Editor’s Note: Once a month I am honored to be a contributor for WDW Fan Zone, and last week I shared over there one of my absolute favorite events at Walt Disney World during the Holiday Season. No, it’s not the parade, or the fireworks, or the music, or the food….it’s something far simpler…..and in many ways I think far more meaningful. Following is an excerpt:
The Holiday Season has become one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World, and it really is no wonder why: with amazing light displays, moving and inspirational music, entertaining shows, festive decorations, and of course delicious treats, this is season that is a true feast for the senses. And of course, no one prepares that kind of feast better than Disney! So clearly, for anyone who loves the Christmas Season and loves Disney, there is no better place to celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
With all of the festivities though, it is easy to overlook one of the most interesting Holiday events at Disney World: Epcot’s Holidays Around the World Storytellers. But you really shouldn’t! The Holiday Storytellers are a fascinating glimpse into how other cultures celebrate their special holidays…..and if you take the time to visit with them, you will be in for quite a treat! Entertaining and fun, learning about how others celebrate Christmas and other winter holidays is a wonderful way to add to your “Christmas Spirit”.
So let me briefly introduce you to the Storytellers that you will meet on your Holiday stroll around the World…..
Mexico: The Three Kings
Dressed in magnificent robes, The Three Kings tell their tale: In Mexico families celebrate Christmas through January 6 when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem, bringing gifts to baby Jesus. On Three Kings Day, children leave their shoes out, hoping that the Kings will leave special treats in them on their way to Bethlehem.
Norway: Julenissen
Julenissen is funny kind of elf who shares his story. In Norway, he lives in the woods, guarding each family. During the Christmas season, children leave bowls of porridge out to thank Julenissen for watching over them all year long.
China: The Monkey King
The Monkey King tells a very interesting legend about how he, Sun hou-kong, a monkey raised by humans, became the Monkey King after defeating a monster. But after he began to then cause mischief and mayhem, Buddha punished the Monkey King by imprisoning him in a mountain. Needless to say, he was soon very sorry for his ways, and after promising to mend his ways, was set free again. The Monkey King of course, points out the moral to his story, in hopes of sparing others his fate.
Germany: Helga
Many of Germany’s customs and traditions of the season are familiar, because they become an important part of celebrations all around the world. Here Helga shares the story of the first tannenbaum or Christmas tree, and how it came to be decorated with lights (candles), decorations and special treats.
Italy: La Befana
I love the story of La Befana, who legend has it, was a poor, old woman who lived at the time of the birth of Jesus. After refusing to help the Shepherds and the Three Kings look for the newborn Baby, she eventually decided to look for him on her own. Sadly though, she became lost and never found him. She still looks for him to this day, visiting children’s homes in hopes of finding him, and leaving gifts for the children when she stops by.
American Adventure: Story of Hanukkah, Santa Claus, Story of Kwanzaa
When you stop by America, you will have the chance to hear two Storytellers. One explains about the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and how this special holiday celebrates each of those principles. The second Storyteller recounts the tale of the eight days of Chanukah, and explains how a candle is lit each night on the menorah to commemorate the special miracle of the flame burning in the Temple for eight days. And here you will also have the opportunity to meet that special American elf, Santa and Mrs. Claus too!
Want to learn about the rest of the Storytellers? Stop over at WDW FanZone to meet the rest! 
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple…and for a limited time, get a FREE Disney gift card when you book your trip with me! ($2000 minimum package cost)
Related posts:
