Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and tradition for millions of people. While many associate the holiday with decorated trees, gift exchanges, and family feasts, the ways in which it’s celebrated can look very different depending on where you are in the world. Learning about these unique customs offers a wonderful glimpse into the rich diversity of global cultures.
This guide will take you on a journey across continents to explore how Christmas is celebrated around the world. We will look at fascinating traditions from various countries, from festive meals and unique decorations to special community events. By the end, you will have a deeper appreciation for the many ways people embrace the holiday spirit.
Christmas Traditions in Europe
Europe, the historical heart of many Christmas traditions, is home to a wide array of festive customs. From bustling Christmas markets to quiet, candlelit services, each country offers its own special way of celebrating.
The United Kingdom
In the U.K., Christmas is a major family holiday. Celebrations often begin with decorating a Christmas tree and hanging stockings over the fireplace on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, families gather for a large meal that typically includes roast turkey, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, followed by Christmas pudding for dessert. A notable tradition is the Royal Christmas Message, a broadcast from the monarch that many families watch together. Boxing Day, on December 26th, is a public holiday often spent with family or shopping the sales.
Germany
Germany is famous for its enchanting Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte. These markets pop up in town squares across the country, offering handmade crafts, festive foods like gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and warm mulled wine (Glühwein). German homes are often decorated with an Advent wreath, which has four candles. One candle is lit each Sunday in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, many families attend a church service before returning home for their main celebration and gift exchange.
Sweden
In Sweden, the Christmas season begins with St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th. This festival of lights features processions led by a girl dressed as St. Lucia in a white gown with a crown of candles. Christmas Eve, known as Julafton, is the main day for celebrations. Families come together to enjoy a Julbord, a festive buffet with dishes like ham, pickled herring, and meatballs. A quirky and beloved tradition is watching the 1958 Disney special, “From All of us to All of You,” on television every Christmas Eve afternoon.
How Christmas is Celebrated in the Americas
From the snowy landscapes of the north to the sunny climates of the south, Christmas celebrations in the Americas are as varied as the continent itself.
Mexico
Christmas in Mexico is a vibrant and deeply religious celebration that spans several weeks. The season officially begins on December 12th with the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. From December 16th to the 24th, many people participate in Las Posadas, a series of processions that reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn. A key part of the celebration is the piñata, a brightly decorated container filled with candy that children break open. The main family gathering takes place on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), with a large dinner and midnight Mass.
United States
Christmas in the United States is a blend of traditions from around the world. Homes are decorated with lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees. Many families have their own unique traditions, from baking cookies to watching classic holiday movies. On Christmas morning, children wake up to find presents from Santa Claus under the tree. The main meal can vary but often includes ham or turkey. In many communities, people go caroling, singing Christmas songs to their neighbors to spread holiday cheer.
Venezuela
In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, there is a unique and active way to get to morning Mass during the Christmas season. From December 16th to the 24th, it is common for residents to roller-skate to the early morning services. The city’s streets are closed to traffic to ensure everyone can skate safely. After the service, people gather in the streets for music, food, and socializing, creating a lively community atmosphere.
Festive Customs in Asia and Africa
Though Christianity is a minority religion in many parts of Asia and Africa, Christmas is still celebrated in unique and meaningful ways.
The Philippines
The Philippines is known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, beginning as early as September. The country is predominantly Catholic, and the holiday is a significant cultural event. A central tradition is the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Day. Homes and streets are decorated with colorful lanterns called paróls, which are star-shaped to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Christmas Eve features a large family feast called Noche Buena after midnight Mass.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Christmas, known as Ganna, is celebrated on January 7th, following the ancient Julian calendar. It is a deeply religious holiday, and many people fast for 43 days leading up to it. On Christmas morning, people dress in traditional white clothing, called a Shamma, and attend church services. A popular sport played during Ganna is a game similar to hockey, also called ganna, which is said to have been played by the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth. The holiday meal often includes doro wat, a spicy chicken stew.
Christmas in Oceania
Down Under, Christmas falls in the middle of summer, leading to celebrations that are uniquely suited to the warm weather.
Australia
With Christmas occurring during summer vacation, many Australian traditions take place outdoors. It’s common for families to have a barbecue on the beach for their Christmas meal, featuring seafood like prawns and lobster. Another popular event is Carols by Candlelight, where large crowds gather in parks on Christmas Eve to sing carols together. Despite the heat, traditional imagery like Santa Claus in his red suit remains popular, though he’s often humorously depicted arriving on a surfboard.
Celebrating Together
Exploring how Christmas is celebrated around the world reveals a beautiful tapestry of cultural expression. While the specific customs and traditions may differ, the underlying themes of family, community, and joy are universal. Whether it’s roller-skating to church in Venezuela or enjoying a beach barbecue in Australia, the spirit of Christmas brings people together in meaningful ways.
If you have family and friends living abroad, sending a gift for the holidays is a thoughtful way to connect. Remitly offers a simple and secure way to send money internationally, ensuring your loved ones feel remembered during this special time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are some common Christmas traditions around the world?
Christmas traditions vary widely depending on the country and culture. For example, in Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated with processions and piñatas. Sweden honors Saint Lucia Day with candlelit processions, while the Philippines is known for its vibrant parols (star-shaped lanterns) and the Simbang Gabi, a series of nightly masses leading up to Christmas.
2. Why do Christmas traditions differ from one country to another?
Christmas traditions differ due to historical, cultural, and religious influences unique to each region. Over time, local customs and practices have blended with Christian traditions to create diverse ways of celebrating the holiday.
3. How can I share holiday cheer with loved ones who live abroad?
Sending a heartfelt message, a thoughtful gift, or even money through a secure service like Remitly allows you to connect with loved ones across the globe. It’s a meaningful way to remind them that they’re in your thoughts, even from afar.
4. What is a special holiday tradition in the Philippines?
The Philippines has one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world, beginning as early as September. One highlight is the Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of pre-dawn masses. Another iconic tradition is the display of parols, colorful lanterns symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
5. How can I learn more about Christmas traditions worldwide?
Exploring cultural resources online, reading travel blogs, or talking with friends from different countries are excellent ways to learn about the unique ways Christmas is celebrated around the world.