I found these - anybody have any more?
Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated across the world with religious fervor and gaiety. Though the feasts, Santa and merriment are all common themes, there are certain traditions that are distinctive of different countries.
German Christmas Tradition Christmas celebrations in Germany begin on the Sunday after November 26. This period leading up to Christmas is called Advent. Unlike many countries, where Santa Claus gives gifts to children on Christmas eve, German children put a shoe outside a window or bedroom door or by the fireplace on the evening of December 5th. It is said that St Nicholas, who goes from house to house, gives rewards to good children in the form of edibles like sweets, candies, fruits and biscuits. December 6th is known as St Nicholas Day.
Mexican Christmas Tradition Christmas celebrations in Mexico begin on December 16, nine days before December 24. During these nine days or Novena, as it is called in Mexico, Posadas are held in which children along with some adults enact the scene of St Joseph and Virgin Mary looking for lodging. Every family has to host Posadas for one day. Once the host is selected, prayers are held and songs sung in praise of the Lord. This is followed by feasts for children and adults.
Italian Christmas Tradition An interesting aspect of Christmas in Italy is that instead of writing letters to Santa Claus asking for gifts, children here write letters to their parents to express their love. The letter, which is kept under the father's plate, is read after the Christmas Eve dinner.
Irish Christmas Tradition In Ireland, a candle is placed on the window of every house on Christmas Eve by the youngest member of the household as a symbolic gesture of welcoming Mary and Joseph. According to the traditions in Ireland, the candle has to be extinguished only by a girl named Mary.
Polish Christmas Tradition People in Poland believe that whatever happens on Christmas Eve or Wigilia, as it is known there, has an impact on the coming year. They believe good fortune will come if the first visitor on Christmas Eve is a man. They also welcome the mailman into their homes as it symbolizes money and success. In Poland, Christmas and Santa Claus day are not celebrated at the same time. Santa Claus day is celebrated on December 6, the day he distributes gifts among children. On Christmas Eve, the whole family gets together to see the first star. After seeing the star, they go to a table which is covered with hay and white table cloth. The eldest member of the family then breaks Oplatek, a wafer made of flour and water, into two pieces and gives one piece to his wife. All the members partake from each other's piece. Good wishes are exchanged which is followed by a meatless supper, singing of Christmas carols and Midnight mass.
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