Christmas is a magical time celebrated by millions of people across the globe, each bringing their own unique customs and traditions to the festive season. From enchanting rituals to delightful culinary treats, every culture adds its own special touch to the holiday. In today’s blog post, we will explore Christmas traditions around the world and discover how different cultures celebrate this joyous occasion.
Sweden
In Sweden, like in many other cultures, Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather. On Christmas Eve, families exchange gifts and eat a traditional meal of pickled herring and Janssons frestelse (a potato casserole). Also, on December 13th, Swedes celebrate St. Lucia’s Day with processions led by a girl dressed as St. Lucia, wearing a crown of candles.
Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas is a time for religious celebrations. Many people attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve. After mass, families gather to eat tamales and other traditional foods.
Germany
In Germany, the countdown to Christmas begins with Advent calendars filled with chocolates or small gifts. The country is also famous for its charming Christmas markets, where people enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread, and handcrafted gifts.
Australia
In Australia, Christmas falls during the summer, and many people celebrate with outdoor barbecues, beach picnics, and water activities. Santa Claus is often seen surfing or arriving on a boat! That’s so much fun, isn’t it?
Japan
As surprising as it may be, many Japanese families celebrate Christmas with a KFC meal. All this celebration is the result of a successful marketing campaign. Special Christmas buckets are popular, and reservations are often made months in advance.
Brazil
In Brazil, Christmas Eve is celebrated with Missa do Galo, or Midnight Mass, followed by a festive meal. Fireworks light up the sky to mark the occasion, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.
Romania
Last but not least, I couldn’t include my country Romania. For us, Christmas is a special time filled with unique traditions and customs. For us, Christmas holds a deep religious meaning. Many of us decorate their homes with Christmas trees, often adorned with handmade ornaments. Traditional Romanian carols (in Romanian: colinde) are sung. We have lots of delicious food such as such as “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls) and “cozonac” (sweet bread). Trust me when I say, you will enjoy Christmas here! The Christmas season extends beyond December 25th, with celebrations often continuing into the New Year. Now that’s quite a celebration!
Christmas is a time of unity and joy, celebrated in diverse and beautiful ways around the world. Embracing these varied traditions can deepen our appreciation for the global spirit of Christmas. What are some of your favourite traditions? 🎄😊
