Not everywhere in the world celebrates Christmas like we do in America. There is usually one key difference: weather. While we in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the cold (or complaining about it), the Southern Hemisphere is in the middle of summer. Culture, location, tradition, and religion all affect the way Christmas is celebrated, or not celebrated, in different countries around the world.
Australia
Celebration: December 25th
“Santa:” Father Christmas
Merry Christmas!
With many ties to Europe and the US still, Australia celebrates Christmas similar to them. Their Christmas cards depict snowy scenes and their carols sing of white Christmases and fireplaces, but they have far from that during this time of the year. Christmas is usually celebrated with a cookout in the backyard or on the beach (think of our Fourth of July). They decorate with Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and wait for Father Christmas on the 24th.
One of Australia’s biggest celebrations is the Melbourne Carols by Candlelight, where people gather on picnic blankets outside and sing Christmas carols while it is televised all over the country.
I’m sure the talk of snow and sleigh rides confuse Australian children while it’s near 100 degrees Christmas Day. It sure would be something to experience; it’s like Christmas in July!
Finland
Celebration: December 24th
“Santa:” Joulupukki
Hyvää joulua!
At noon, “Christmas peace” is declared in one of the oldest towns in Finland. The celebration starts on the 24th of December and continues for another twenty days. A Finnish tradition is visiting the sauna, an ancient tradition continued today, in order to relax before the events later that evening. Families then gather for dinner, a reading of St. Luke’s gospel of the birth of Jesus, and then are visited by Joulupukki, who places presents under the tree. He looks much like the American Santa Clause but has many Nordic accents and details in his dress. Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) are spent relaxing with family with traditional sleigh rides on St. Stephen’s Day.
South Korea
Celebration: December 25th
“Santa:” 산타 할아버지 (Santa Haraboji/Santa Grandfather)
메리 크리스마스! Meri Keuriseumaseu!
Like many other Korean holidays, Christmas is widely seen as a couple’s holiday, although Christmas decorations can be found throughout the country. Much like Valentine’s Day, it can be a sad time for someone without a partner to spend it with. Shopping starts as early as November to get the perfect gift for your significant other. Most Christmas songs played reflect this, songs like “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and many of K-pop idols’ Christmas songs are heard all over the radio during this time of year. Santa Haraboji can be seen but wearing blue instead of the popular red. Also, churches are commonly decorated with neon lights, as well as department stores.
South Africa
Celebration: December 25th/All of December
“Santa:” Father Christmas
Geseënde Kersfees !
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa is also in the middle of summer. Barbecues and picnics are popular celebrations during this time. Many businesses close the entire month of December, and kids have the month off of school. Once a British colony, South Africa shares many similarities to what we know but less extravagant. Houses are decorated with pine branches and typically a fir tree in the corner. Children hand their stockings on the fireplace on Christmas Eve for Father Christmas to come and fill them with goodies. These can range from toys and candy or more practical things like nuts, berries, and school supplies.
Argentina
Celebration: December 24th
“Santa:” Papa Noel
Feliz Navidad!
Argentina’s celebration of Christmas reflects the strong ties it has with Catholicism. Also in the middle of summer, towns and homes are decorated with bright flowers for the Christmas season. Instead of writing letters to Santa, children write to el nino Dios, or baby Jesus. Extended family comes together on the 24th to celebrate La Navidad with a large Christmas dinner. A celebration called quemar polvora at midnight Christmas Eve features fireworks, hugging and kissing family members, and opening presents under the tree. Argentina Christmas, much like other South American countries, has widespread European and American influences, but they retain much of their culture in decorations.
Although each country celebrates Christmas in their own unique way, we can all agree it is a time to celebrate, spend time with, and appreciate family and friends. Even though we might have different traditions, cultures, and seasons, Christmas is a season for giving, loving, and celebrating.
