Have you received your Christmas card from your sponsored child? The messages may be short, but they reflect a lot of the culture in your sponsored child's country:

Tharanga, an 8-year-old in Sri Lanka reveals one of the ways Sri Lankans celebrate -- with decorations and a special outfit: "I will wear a pretty frock for Christmas, and I will decorate the home most attractively. Happy Christmas to you!"

7-year old Jesus from the Dominican Republic's message reflects its translation when he says, "Merry Christmas and prosper new year. I wish God to bless you and your family. The peace of God to reign at your home. Congratulations!" The familiar Spanish phrase Feliz navidad y un prospero año nuevo literally translates to Happy Nativity and prosperous New Year!

And the Congratulations? That comes from Felicidades, which is a way to wish someone happiness. You can also see this used effectively in Daury's message:

"Congratulations! Dear sponsor, have a good time near your family. Enjoy the Christmas tree and dinner. Congratulations!" This sweet 10-year-old also highlights the emphasis Dominicans place on family.

Many holiday traditions in Honduras revolve around food. You can see it in 10-year-old Anderson's message: "I want to tell you what I do at Christmas, wear new clothes, I eat rice with chicken, play with my brother and I also eat torrejas, receive presents at the project. I wish you Merry Christmas." [Torrejas is a sweet bread, similar to our French Toast but with a lot more cinnamon!]

10-year-old Mamli's message hints at the formality in most communications in India: "At first I send my heartly regards to you, I wish you a merry Christmas and a New Year 2011."

Haitian Christians will share a greeting similar to 10-year-old Bideline's: “Dear Sponsor, good morning. I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ the Savior. I get joy in my heart which is bubbling for you. I thank for devotion that you have for me. I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

Writing in English is difficult for many project staff and children in our projects in Thailand, but that doesn't mean they don't try. This message from 15-year-old Rochinee is also a great example of the blessings pronounced over others in the new year: "This Christmas will coming I wish and pray God will blessings you and your family to be happiness all whole year 2010 and many blessings on your health to be strong and wealthy."

And lastly, 11-year-old Rowelyn displays the cheerful nature of Filipinos when she says, “Have a nice day to you! Did you know that it’s time for fun? Whatever worries or problems you felt right now give it all to God, okay? Oh! I forgot it’s Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and to all your families and friends."

How did your sponsored child wish you a Merry Christmas? Share their messages below in the comments! Tomorrow we'll have some advice for writing about your own holiday traditions.