How is Christmas Celebrated Around The World

Here are some Christmas traditions that are uniquely celebrated by different countries around the world:

• Australia: In Australia, Christmas falls in the summertime and in many parts of the country it’s extremely hot. As Australia is part of the British commonwealth, Christmas traditions are similar to those of England. But today it’s increasingly common for families to celebrate the day with a gourmet BBQ or beach picnic


• Central & South America: In most Central and South American nations, a nativity scene is the primary Christmas decoration in homes, churches and public areas


• England: Most common Christmas traditions – including Christmas cards, crackers, roast turkey, plum puddings, carol singing and hanging mistletoe and stockings – originated in England and are still observed today


• Finland: Many Finns visit saunas on Christmas Eve while on Christmas Day it’s customary to visit the graves of departed family members


• France: Some families in southern France burn a log from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day, following an ancient rural tradition


• Germany: The practice of trimming Christmas trees originated in Germany. After Prince Albert married Queen Victoria, he introduced the Christmas tree tradition to England. In 1848 an American newspaper featured a picture of a Christmas tree and the custom spread to nearly every home in the United States within just a few years


• Greece: In Greece, Christmas gifts are usually exchanged on 1st January


• Mexico: The poinsettia was introduced to America from Mexico in 1828 by Joel R Poinsett and as its colouring was perfect for Christmas, it began to be sold in stores at Christmastime. By 1900 poinsettias had become a universal symbol of Christmas. Hitting piñatas filled with candy and coins also feature in Mexico’s Christmas celebrations


• Norway: Norway was the birthplace of the Yule log, which the ancients used to celebrate the return of the sun at the winter solstice


• Sweden: The Swedish began the Scandinavian tradition of honouring St Lucia each year on 13th December, which is considered the beginning of the Christmas season. Traditionally, the eldest daughter in each family rises early and dressed in a long white gown with a red sash and a crown made of twigs with nine lighted candles, wakes her family. At night, each member of the community throws a lit torch onto a pile of straw, creating a huge bonfire


• Ukraine: For their Christmas celebration, Ukrainians prepare a traditional twelve course meal. Each family’s youngest child watches through the window for the evening star to appear to signal that the feast can begin

Please send us the details of how Christmas is uniquely celebrated in your country!

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