Christmas Around The World
Christmas is celebrated worldwide in various unique and culturally specific ways. While the central theme of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, remains the same, traditions vary across countries and regions. Here's a look at how different parts of the world celebrate Christmas.
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
Season: Celebrated during summer.
Traditions: Beach barbecues, "Carols by Candlelight" events, and outdoor celebrations.
Foods: Seafood, ham, and Pavlova (meringue dessert).
Unique Practices: Santa arrives in shorts and flip-flops or by surfboard.
Brazil
Traditions: "Ceia de Natal" (Christmas dinner) and Papai Noel delivering gifts.
Foods: Roast turkey, ham, rice with raisins, and panettone.
Unique Practices: Fireworks and attending midnight Mass.
Germany
Traditions: Advent calendars and wreaths, St. Nicholas Day (December 6), and decorating with nutcrackers.
Foods: Stollen (fruit bread), roasted goose, and lebkuchen (spiced cookies).
Unique Practices: Famous Christmas markets, such as in Nuremberg and Cologne.
India
Traditions: Midnight Mass, decorating banana or mango trees, and lighting oil lamps.
Foods: Plum cake, biryani, and various sweets.
Unique Practices: A blend of Christian, Hindu, and regional traditions.
Italy
Traditions: "La Befana," a gift-giving witch, visits on January 6; nativity scenes (Presepi) are central decorations.
Foods: Panettone, torrone (nougat), and various fish dishes on Christmas Eve.
Unique Practices: Midnight Mass and family feasts.
Mexico
Traditions: "Las Posadas" (reenactments of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn), breaking piñatas, and attending "Misa de Gallo" (Midnight Mass).
Foods: Tamales, ponche (fruit punch), and buñuelos (fried dough).
Unique Practices: Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is the main celebration with family gatherings and fireworks.
Philippines
Traditions: "Simbang Gabi" (Nine-day series of dawn Masses) and the "Parol" (star-shaped lantern) symbolising the Star of Bethlehem.
Foods: Lechon (roast pig), bibingka (rice cake), and puto bumbong (purple rice cake).
Unique Practices: One of the longest Christmas seasons, starting in September and lasting through January.
Romania
Traditions: Romania, predominantly Eastern Orthodox, celebrates Christmas on December 25. The season is marked by attending church services and honouring the birth of Christ.
Foods: Sarmale - Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice Cozonac (A sweet bread filled with nuts), cocoa, or Turkish delight, enjoyed throughout the holiday.
Unique practices: St. Nicholas Day (Moș Nicolae), on December 6, children receive small gifts in their boots, a precursor to Christmas festivities.
Moș Crăciun (Santa Claus) brings gifts for children on Christmas Eve, continuing the season's joy.
Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)
Traditions: St. Lucia’s Day (December 13), lighting candles and enjoying cosy family gatherings (hygge).
Foods: Glögg (mulled wine), pickled herring, and rice pudding with a hidden almond.
Unique Practices: Dancing around the Christmas tree.
United Kingdom
Traditions: Christmas crackers, decorating homes with holly and mistletoe, and watching the Queen’s (now King’s) Christmas Message.
Foods: Roast turkey, stuffing, Christmas pudding, mince pies, and mulled wine.
Unique Practices: The Boxing Day holiday (December 26) for sports and shopping.
United States and Canada
Traditions: Decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, stockings for Santa Claus, and carolling.
Foods: Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, pies, eggnog, and Christmas cookies.
Unique Practices: Light displays, parades (e.g., Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in the U.S.), and snowy traditions in northern regions.
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Article by
Diane Embley
Team leader
Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service
diane.embley@northtyneside.gov.uk