Here how Christmas is celebrated around the world:
Japan:
The Japanese decorate their homes and shops with plants. The Christmas tradition they have is to open the gifts
Hoteoisha brings. This character is a priest similar to Santa Claus.
Italy:
The Italians make their tree and decorate their home son the 8th of December. In some regions they open the gifts
on Christmas Eve, in some others on Christmas Day. The most traditional Italian Christmas food is the Panettone,
which is well known worldwide. In Italy the three kings bring gifts on the 6th of January. Italy is also the birthplace
of the first crib, made by Saint Francis of Assisi, a tradition that has spread around the world.
Belgium:
Kids believe that Saint Nicholas brings them gifts. He rides a horse, that’s why they leave hay, carrots and water
outside of the house on December 6th.
Canada – USA:
Christmas trees are decorated inside the homes and stockings are hanged in the fireplace. Santa Claus fills the
stockings with gifts. It is also common to Exchange gifts and cards with friends and family. The children often do
pageants and sing carols.
China:
The Chinese Christians decorate their homes with paper lanterns. Santa Clause is known as Dun Che Lao Ren and
the kids leave him their stockings too.
Czech Republic:
An abundant and delicious meal is served with many dishes. During the dinner, no matter how big the family is, a
free seat and plate must be left for Baby Jesus on the table.
Denmark:
Santa Claus is known as Julemanden and comes in a sledge pulled by reindeer with a sack full of gifts. The Danish
kids call Santa’s elves Juul Nisse, and they believe that they live in their attics, that’s why the leave them rice
pudding and milk.
England:
According to popular belief, the Christmas tree tradition was made popular here. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
came back from Germany with the idea of having a decorated tree to the homes. Santa Claus is known as Father
Christmas and kids throw their letters to the fire so he can read their wishes in the smoke. The English kids wait
until the afternoon of the 25th of December to open their presents.
France:
Santa Claus is known as Pere Noel and Pre Foutteard helps him, telling him who has been good or bad. In some
regions of France Pere Noel brings little presents on the 6th of December and comes back in Christmas with more. In
France the kids open their presents on Christmas but the grown ups must wait until New Year. The kids leave their
shoes on the fireplace for Pere Noel. On the midnight of the 24th of December the French have a traditional dinner
that ends with a cake called La Buche de Noel.
India:
People decorate their homes with mango leafs, lights around the Windows and a star hanging outside of the house.
It is a tradition to eat sweet called thali, brought by neighbors and friends.
Mexico:
In Mexico Christmas is celebrated for 9 days, with the Pasdas. During this time the people dress as Mary and
Joseph and go knocking doors and asking for food and shelter. The answer is always negative, but after a second
round, they are invited to a party with music, food and piñatas for the kids. On the ninth night they usually go to
church to celebrate the birth of Christ.
North Pole:
Santa Claus and his helpers work all year long to be ready to go out in Christmas to deliver presents.
Sweden:
In Sweden Santa Claus is known as tomte and its a gnome who comes from under the floor with a sack full of gifts.
He comes in a sledge pulled by a goat. On Santa Lucia’s day, 13th December, the oldest daughter of the house
wears a wreath with 7 candles and wakes up the whole family. They eat ham, fish and rice pudding.
Poland:
From Christmas until New Year beautiful stalls called Joselki are installed on the streets. These stalls have
paintings about Christmas stories and are decorated with lights.
Spain:
In Spain the kids leave their shoes on the window for the three kings that arrive on January 6th. On Christmas Eve
the families get together to celebrate and it’s common to build cribs or Nativity scenes.
Germany:
In Germany Christmas starts withe the Advent that lasts 4 weeks. During this time the Advent candles are lit every
Sunday around the advents wreath. They also have Advents calendars with a Little present to take every day. On
the 6th of December Nikolaus visits the kids and leaves them presents in their shoes. On Christmas Santa Claus
(Weihnachtsman) or Baby Jesus (Christkind) bring presents to the kids. It is common to find Christmas markets in
the cities and towns and a Christmas tree is built in every home.
Russia:
In Russia it is Babouschka that brings presents for the kids. According to tradition, this woman wasn’t able to give
shelter or food to the three kings, and that’s why she is looking for baby Jesus on the Woods and visits the kids
bringing them presents. Santa Claus is known as Grandfather Frost, and wears blue instead of red.
Ghana:
In Ghana Christmas is one of the most important festivities and lasts a couple of days. The families gather together
and everybody takes time to get ready for the party. The traditional Christmas food is a rice with goat or chicken
stew that is eaten before the annual Christmas service. The families decorate their homes with colorful papers made
especially for the occasion. On the backyards, kids decorate Guava, Mango or Cashew tree. After the mass a
procession with dancing is made which could last the whole night. On the 25th of December the people come back
to church and kids get their presents.
Swizerland:
Instead of Santa Claus, the Swiss kids wait for Christkind, baby Jesus, who brings them Presents, helped by St.
Nicholas.
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Uruguay:
Officially, Christmas in Uruguay is called “Family Day” but everybody still calls it Christmas. The family gathers to
eat a big meal, normally outside. At midnight on the 24th December people go to the streets or backyards to light
firework and after the show, the kids go inside to open the presents Santa “mysteriously” left under the tree. For
many Uruguayans, Christmas is the first day of the summer holidays.
Do you know any other traditions? How do you celebrate Christmas?
Merry Christmas!
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