Christmas Celebrations Around The Globe
Christmas Celebrations Around The Globe
Christmas traditions are celebrated in many different ways around the world. No matter where you are, Christmas is a time of joy, kindness, friendship and being together. While the traditions vary from the elaborate Christmas markets in Germany, to the beach BBQ’s in Australia, the spirit of Christmas unites people in a shared celebration and reminds us of the importance of coming together.
In Germany, Christmas is all about the markets, Weihnachtsmarkt. This tradition started in the Middle Ages. The markets are held all over Germany, and visitors shop for handmade products such as little ornaments, candles and toys, while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. In addition to the markets, homes are decorated with candles, advent wreaths, and an array of these Christmas ornaments. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a festive meal, and they exchange gifts. Traditional foods are eaten such as roast goose, sausages and potato salad. Children wait the arrival of the Christkind, who brings the gifts to children.
Christmas in Italy is marked by many religious celebrations and family meals. Families celebrate on Christmas Eve with a dinner called the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which is a variety of seafood dishes. On Christmas Day many attend Mass, followed by a family lunch of pasta, roasted meats, and panettone. In the south of Italy, on the 5th January, there is a visit from La Befana and she delivers sweet treats to the children.
In Sweden, Christmas is celebrated with a mix of religious traditions. Advent marks the beginning, and one of the most loved traditions is St. Lucia Day, which is on the 13th December. The younger girls dress as Lucia by wearing white robes and candles on their heads, and this symbols the return of light. The day is then celebrated with processions, songs, and traditional pastries such as lussekatter. On Christmas Eve, families enjoy a julbord, including fish, meatballs, ham, and gravlas, and for dessert there is julkaka, which is a spiced fruit cake. Families come together to exchange gifts, and they attend church services.
Christmas in Mexico is a very vibrant celebration. The festivities include the “Las Posadas,” which is retells the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Over the nine nights, groups of people travel from house to house, singing carols and asking for a place to stay, only to be turned away at first. The celebration ends with a party with piñatas, food and music. Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena, which is the highlight and where families gather for an evening feast, followed by Midnight Mass. Traditional foods include tamales, bacalao, and ponche.
In Iceland, Christmas is celebrated in a magical way. According to folklore, the Jólasveinar visit children during the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Each ‘Yule Lad’ is associated with a particular mischievous behaviour. Children leave shoes by the window, and the Yule Lads leave small gifts or sweet treats for them. Icelandic families enjoy a traditional Christmas meal with lamb, pickled red cabbage, and rice pudding. Christmas Eve is a special occasion for exchanging gifts, and many attend church services.
The Philippines is famous for having one of the longest Christmas periods in the world, with some festivities starting in September! In the lead up to Christmas, the streets are lit with star-shaped lanterns to symbolise the star of Bethlehem. On Christmas Eve, families come together for an evening feast with dishes such as lechon, bibingka and pancit. After the meal, families attend midnight Mass, and then the day is spent with together and gift giving. The Christmas season lasts until the Feast of the Epiphany which is in early January.
In Australia, Christmas takes place during the summer, so many families celebrate with outdoor BBQ’s and picnics. Traditional Christmas meals include seafood, salads, and pavlova. Despite their warm weather, they still incorporate many traditional Christmas decorations with Christmas trees with lights. Carols by Candlelight concerts are held in the parks, and many attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Christmas is a tapestry of traditions, woven from the unique customs of cultures around the world. From the enchanting markets of Germany to the sun-soaked BBQs of Australia, and the vibrant celebrations in Mexico to the light-filled streets of the Philippines, each tradition adds its own sparkle to the season. Yet, no matter how we celebrate, the heart of Christmas remains the same: a time for kindness, connection, and joy. These Christmas celebrations around the globe remind us that the spirit of Christmas unites us in a shared celebration of love, family, and togetherness.
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