SLOVAKIA - Evanjelické gymnázium Jana Amosa Komenského

TURKEY - Farabi Secondary School

TURKEY - Maraşal Fevzi Çakmak Ortaokulu

TURKEY - Bedriye ve Kadir Uysal Ortaokulu

 TURKEY - Pazar Fen Lisesi

TURKEY - Hasan Ali Yücel Primary School

TURKEY - Şehit Batuhan Ergin Anatolian High School 

TURKEY - Şehit Halil İbrahim Gürel AİHL

TURKEY - Uşak Imam Hatip Secondary School

TURKEY - ALKEV Primary School

Schools collaboratively write and illustrate a story where characters travel across Europe during the winter season in December. Each class produces one chapter with text and pictures, then the students record their voices while reading.

IT'S DECEMBER AND ET AND TWINEY ARE GOING TO TRAVEL ACROSS EUROPE: 

"WE CAN'T WAIT TO VISIT ALL THE STUDENTS' COUNTRIES" - SAY ET AND TWINEY.

THE SCHOOLS ARE READY TO WELCOME THEM AND LET THEM LEARN ABOUT THEIR WINTER HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS.

HI! I'M TWINEY

HELLO! MY NAME'S ET.

SPAIN - Colegio Padre Torres Silva

We have travelled to Spain! It is great. We learned a lot

In Jerez there is a tradition in which they sing carrols from 1 to 24 december in the streets. It is called: zambombas

In Spain, we put in our houses the representation of the Nativity of Jesus.

In Spain, the 6th january the Three Magic Kings arrive to the houses and they bring present for everybody

SPAIN - Escola General Prim - Reus

We are here in Spain, specifically in Catalonia. Let's see the traditions they have.

In Catalonia, children celebrate Christmas with a funny tradition called Tió de Nadal, also known as the Christmas Log. It is a wooden log with a painted face, a red hat and a big smile. During December, children "feed" the log with food like fruit or biscuits, and they cover it with a blanket so it doesn't get cold. On Christmas Eve, children sing a special song and gently hit the log with sticks. Thanks to the magic of Christmas, the log "poops" small presents and sweets. This tradition is very important for Catalan families, and it brings a lot of joy and laughter to the holiday season.

Sant Esteve is celebrated in Catalonia on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It is a family holiday when people meet again to share a big meal together. On this day, it is very typical to eat cannelloni, pasta rolls filled with meat, often made from Christmas leftovers. Families enjoy a calm and happy day at home, talking, playing games and resting after Christmas Day. This tradition is very special in Catalonia, even though it is not celebrated in the same way in other parts of Spain. Sant Esteve helps families spend more time together during the Christmas holidays.

The Three Wise Men, or The Three Kings, are an important Christmas tradition in Catalonia and Spain. On January 5th, cities and towns celebrate a big parade called La Cavalcada, where the Kings arrive with their camels, helpers and lots of music. Children receive sweets and letters are given to the Kings. That night, families prepare water and food for the camels. On January 6th, children wake up to find presents from Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar. For many families, this is the most exciting day of the holidays. It is a magical celebration full of joy, tradition and family time.

SPAIN - Escola La Maquinista, Barcelona

SPAIN - Escola La Maquinista, Barcelona

WELCOME TO ITALY

“Hello Et!” “Hello Twiney! Are you ready for our journey? First stop: the nativity scenes at the Ronchi farmhouses in Cigliano, our little town!"    

"What is a Christmas nativity scene?”

“Every year during the Christmas season, Catholics set up nativity scenes in their homes, churches, or on the streets; they represent the birth of Jesus.”

    They admire the various nativity scenes: there are wooden ones, miniature ones, and even living versions.

“We need to go, we still have a lot of things to visit!”

ITALY - I.C. “Don E.Ferraris” Cigliano

On the way to the centre of the village, Twiney sees in a garden of a house, a beautiful Christmas tree, with lights and colourful tinsels; a kid is hanging the baubles. 

“How wonderful!” says Twiney. 

“This is another Italian tradition ! Putting up the tree on the 8th December and place gifts under the tree, the kids will open on Christmas day. 

Before then in other parts of Italy children look forward to the night between 12th and 13th December: St. Lucia with her cart pulled by a donkey delivers gifts to the homes of all the children who prepare food and drinks, so that the saint and the donkey can refresh themselves."

They continue on their way and they arrive in a square decorated with big socks and brooms. 

 “I think that is another tradition, Et?” 

“Right, it’s about Epiphany, on 6th January when one friendly old lady called Befana brings sweets to good kids and coal to naughty kids. She travels at night on a broom and leaves sweets and gifts in their socks.”

"How beautiful Italy is! We hope to return one day!” 

Et and Twiney taste the delicious panettone and leave again.

We spent Christmas in the Czech Republic, where winter is full of beautiful traditions.
The most important day for us was Christmas Eve (December 24th). We decorated the Christmas tree, prepared traditional food, and spent the evening together with our family.

Another special winter tradition we experienced was St. Nicholas Day. Children met St. Nicholas, an angel, and a devil, recited poems, and received small sweets and fruit.

    CZECH REPUBLIC - ZŠ Vnorovy School

During winter, we also enjoyed Christmas markets, baking Christmas sweets, singing carols, and feeding animals and birds.

People follow old Christmas traditions, and we tried them too. We cut an apple, and when we saw a star inside, we felt happy and hopeful. We also floated candles in walnut shells on water and watched how they moved, believing they could show our future. Some of us even tried pouring lead and guessed what the shapes meant.

POLAND - Szkoła Podstawowa nr 1 w Trzemesznie

Hi Et and Twiney!

Hi!

Can I tell you something about polish New Year's Eve?

Sure!

Okay, we always have a party and so much fun. I love it! We drink champagne at 00:00 am and wishing good luck to each other. We set up fireworks too. We write new Years's resolutions. We spend this time with our family and friends. we set up sparkles.

                         WINTER HOLIDAYS

- we don't go to school for two weeks

- we ride on skis, ice skates and sleigh

- we read books

- we make a snowman

- we play computer games

- we don't get up early

CROATIA - OŠ “Antunovac”, Školska

Christmas market at our school

Almost a month before Christmas, numerous Christmas markets and fairs are held all over the country. For the past 13 years, our school has been organizing one of them. Our students create various decorations, bake cookies and cakes, and sell them during the event. We all enjoy this special day filled with laughter and beautiful Christmas music. It is always a lovely introduction to the Christmas celebrations at home.

Celebrating Christmas in Croatia means decorating our homes, preparing traditional dishes, and spending time with our loved ones. On Christmas Eve, we attend the evening Mass at our church. The next morning, we wake up to find presents under the Christmas tree. However, the greatest gift of all is the time we spend together as a family.

CROATIA - OŠ Pavao Belas

Christmas Eve (Badnjak) is a day rich in tradition.

It begins with decorating the Christmas tree, a special moment where the whole family is engaged. Throughout Croatia, markets sell beautiful evergreen trees which become the center of Croatian homes, decorated with colorful ornaments and Christmas lights. A Nativity Scene (Jaslice) is typically placed under the tree.

Hey do you want to here more about Croatian traditions?

Yes, I can't wait

Our first custom begins 4 weeks before Christmas with the making of an Advent Wreath. The wreath has four candles, with the first candle to be lit on the first Sunday of advent and each additional candle on the following three Sundays leading up to Christmas.  

The Advent Wreath is made of evergreen twigs, woven so that there is no beginning or end, signifying eternity. It consists of two basic symbols – a circle and candles or light. Four candles are inserted into the wreath to mark the four divisions in human history: creation, incarnation, redemption, and the end.

GREECE - 4th Primary School Serres

Every winter on Christmas Eve there is a funny tradition about little goblins called kalikantzaroi. They come up from underground during the days before Christmas. They like playing tricks, making noise and eating sweets. They look like these

Et and Twiney disguised as kalikantzaroi (goblins)

One week before Christmas, Santa Claus was ready to set off his journey from the North Pole to Serres, Greece and by mistake he brought with him two goblins instead of two elves. 

The names of the goblins were Et and Twiney. They arrived on the roof of a house to bring gifts to the children that lived there but when Santa checked his sack, the gifts were missing. The goblins had thrown them away. While Santa was trying to find the presents, the goblins, got into the house through the chimney, ate all the cookies, drunk all the milk and even stole the Christmas tree. 

When Santa realized what happened, he grabbed the goblins and paint them red. The goblins started running away. Then, Santa started thinking what to do with the missing gifts. He blew his magic whistle and the presents came back! The next day all the children had presents under their Christmas tree. The goblins never again made any tricks.....

ET and Twiney left Greece in search of other traditions….

GREECE - 14th Primary School of Nea Ionia

And these are some of the holiday traditions we enjoy In Greece!

It seems we are going to eat well here and have fun!!!

TURKEY - Farabi Secondary School

A Cozy  New Year's Eve at Home

The living room in the apartment was warm and softly lit. The television was on, tuned to the familiar music and chatter of the annual show, "New Year's Eve with Turkey." It was a comfortable background noise, like a cheerful visitor in their home.

The whole family was together. Adam  and  Maria  sat on the sofa, while their children, Et  and Twiney, made themselves comfortable on the large floor cushions. In the middle of the coffee table sat the old, slightly worn tombala box.

   Adam  took charge of the game. He poured the small, numbered wooden chips into the box's lid, shaking them with a soft, rattling sound. He then handed out the colorful cards to everyone, carefully checking the faded numbers.

 "Get ready to lose, little sister," he said playfully to Twiney.

"In your dreams! My card is lucky tonight," she shot back, arranging her three cards with great seriousness.

Et brought in a tray with steaming cups of tea for everyone. The gentle clinking of spoons mixed with the sound of the TV and their easy conversation. As the evening progressed towards midnight, the game began. Et was the caller, pulling chips from the lid and announcing the numbers in his steady voice.

Number seventy! The stubborn donkey!"

"Five! The little hook!"

A quiet focus fell over the room, broken only by the calls and the occasional rustle as someone marked a number on their card with a dried bean.

Just before the final countdown, Twiney jumped up. "Tombala!" she exclaimed, holding her complete card high. Everyone laughed and clapped for her victory.

They put the game aside as the last minutes of the year ticked away on the screen. They moved closer together, joining the television audience in the final, excited count down.

"...Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!"

   They shared hugs and cheerful wishes for health and happiness in the new year. From their balcony, they watched fireworks light up the sky over the sleeping city.

      But the real celebration wasn't outside. It was right there in their living room. It was in the shared tea, the friendly competition of the game, and the deep comfort of simply being together. It was a simple, heartfelt celebration, and for this family, it was perfect.

Et and Twiney visit Turkey in winter. First, they go to Çıldır Lake. The lake is frozen, so they skate on the ice and have a lot of fun. Then, they travel to Palandöken, where winter tourism is very active. They ski on the mountains and feel very excited. After that, they go to Antalya and visit the house of Santa Claus. The house is about 1,600 years old and it is a church now. Later, they join a family for a New Year dinner. They eat together, talk, and celebrate the New Year happily. Finally, Et and Twiney visit a classroom at Maraşal Fevzi Çakmak Secondary School. There is a New Year gift draw, and everyone gives gifts to each other. Et and Twiney have a wonderful time and learn that winter in Turkey is very fun and special. (student authors: Fulya, Elizan, Elifsu, Cemre, Rukiye)

TURKEY - Maraşal Fevzi Çakmak Ortaokulu

Ed and Twiney skate on the ice (Çıldır Lake)

Ed and Twiney visit the house of Santa Claus (Antalya)

Ed and Twiney ski on the mountain (Palandöken)

TÜRKİYE - Hasan Ali Yücel Primary School

ET and Twiney are in Trabzon and it is snowing. They make a snowman and have a snowball fight. They slide on snowy hills. Snow days are very exciting.  

Turkish Traditions:

In winter, people drink hot black tea to stay warm. ET and Twiney like turkish tea very much.

TURKEY - Şehit Batuhan Ergin Anatolian High School

During their winter journey across Europe, Et and Twiney arrived in Uludağ, one of Turkey's most famous winter destinations. The two friends were curious about how winter was celebrated there and what traditions people followed. When they saw families skiing, young people trying to learn to snowboard and children playing snowballs, they realized that Uludağ was actually a great entertainment place. They both started to feel cold and wanted to try salep, a traditional drink in Turkey. The people there told them that drinking salep during the winter months is a traditional habit in Turkey. Watching the snowy peaks under the sky, they smiled.

“Uludağ is cold from the outside but it’s traditions make you feel warm.” they said. Twiney wrote it down as their newest discovery. In the evening, while they were walking under the beautiful lights of Uludağ, they saw a group of people.

As they got closer, they noticed that this group was gathered around a large pine tree, which had been cheerfully decorated in the center with red ribbons and shiny decorations. It was a group of four young, lively and energetic people in their twenties, in their thick coats. They were talking with laughter, and cheerful music was playing on their phones. On the table in front of the pine tree was a large glass jar. “Look,” Et whispered to Twiney, “Twiney, what a heartfelt image this is! It must be some kind of get-together.” Et and Twiney walked up to the group of four and greeted them. “Hi everyone, Et and I came to Turkey for New Year's Eve, and what you've done caught our attention. May we ask what you're doing? The girl in the pink coat in the group said cheerfully, “We're holding a New Year's raffle. We write everyone's name and put it in this glass jar and everyone chooses a piece of paper and we buy a gift for the person whose name is on the paper." she said. Et and Twiney looked at each other and  Et "Did you hear that Twiney we should do this friendly activity with our friends too." Et and Twiney left the place and continued walking after celebrating the group's new year. Suddenly a delicious smell filled their noses.

All of a sudden, a warm and sweet smell filled their noses. Et said, “Twiney, do you smell that?” They followed the scent until they reached a small stand where a local man was roasting chestnuts over a fire. “Hoş geldiniz,” the man said with a smile. “Would you like some kestane?” Before they could even answer, he kindly handed them a small paper bag of hot chestnuts. Et and Twiney thanked him and continued walking while eating the warm treats. The chestnuts made their hands warm and their hearts even warmer. A little further ahead, they noticed a group of people sitting around a table under a tent. They were laughing loudly, placing small red markers on colorful cards. Twiney said, “Et, look! They’re playing a board game.” Curious, they walked towards the group while still holding their roasted chestnuts.

Suddenly a girl from the group yelled “TOMBALA!” On the top of her lungs. Et and Twiney got really curious, “Why did you suddenly yell like that?” Et asked. The girl said “because I just won the game!”. Et and Twiney looked really confused about this board game so the girl started to explain the board game called “Tombala”. Tombala is played with cards that contain numbers and a set of 90 numbered pieces. One person acts as the caller and draws numbers randomly from a bag or box. When the caller announces a number, players check their cards and cover the number if it appears. The game has three winning stages. The first stage is completing one horizontal line, called the first “çinko.” The second stage is completing two lines, called the second “çinko.” The final stage is covering all the numbers on the card, which is called “tombala.” The game continues until someone completes each stage, and the first person to finish all the numbers on their card wins the game. Et and Twiney listened to the rules really carefully and in the next round they also joined. It was super exciting to play and at the end Twiney won and yelled “TOMBALA!”. While Twiney was celebrating their win Et noticed a bus that was going to “Kapadokya”.

They were really curious about where Cappadocia was and what kind of place it was. Et asked the driver, "What kind of place is Cappadocia?" The driver said, "It's where Fairies live!"Cappadocia had piqued Et and Twiney's interest. They got on the bus. On their way there, they couldn't see anything through the window because it was snowing heavily. When they got off the bus, they were amazed by the view: Hot air balloons, people riding horses, and millions of caves where the Fairies supposedly live.They wanted to get on a hot air balloon, so they went to where the hot air balloons take off. They talked to a guide, and the guide recommended they ride a horse first, and then explore the Fairy Chimneys and learn their story after the balloon ride.When they were flying, Et said, "It's amazing, Twiney! There's snow everywhere. It looks majestic!" Twiney agreed with Et.They got off and then started sightseeing on horses. But riding a horse made them hungry, so they stopped and went to a restaurant.Twiney asked the waiter, "What is the famous dish of Cappadocia?" The waiter answered, "It is Testi Kebabı! I highly advise it! I'm sure you are going to love it!"So, Et and Twiney ordered Testi Kebabı.