, the real Christmas according to the Julian calendar, takes place on January 7, and

announces him the Morning Star. Russians celebrate this holiday with family, in peace and

quiet. In Russia, 25 December is a normal working day, is celebrated on 31 December,

when the streets raise decorated pine trees, often celebrated outdoors.

SWEDEN

Early in the morning on December 13th, the day of Santa Lucia, girls wear formal white

dresses and headpieces of evergreen wreaths, to which are attached to the candles. Then

they wake up the parents and give them bread and coffee. This custom dates back to the

fourth century and symbolizes the return of the star. Residents of Sweden kite tree two days

before Christmas, and on January 25, go to church, which is completely decorated with

candles. Swedes like any other people today believe in Santa Claus or Tomte Swedes as it

is called, however, the old legend says that brings gifts Christmas goat - Julbock - goat that

was allegedly used the Tor (old god) for transport.

JAPAN

Beside that only one percent of people in Japan celebrate Christmas, those who worship

practiced by many well-known traditions. In Japanese Shinn Omedeto means "Merry

Christmas". Most of them decorate a Christmas tree Temari with balls that are handmade,

and a Buddhist monk becomes Santa Claus leaving presents for children in the house.

CHINA

In China, a very popular tradition is decorating the Christmas tree ornaments that children

themselves make. The decorations are mostly in the form of paper chains, flowers and

lanterns. Santa Claus, Dun Che Lao Ren, or in translation "Christmas Old Man", bring the

children new toys or clothes. Those who are not religious or do not celebrate Christmas, in

this period are happy for the Spring Festival.

What is Christmas without the most popular reindeer of the group, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, the first name that comes to mind when we relate to Santa's Reindeers, above is an image of a modern life size 1.3m Poly-Resin Statue Red Nose Reindeer. The story of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" appeared in 1939 when the Montgomery Ward stores in the United States of America gave away 2.5 million copies of the story that was written by the 34 year old Robert May of their advertised department. Rudolph's original name was supposed to be Rollo, then Reginald, but the executives of the retailer group Montgomery Ward didn't like the names. Rudolph was named by the Author's young daughter. Rudolph's fame started with a book, then a song, comic book, animated television movie- series and so on. Rudolph nose was so red and bright that he was placed at the front of the reindeer's for more extra light for Santa Claus- Father Christmas.

We also have been inspired by the Retail Sector where we can't wait to get a bargain at the Boxing Day Sales. Myer and David Jones are renowned for these sales where all consumers are lined up from the earlier hours of the morning, some stores open from 5am to enter the store to be the first to grab a bargain. While others are happy to spend the day on the beach or enjoy the company of friends around a BBQ.

Father Christmas is proud to supply commercial Christmas decorations for clients in all corporate sectors from Councils situated all over Australia, shopping centres, corporate buildings, offices and public galleries. At Father Christmas our team of visual merchandisers have the vision and experience to design and create a magical Christmas wonderland.

The council’s favourite is The Paramount Outdoor 

Tree which is available in various sizes from 6m (19.5ft), 8m (26.25ft), 10m (33.75ft),12m (39.25ft).

We introduced the most advanced design and construction of a Christmas Tree which offers safety with size to cater to every requirement. Every Paramount Outdoor Tree is manufactured to comply with Australian Structural Engineer Requirements and each tree is issued with a certificate of compliance from our Structural Engineer based here in Australia. This magnificent tree is manufactured only to order and is designed both for Indoor and Outdoor use. The tree can be pre-lit with LED Lights supplied by us and professionally attached to the tree at the factory, or unlit (without lights).

Shopping centres, corporate buildings, and offices have a big task when they have a big area to fill and a Christmas Tree is only a start to their display. In your shopping centre or mall, a Santa chair is an appropriate Décor piece for your display, complimented by large life-sized Christmas Nutcrackers and Statues. We provide and extensive range of Commercial Grade Christmas Foliage, commercial grade Garlands, Swags, Wreaths, Wall Trees and many more in our Christmas Foliage range. These pieces can be decorated with your corporate colours or you can change your colour theme of Decorations every season. Decorated with artistic bows, fancy baubles, Christmas foliage and LED Lights, the different designs can be endless and if your company is in need of a professional Christmas Visual Merchandiser, we are more than happy to design your next Christmas Display.

At Father Christmas, we provide a hire service for all your Christmas decorating needs. Our professional team will not only deliver, but install your commercial Christmas decorations. We can arrange a consultation on site where our visual display experts will discuss the options of styles and colour themes to create the greatest Christmas display suited to your budget requirements. Our hire range include select pieces from our extensive range of Christmas trees and display foliage and can be suited to all areas, from slimline Christmas trees to traditional wide Christmas trees.

Having a Christmas Function? We can deliver and install the Christmas decorations to your function and all is left is for your company to enjoy the surroundings. Our experienced Visual Merchandisers are dedicated to providing your company the flair that you deserve by creating a Christmas experience like no other.

Weird and wonderful ways that New Years is celebrated all over the world.

The Daily Mail shows in an infographic, the many New Years traditions partake in to herald in the New Year, including mass kissing fests, diving into lakes holding tree trunks, wearing red underwear, and splashing water on each other…

Below is the transcript of the first 5 countries NY traditions…

CHINA (GMT +8)

Many Chinese people will paint their front door red as a symbol of happiness and good fortune. They may also choose to hide their knives so that nobody cuts themselves, as it is thought cutting could impact on the luck of the entire family for the coming year.

BURMA (GMT +6.5)

The traditional Thingyan festival involves people splashing water on one another in order to start the new year with a purified soul.

RUSSIA (+3)

Russians write down a wish, burn it and then throw it into a champagne glass. They then must drink the champagne before 12.01

ITALY (GMT +1)

In Venice, people gather in St. Mark’s Square to see in the new year with a mass kissing session. That’s one way to create fireworks!

SPAIN (GMT +1)

Many Spanish and Latin-American people eat 12 grapes in time with the twelve chimes of the clock at midnight, a tradition which is said to secure them a happy year to come.

Thank you to the Daily Mail for this great image!

To view the whole infographic of 50 countries, click here à

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2876264/Mass-kissing-sessions-talking-cows-diving-frozen-lake-holding-tree-trunk-Infographic-reveals-bizarre-ways-New-Year-s-Eve-celebrated-world.html#ixzz3vrHworF8