Jody Victor: In Canada, Christmas celebrations are similar to ours and yet, they have their own unique traditions. 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 as part of their celebration.
In Nova Scotia, a country settled by Scottish highlanders, songs and carols brought from Britain two centuries ago are sung on Christmas morning. Also in Nova Scotia, during the twelve days of Christmas small groups of belsnicklers, or masked mummers, appear in neighborhoods, ringing bells and 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 noises. Children may be quizzed by the mummrs on their behavior and if they say they have been good they are rewarded with candy.
In Quebec they display Creches or nativity scenes in their homes as 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.
The traditional Christmas dinner in Canada is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it's rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, mince pies, and pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit.