Christmas celebrations are quite similar in the variety to
America.
In some provinces, a big winter festival, called Sinck tuck,
is celebrated by the Eskimos, with dancing and a present-giving party.
In Labrador, turnips are saved from the summer harvest and are
given to children, with a lighted candle pushed into a hollowed out hole.
In Nova Scotia, a country settled by Scottish highlanders,
songs and carols brought from Britain two centuries ago are sung each Christmas
morning.
Also in Nova Scotia, during the twelve days of Christmas small
groups of belsnicklers, or masked mummers, appear in
neighborhoods, ringing bells, making noise, seeking candy or other treats. The
hosts may try to guess who the mummers are and if they guess right the mummer
removes his or her disguise and stops making rude noises and actions. Children
may be quizzed by the mummers on their behavior if they say they have been good
they are rewarded with candy.
In Quebec they display Crèches or nativity scenes
in their homes as the Christmas decorations. After attending midnight mass,
families may be served tourtiere or pork pie. Another favorite
food is Boulettes or small meatballs. A Christmas banquet is called a
reveillon.
In British Columbia Christmas turkey may be accompanied by
either fresh or smoked salmon.
In Canada the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey
with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding
with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped
dried fruit.
