* The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, this year on 10 December, celebrates the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Syrians and the reclamation of the Jerusalem temple. A rekindled lamp there holding only enough oil to burn for one day burned miraculously for eight days. The festival is celebrated by each night lighting a new candle in an eight-pointed Menorah, sending cards and feasting, including food fried in oil.
Eid-ul-Fitr
* The Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr falls this year on 16 December and marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Celebrations begin with Muslims rising early to bathe, putting on new clothes, eating a special breakfast and going to the mosque to pray and give money to charity. Girls often decorate their hands with mehndi patterns. Families feast, give children presents and visit their friends.
Christmas
* Christmas commemorates the revelation of God through the birth of Christ. Christians around the world celebrate it with their own special cultural traditions.
For more information
* Nursery World's eight-page guides, 'Celebrations', have focused on Hanukkah (5 October 2000), Christmas (2 November) and Eid-ul-Fitr (7 December). To order back copies call 020 7782 3045.
