Chapter 8  Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Hospital Hill, Bunclody, Ireland (Teacher - James Roberts)
	As the children sat wondering who celebrated the Winter Solstice and Ramadan, the doorbell rang. In came Mr. O'Brien, Annie's neighbour. He sat down beside the children and listened to their conversation as they planned their party. "Mr. O'Brien, you have been to many parts of the world", said Annie. "Have you ever met anyone who celebrates Winter Solstice or Ramadan?" enquired Leon. "Indeed I have", replied Mr. O' Brien. "Many people around the world celebrate Winter Solstice and Ramadan". The children listened intently as they heard how, during Winter Solstice, people in Spain have a custom of putting all the names of people at family gatherings into a bowl. The names are drawn out in pairs and the people who are so joined are to be devoted friends for the year. "In Scandinavia", continued Mr. O'Brien, "some families place all their shoes together as this will help them live in harmony throughout the year "Can you tell us about Ramadan?" asked Louisa. "Ramadan is a special month of the year for about one billion Muslims all over the world. They fast from dawn to sunset. At sunset they break their fast with dates. This is followed by sunset prayer, followed by dinner. Muslims often invite each other to share the Ramadan evening meal".   The children were fascinated by these stories. While Mr. O'Brien went to talk to Annie's mom, the children went back to planning their party. Some continued with their drawings. Others gathered holly, mistletoe, evergreen boughs and pinecones to make Winter Solstice decorations.   They decided to invite people from the neighbourhood to the party. Each person brought some food as a symbol of his or her culture and tradition. As they arrived each person took off their shoes and placed them together.   After the meal they played games, sang songs and told stories of their own culture. They set aside the remaining food to be shared with the poor. As the party drew to a close, they all joined hands in prayer - each in their own way praying for peace on earth and goodwill to all people everywhere.   As the children trudged home through the snow with their parents they wished that the joy, friendship, peace and happiness they had all shared together at the holiday party would spread throughout the entire world this Christmas Eve. THE END We hope you enjoyed reading this 'Around the World' Christmas Story.
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