Several University of North Texas faculty and staff are available to discuss the ways communities around the world celebrate faith, one year's end and another year's beginning.

Gabriel Carranza, assistant vice provost for global engagement, says throughout Latin America, year-end holiday celebrations can vary greatly; however, there are key distinctions.

"The further you move away from the United States, the more different the traditions become from the U.S.," he says. "For example, in Brazil and other Central and South American countries, Santa is in shorts because their seasons are opposite those in the U.S. and he is extremely hot. Also, the food reflects what is available in the region. In Mexico City, a lot of families make meals like bacalao (dried fish) and nopalitos (cactus)."

Additionally, for many Latin American cultures, Dec. 25 is not the major day of gift giving (or receiving). Also, it's the three wise men of the Bible – not Santa – who bring presents in an annual celebration of the tale of the trio who brought gifts to baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

"Jan. 6, is when most families get together, and there will be a big tree full of presents, plenty of food and drink and lots of socialization," says Carranza, referring to "El Día de los Reyes" (Three Kings' Day). "And if you want one of the wise men to bring you a gift, you have to leave one, very clean shoe underneath the tree or outside your door."

He adds that for dessert, many families serve 'Rosca de Reyes' (Kings' Bread), a sweet, ring-shaped bread or cake with small, baby-Jesus figurine(s) hidden inside. Those with a figurine in their slice will have to cook tamales for the next major holiday.

Carranza can be contacted at Gabriel.Carranza@unt.edu.

Olga Grieco, director of the UNT International Center, says Christmas-time celebrations for Ukrainians living in the U.S. often resemble the festivities that occur in Ukraine.

Saint Nicholas is not a "jolly man in a red suit," says Grieco, referring to a book she often reads to remind her of traditions from her parent's native homeland: "Ukrainian Christmas" by Mary Ann Woloch Vaughn.

Instead, Saint Nicholas refers to a 4th-century Christian saint known to secretly give gifts; some people believe Saint Nicholas was the model for Santa Claus. Also, for many communities, presents to children are given on St. Nicholas' Day, which is Dec. 6.

As for Christmas Day itself, some families celebrate on December 25, according to the Gregorian calendar's biblical celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, for Ukrainians following the Julian calendar, Christmas is honored on Jan. 7.

For all the festivities, Grieco says most revolve around food and religion.

"It's really important to celebrate the birth of Christ, and many families do that by going to church and then having a traditional Ukrainian meal after the church service," says Grieco.

Among the popular holiday foods served, Grieco says pierogi (potato and cheese dumplings), borscht (beet and vegetable soup) and holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls) top the list.

She adds that many significant customs will take place during the meal. For example, fine hay will be placed underneath the dining table or the tablecloth as a symbol of the stable that Christ was born in. Also, many families will leave an empty place setting on the table in remembrance of deceased relatives.

"Many joyful Ukrainian Christmas carols will be sung by all," adds Grieco.

Grieco can be contacted at Olga.Grieco@unt.edu.