A storm of such strength is five times more likely to hit now than in the 1950s due to climate change, a 2019 study found. Families in the USoften leave cookies and milk out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve in the hopes that they wake up to presents under the tree and in their stockings, which are hung by the fireplace. On Christmas Eve, many families start decorating their trees and hanging mistletoe in their houses for good luck. Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles. The holiday is usually observed by attending midnight mass and sharing a meal (and plenty of festive sweets) with family and neighbors. How do you say Merry Christmas around the world? There they eat suckling pig and cod fritters. Jonelle Tan worries about what Christmas will be like in the future if storm surges and typhoons become more frequent. Video, 00:00:32One-minute World News, Schoolboy, 13, stops bus after driver passes out. Head out of this world with the Science Museum. Video, 00:01:13, Baby meets father for first time after Sudan escape, Ros Atkins breaks down the BBC chairman loan row. Hurricane Maria dropped more rain on Puerto Rico than any storm to hit the country since 1956. The bread is ring-shaped and topped with candied fruit. But naughty kids might only receive a few twigs from the Christmas monster, Krampus. Get uplifting news, exclusive offers, inspiring stories and activities to help you and your family explore and learn. On the night of December 5, children in Croatia make sure to clean their boots and place them by the window for St. Nicholas to fill with treats, according to The Dubrovnik Times. Many people use this date as a marker for when to take their decorations down. Video, 00:02:21Christmas from around the world, Up Next. But archaeology is confirming that Persia's engineering triumph was real. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter, called "The Essential List" a handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Culture, Worklife, Travel and Reel delivered to your inbox every Friday. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Video, 00:00:49, Baby grabs Kate's handbag during royal walkabout, Police form chain to save woman trapped in sinking car. Boxing Day, December 26, is also a national holiday in the UK. Read about our approach to external linking. Many families also have Christmas dinner complete with ham or roast beef and eggnog. Epiphany - also known as Three Kings' Day - is a Christian holiday which falls on 6 January.