Christmas Traditions Around The World
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Christmas Traditions Around The World

Take a look at the differences.

291
Christmas Traditions Around The World

Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world, however the way in which it is celebrated varies country from country. Here, we'll take a trip around the world to different countries to show you these various Christmas traditions.

1. Argentina

Christmas trees are up and decorated by December 8th, which is the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Nativity scenes are the most important thing, and are placed near the tree. Christmas cards are not popular, and gifts are only exchanged amongst close family and friends.

2. Australia

Because Christmas comes during the summer season in Australia, celebrations often occur on beaches. Australians decorate their houses with bunches of 'Christmas Bush',a native Australian tree with small green leaves and cream colored flowers. In summer the flowers turn a deep shiny red over a period of weeks (generally by the week of Christmas in Sydney). Children believe that when Santa arrives, he lets the reindeers rest and delivers presents across the country on kangaroos nicknamed "six white boomers." Most Australians have a Christmas meal around lunch time which consists of cold foods like seafood, lobsters, and barbecues. "Boxing Day" is a big day and is celebrated on the 26th.

3. Bulgaria

Christmas is mainly celebrated on Christmas Eve, especially the dinner. The dinner is vegetarian and consists of an odd number of dishes and an odd number of guests. Straw is placed under the table cloth and a special cake is made that is baked with a coin in it. The oldest person cuts and distributes the cake, and whoever gets the piece with the coin in it has good luck for the year. On Christmas Day, meat is usually eaten.

4. Denmark

Small children receive a small gift for 24 days, from December 1st to December 24th. Popular Christmas foods include roast duck, goose or pork. They are served with boiled and sweet potatoes, red cabbage, beetroot and cranberry jam/sauce. Children believe in Julemanden who looks just like Santa Claus and lives in Greenland.

5. Mexico

Christmas is celebrated from December 12th to January 6th. The celebration of the Nine Posadas, meaning lodging, are represented by various homes. Processions and reenactments are done by everyone including children. The nativity scene is the most important decoration, and they are often life size. Christmas trees are not that popular but poinsettia flowers are. Children believe their presents are brought by "El Ninito Dios" or "Santo Clos".

6. Montenegro and Serbia

In Montenegro, Christmas Eve is on 6th January and Christmas Day is on the 7th January because the main Orthodox Churches still use the old 'Julian' Calendar. The two Orthodox churches have bon fires outside of them on Christmas Eve. Like Bulgaria, Montenegro and Serbia make bread with a hidden coin in it.

7. The United Kingdom

Children believe that Father Christmas or Santa Claus leaves presents in stockings or pillow-cases. These are normally hung up by the fire or by the children's beds on Christmas Eve. Children sometimes leave out mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas to eat and drink when he visits them.

In Scotland, the first person to set foot in a house in a New Year is thought to have a big effect on the fortunes of the people that live there

8. Venezuela

Artificial Christmas trees and Nativity scenes are very important for Christmas. There's a tradition where people roller-skate to morning mass from December 16th to the 24th. To make it easier, streets are closed. Gifts are exchanged at Midnight on Christmas Eve, and "San Nicolas" brings children gifts for Christmas Day. In preparation for Christmas and the new year, people often freshly paint their houses, wear new clothing, and wear yellow on New Year's Eve for good luck.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58526
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37715
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959303
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194046
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments