NIAGARA, Wis. — As I write this column today, I am sure it finds most of you in the middle of holiday preparations of one kind or another. Whether they include exterior lights, interior decorating, cleaning, baking, gift purchasing and wrapping, school or church programs, or letters and cards, this time of year is a whirlwind of activity. We are all familiar with the traditions of our region of the world, but what are the gift giving traditions in other parts of the globe? In case you were wondering, a summary of those traditions is what you will read about today.

There are a couple of North American traditions of which you may not be aware. Nova Scotians have made it a tradition to donate their best and biggest fir tree to Boston, as an annual thank you for the city’s life-saving aid after the 1917 Halifax explosion between the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc and the Norwegian vessel, SS Imo in Halifax Harbor. The resulting fire killed 1,782 people and injured 9,000 more.

While children across the USA hang stockings to be filled by Santa, New Orleans has devised a way to actually help guide his sleigh to their part of the country. They build an impressive trail of bonfires all along the Mississippi levees so he and his flying reindeer have help finding their way.

Children in Puerto Rico fill shoe boxes with grass on Jan. 5 which are then placed under their parents’ beds at night. In the morning, the children awake to boxes of treats left behind by the Three Kings whose camels happily chomped away the grass.

In Mexico, it rains candy from star-shaped pinatas every night from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24, during nine consecutive parties known as Las Posadas, at the houses of different local citizens. The pinata’s original use — before it became a fun birthday game — was at this time of year. Its seven points symbolize the seven deadly sins and the breaking of it demonstrates the rejection of those bad ways. Presents are brought to Mexican children by los Reyes Magos — the Three Kings — when they arrive to Mexico’s southern region in January.

Various parts of Central and South America have similar customs. Costa Ricans call the night of Christmas Eve La Noche Buena — the Good Night. It is on that night that the Holy Child drops off gifts after Midnight Mass. Also on this night, the crib at their home’s pesebre (nativity scene) is no longer empty but occupied by baby Jesus, who has scattered presents underneath the tree.

Ecuadorian and Colombian children write letters to baby Jesus in advance of the big day to describe how good they’ve been and which presents they hope to receive. Brazilian children will put socks near the window into which Papai Noel — who often wears a red silk outfit to better bear the sweltering heat — has placed a gift for them. Brazilians of all ages have become fond of Secret Santa — Amigo Secreto — and have taken the game to another level. All throughout the month, friends give small gifts to each other using a fake name and only reveal their identity when Christmas itself arrives.

Before Santa comes to Western Europe, St. Nicholas arrives down the chimney — along with his white horse — on the night of Dec. 5. Kids set out their shoes filled with gifts for St. Nick and his steed — hand drawn pictures, cookies, carrots and even a glass of milk or a beer. In the morning, the treats are gone, and gifts for the kids are overflowing their shoes. In Austria and Germany’s Bavaria region, St. Nick could also bring Krampus — a terrifying half-goat, half-demon that puts mischievous children in a wicker basket on his back. But by that time, those kids would have already enjoyed a couple of days of light snacking on chocolates and other sweets from their traditional German Advent calendars that count down the days until Christmas, one treat at a time.

In most of Eastern Europe, kids have to first perform before they “earn” their presents. In Russia, Hungary, Poland and Latvia, children recite a poem or sing a song for Grandfather Frost. In Yugoslavia, kids take the reins and leave their parents little choice; on the second Sunday before Christmas, they use anything they can find to tie their mother up by her legs. If she wants her freedom back, she’ll have to deliver the presents to her captors. On the Sunday before Christmas, they play the same trick on their dad, who, peculiarly, never sees it coming.

Scandinavian countries send out seasonal cards by the bucketload and turn their homes into “caves of Christmas cheer.” Presents are delivered by the Yule Man, a Santa-like figure that relies on Nisse, a gnome, to assist him in his gift-giving tasks. Children often send their wish list in a letter to his Danish address, “1 Reindeer Way.” People make sure to give the Nisse a hot bowl of rice pudding with a melting slice of butter on top. Special attention is paid to their hospitals and nursing homes, where residents are treated to pepparkakor — a gingersnap cookie — by St. Lucia, a young girl who spends the Yuletide days handing out treats while wearing a crown of candles. Oslo, Norway gifts one of its champion fir trees to London, where it takes a prominent place on Trafalgar Square.

Greenlanders play a big role in worldwide Christmas joy as their country is often considered the home of Santa and his famous workshop. Children from all over the world send letters addressed to him at 2412 Nuuk, Greenland — the country’s capital — where they are delivered into a huge red mailbox.

In Iceland, the most popular Christmas gifts are books as each year they celebrate “Yule Book Flood.” The holiday season is the Black Friday of the Icelandic publishing world, but it’s not just one day. At the beginning of November, each household receives a copy of the Bokatidindi, the Icelandic Publishers Association’s catalog of all the books that will be published that year, giving residents a chance to pick out holiday books for their friends and family.

September to November marks Icelandic publishers’ biggest season, and many sell most of their yearly stock during this time before Christmas.

Throughout Japan, Hong Kong and China the gift-giving spirit abounds. Shopping malls everywhere are lavishly decorated. South Koreans exchange gifts and often money. And China’s younger generation has developed the curious custom of buying each other apples wrapped in colorful paper; the fruit symbolizes good fortune and peace. Throughout the Philippines, people shower each other with Christmas cards and lovely bouquets of Christmas flowers.

Throughout Africa, most countries observe Christmas as a religious holiday and church-going opportunity without a specific emphasis on presents. Zambians have a tradition of bringing gifts to church for the less fortunate and the hospitalized. Nigeria, Madagascar, South Africa, Ghana, and Zimbabwe include small-scale gift-giving into their holiday traditions. And in Kenya, children often see Santa ditching his reindeer for a Jeep, bike, or camel.

In Australia, the “land down under” where seasons are the reverse of ours, Christmas is filled with particularly sunny days. So, locals see it as the ideal opportunity for communal barbecues, large breakfasts in the yard, and all-around outdoor feasts with family and friends. Large, food-themed baskets that can be shared are a much-appreciated gift to take to these gatherings, from gourmet cheese baskets to mounds of exotic fruits and mouth-watering chocolates.

So, whatever your family traditions may be, and wherever you celebrate the holidays, enjoy and be safe.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/coloring/resident choice,10 a.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; reminisce, 1:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday: For the love of nails, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; drinks and chatter, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; crafts with hot chocolate, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Decorating in the dining room for the party at 7 p.m.

Saturday: Visit with coffee at the nursing desk/resident choice.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; holiday trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Christmas jokes and eggnog, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; Sagola Senior Center, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; name that holiday tune, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Puzzler/bowling, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Christmas sing along with eggnog, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Trivia, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Christmas karaoke, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Reindeer bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCH word find/senior bball, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare (formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Christmas can toss, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; daily 6, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; First Lutheran Church service, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; jolly crafters, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Christmas cookies, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; religious crafts, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are encourage to join the residents for activities.

Sunday: Tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; romance movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; target practice, 10 a.m.; Christmas sing along and hot cocoa, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; Christmas cookie decorating, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Basketball, 10 a.m.; Christmas party, 2 p.m.

Friday: Hot chocolate/Skip-Bo, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/“Price Is Right,” 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Cookie baking, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Magazine scavenger hunt, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Chair exercise/dancing, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; group puzzle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Christmas party, 4 p.m.; caroling with Pastor Sullivan, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; church service, 10 a.m.; Christmas post-it note concentration, 11:15 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Christmas games, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; baking, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; holiday tour, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room/Christmas spirit drop-off, 9:30 a.m.; What Would You Do? 11:15 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.; book nook, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; holiday games, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; holiday tour, 4:30 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; movie, “Elf,” 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; Christmas party with Vicky and Dave, music, snacks and Santa, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Christmas movie, “Frosty the Snowman,” 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, coleslaw, biscuit.

Thursday: Ham dinner, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, pumpkin pie.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver, parslied potatoes, California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Ham dinner, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, pumpkin pie.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joes with tater tots.

Tuesday: Tender beef tips, steamed rice.

Wednesday: Ground beef goulash, dinner rolls.

Home delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll.

Wednesday: French bread meat pizza, cheesy breadstick, California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll.

Wednesday: French bread meat pizza, cheesy breadstick, California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie.

Friday: Pancakes, sausage, spiced apples.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes’ Art Club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards, pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards, smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, fried cabbage, carrots.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, dressing, buttered corn.

Wednesday: Evening meal – ham dinner, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, dinner roll, pumpkin crunch.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll.

Wednesday: French bread meat pizza, cheesy breadstick, California blend vegetables.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken vegetable pot pie, biscuits, broccoli, fruit.

Tuesday: French toast strips, breakfast sausage, hash brown patty, fruit salad, tomato juice.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, peppermint HC crispy treats.

Thursday: Split pea and ham soup, egg salad on a croissant with lettuce and tomato, fruit.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, squash, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Western egg bake, red oven potatoes, muffin, Mandarin oranges, tomato juice.

Tuesday: Alfredo lasagna, cook’s choice vegetable, escalloped peaches, whole wheat breadstick..

Wednesday: Monterey chicken, smashed red potatoes, green beans, dinner roll, peach cake.

Thursday: Pea soup, egg salad sandwich, whole wheat sandwich bread, cottage cheese, peaches.

Friday: Meatloaf, boiled potatoes, carrots, cook’s choice fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Dine-in meal served at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese omelet, sausage, hash brown casserole.

Tuesday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, parslied potatoes, California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Pasty casserole, Winter blend vegetables, beets.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Breaded chicken patty, Spanish rice, corn, banana pudding.

Tuesday: Hot dogs on a bun, fries, peas and carrots, cottage cheese and peaches.

Wednesday: Christmas dinner — ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, Jell-O poke cake.

Thursday: Pork chop suey, rice, vegetables, sugar cookie.

Join us for bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Dine-in meal served starting at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lasagna, vegetable, breadstick.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, tater barrels, vegetable.

Wednesday: Liver or burger with onions, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing, vegetable.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meal available — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, buttered noodles, candied carrots.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, seasoned fries, cauliflower with cheese.

Thursday: Ham dinner, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, pumpkin pie.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll.

Wednesday: French bread meat pizza, cheesy breadstick, California blend vegetables.