How Christmas is celebrated around the world
Christmas around the world is the most wonderful time of the year! No, Not summertime — Christmas! The time when friends and family gather around to celebrate. But did you know that not everyone celebrates Christmas the same way? In fact, the way Christmas is celebrated varies widely from country to country. In this blog post, we will explore how Christmas is celebrated around the world. From Europe to Asia to the Americas, find out how different cultures and countries celebrate the holiday season.
New York City landmark, Radio City Music Hall in Rockefeller Center decorated with Christmas decorations in Midtown Manhattan. Christmas around the world
Christmas in America
Christmas in America is a time for family, friends, and food. From coast to coast, people come together to celebrate the holidays.
In many homes, the Christmas tree is the center of attention. It’s decorated with lights, ornaments, and garland. Gifts are often placed underneath the tree.
On Christmas Eve, families gather around the tree to exchange presents and share holiday traditions. Santa Claus is also a big part of Christmas in America. Children leave out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve, and he leaves them presents in return.
Christmas Day is a time for feasting. A traditional Christmas dinner in America might include roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Of course, there are endless variations on this theme – each family has their own favorite dishes.
After dinner, it’s time to open more presents! Then it’s off to spend time with friends and loved ones – celebrating the joys of the season.
The historic city of Salzburg with Festung Hohensalzburg in winter, Salzburger Land, Austria. Christmas around the world
Christmas in Europe
Christmas in Europe is a time for family, friends, and food. Christmas Eve is often spent with a large dinner, and many families will attend Midnight Mass. On Christmas Day, presents are exchanged and people typically enjoy a festive meal. Popular Christmas dishes in Europe include roasted meats, potatoes, and bread. desserts such as cakes and cookies are also enjoyed.
In some parts of Europe, such as Germany and Austria, Advent calendars are very popular. These are special calendars that have 24 little windows. Each day in December leading up to Christmas, you open one window to find a small present inside.
The famous Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain crowded shopping for Christmas
Christmas in Europe is a time for family, friends, and feasting. In Italy, Natale is a time for lavish feasts and sparkling displays of lights and decorations. In Spain, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a feast of roast pigs followed by gifts from the Three Kings.
Bergen in Norway Christmas around the world
In the Czech Republic, Christmas carols fill the air and people dress up like angels and devils to celebrate the holiday. In Norway, Santa Claus comes on a sleigh pulled by reindeer to deliver presents to good children. And in Iceland, families exchange books on Christmas Eve instead of gifts, ensuring that everyone has something to read by the fire on long winter nights.
Christmas in Germany
In Germany, Christmas markets fill town squares with the scent of roasted almonds and spice. Mulled wine warms cold hands as shoppers browse for gifts. In Germany, Christmas markets are a must-see during the holidays. These open-air markets sell traditional German foods and handmade gifts, and are often located in town squares or near churches. Visitors can also find unique items like hand-carved nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks.
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Christmas in Austria
Christmas in Austria is a festive and joyous time. Families come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods. There is a strong focus on religious observances, which often include attending Midnight Mass and singing Christmas carols.
One of the most popular traditions is the Advent wreath. This wreath is made of evergreens and candles, and each week leading up to Christmas, one candle is lit. This symbolizes the hope and anticipation of Jesus’ birth.
Another cherished tradition is the Christkindlmarkt or Christmas market. These markets are found all over Austria and offer a variety of holiday items such as decorations, food, and drink. It’s a great place to find unique gifts for loved ones.
See the article Christmas in Austria
Christmas in Spain
In Spain like in Italy and other Catholic countries, they eat fish on Christmas Eve, it’s tradition to eat a hearty meal on Christmas Eve called La Cena de Nochebuena. This feast typically includes seafood dishes like codfish or squid in its own ink sauce. After dinner, families often attend Midnight Mass before opening presents on Christmas morning.
Christmas fair in Barcelona, Spain
Visit Madrid, the wonderful Capital of Spain
Christmas in Italy
Italians celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes on December 24th, a traditional meal that includes at least seven different seafood dishes. One popular dish is Baccalà alla Vicentina: salt cod that’s been soaked overnight then pan-fried with onions and served with polenta. Other common seafood dishes include fried shrimp and calamari (squid).
Saint Peter Basilica in Rome at Christmas. Italy. Christmas around the world
No matter what country you’re in during the holidays, you’re sure to find some festive fun, and delicious
Christmas is of course celebrated differently in different parts of the world. In Europe, Christmas is generally a Christian holiday. Many people attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. presents are often exchanged on Christmas Eve, and a celebratory meal is usually eaten on Christmas Day.
Another popular European Christmas tradition is the nativity scene. This is a scene from the Bible where Jesus was born. It is often made out of straw and clay, and sometimes has real animals in it. Nativity scenes are set up in homes and churches all over Europe during the Advent season.
No matter where you are in Europe, Christmas is a time to come together and celebrate the joys of the season.
Christmas in Asia
Christmas in Asia is celebrated in a variety of ways, depending on the country. In China, for example, Christmas is not an official holiday, but that doesn’t stop people from decorating their homes and workplaces with Christmas trees and lights.
In Japan, Christmas is a time for families to get together and eat KFC chicken. That’s right, Kentucky Fried Chicken is a popular option for Christmas dinner in Japan!
Christmas in Japan, a slightly different tradition
Christmas in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Christmas Eve is traditionally spent attending Midnight Mass at church. After mass, families will often have a feast of Filipino dishes such as Lechon (roasted suckling pig) or Pancit (a noodle dish).
Roasted pork meat in Tagalog, Lechon, the Philippines’ specialty, nobody does it better
Christmas in Japan
In Japan, Christmas is a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy a meal. The traditional Christmas meal in Japan is KFC chicken, which was introduced to the country by an American employee of the fast food chain in 1974.
Christmas is considered a date night between couples and involves going out to eat and visiting a romantic winter light display. Friends often celebrate together as well and families with children are glad to take the evening at home eating Western-style food.
The 25th of December is business as usual and as we know often falls on a weekday. Consequently, these Christmas Eve get-togethers are usually done by about 9 or 10 pm so everyone can get ready to go to the office or school the next day. It’s common for Christmas displays to be removed on the morning of the 25th, so people can swap them out for New Year decorations.
Though Christmas has less significance in Japan than the New Year, it does have its own take on tradition. The focus for many is the food.
All about the very different Christmas in Japan
Christmas in South Korea
South Korea has a tradition of giving money to children on Christmas Eve instead of Santa Claus leaving presents under the tree. This money is known as “Christmas money” and is given out by parents or other relatives.
Christianity is not Korea’s official religion, but Christmas in Korea is celebrated throughout the entire country. The tradition started after World War 2 ended when the US government in Korea announced that Christmas would be celebrated in Korea. It had been a concept for Korean people because back then only 5% of the population was Christian. Nevertheless, it has grown to about one-fifth of Koreans today and may be why people celebrate Christmas on December 25th much like in the rest of the world.
Christmas in Vietnam
Christmas in Vietnam is a relatively new holiday, as the country only gained independence from France in 1954. However, it has quickly become popular, with families decorating their homes with lights and trees and exchanging gifts.
Christmas in India
Christmas Day in India is mostly celebrated by Christians, although the festival has been gaining popularity with people of other religions in recent years. The day typically starts with a church service, followed by a big family lunch or dinner. Popular Indian foods served at Christmas include curries, biryanis and sweet desserts like gulab jamun (fried dough balls soaked in syrup).
So there you have it – just a few examples of how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of Asia. Whether you’re tucking into a KFC bucket or attending Midnight Mass, we hope you have a very merry Christmas!
Christmas in Africa
Christmas in Africa is a special time. Families gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in the Christian parts of the great continent. Christmas Eve is usually spent singing and praying. On Christmas Day, people attend church and exchange gifts.
One of the most important aspects of Christmas in Africa is the food. Traditional African dishes are prepared and enjoyed by all. Family and friends gather around the table to enjoy a meal together.
Music is another important part of Christmas in Africa. There are many traditional African songs and dances that are performed during this time of year. These songs and dances are a way to express joy and happiness.
Christmas in Africa is also a time for giving back to the community. Many people donate clothes, food, and other items to those who are less fortunate. This act of charity helps to make Christmas a special time for everyone involved.
Food from Africa
Christmas in South America
Christmas in South America is a very festive time of year. Families and friends get together to celebrate the holidays with food, music, and dance. The most popular Christmas dish in South America is probably tamales, which are made of corn dough filled with meat or vegetables. Another popular dish is panettone, a sweet bread that is often eaten with coffee or tea.
Traditional tasty Christmas food in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gift-giving is also a big part of Christmas in South America. Children often receive gifts from baby Jesus, who is said to come down from heaven and bring presents to good children on Christmas Eve. Adults usually give each other practical gifts like clothes or household items.
Christmas in South America is a time to enjoy the company of loved ones and to be thankful for all the blessings in one’s life.
Christmas in South America is a time for family, food, and fun. Families gather together to enjoy traditional holiday foods such as tamales, empanadas, and roasted meats. The Christmas season is also a time for music and dance, with many popular songs and dances originating from the region.
One of the most popular Christmas traditions in South America is the giving of gifts. Children often receive gifts from El Nino, a mythical figure who delivers presents to good children on Christmas Eve. Adults exchange gifts with family and friends, and it is not unusual for businesses to give employees bonuses or gifts during the holidays.
Christmas in South America is a joyful time that is celebrated by people of all ages. Whether you are enjoying a traditional meal with your family or dancing the night away at a festive party, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this special time of year.
Christmas in Australia and New Zealand
Christmas in Australia and New Zealand is a time for family, friends and food. The warm weather means that Christmas lunch is often served outdoors, with BBQs and salads a popular choice. Seafood is also common, as are cold meats such as ham and turkey.
Christmas pudding or fruitcake is a must, often served with custard or cream. For those who don’t like pudding, there’s always the Pavlova – a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit.
Christmas time in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia. Blue Christmas tree in front of a rounded fountain.
Gifts are usually given on Christmas Eve, although Santa does make an appearance on Christmas Day to deliver presents to good girls and boys.
The Christmas season in Australia and New Zealand comes to an end on Boxing Day, when many people take advantage of the public holidays to go camping or head to the beach.
Christmas in Australia and New Zealand is a time of family, friends, food, and fun. The hot summer days are perfect for spending time outdoors with loved ones, and the cool evenings are perfect for enjoying traditional Christmas meals.
Christmas trees and decorations are often put up in early December, and many people attend local Carols by Candlelight events. On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is said to visit homes and fill children’s stockings with presents.
Lego Christmas tree and Santa Claus at Federation Square for celebration
Christmas Day is typically spent with family and friends, enjoying a traditional roast lunch or barbecue. Popular Christmas activities include playing cricket, going to the beach, and eating Pavlova – a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit.
How to celebrate Christmas if you’re not Christian
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas if you’re not Christian or religious as such. For many people, Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and indulging in festive food and drink. There are also lots of fun activities that can be enjoyed at this time of year, like decorating your home with seasonal decorations, attending Christmas markets or fairs, or going on a festive day out.
If you’re not sure how to celebrate Christmas without being religious, there are plenty of resources available online and in bookstores that can offer guidance. There are also some great secular Christmas songs that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their beliefs. Whatever way you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is to have fun and make happy memories with your loved ones.
Conclusion
Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world, but the underlying message is always the same: love, peace, and joy. No matter what your holiday traditions are.
We hope that you all have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas season and a happy New Year!
