Christmas around the world

Christmas around the world

All countries that shelter Christians celebrate Christmas one way or another. Some, like the French, celebrate on Christmas Eve, while others, like the Japanese, appreciate the commercial side of the celebration and exchange gifts for the simple pleasure of giving. Here are interesting facts and Christmas traditions that may differ from ours but are just as comforting for Santa and Rudolph.

Mexico

In Mexico, Christmas is a paid holiday. Among their 30 Christmas traditions, there is one that allows villagers to go from house to house during nine days just like the three kings looking for Jesus. Sometimes, they are invited in to party around a piñata. Although Santa Claus brings toys to Mexican children on Christmas Eve, the three kings are the ones filling the stockings.

Venezuela

In Venezuela, Christmas revolves around Holy Mary and it is not Santa Claus who receives letters and brings gifts but Baby Jesus.

Armenia

Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6^th and some of them fast three days beforehand. They celebrate on this date because Jesus’ date of birth was never clearly established and all Churches used to celebrate on this date until the 4^th century. Armenian houses are decorated with Christmas trees (tonatsar) and Nativity scenes.

Japan

Japan is well known for its thematic skills and the Japanese have been celebrating Christmas for many years now by eating white cakes decorated with strawberries. Shopping malls are also decorated and on Christmas Day, couples celebrate together and exchange gifts.

Philippines

In Philippines, one of the most catholic countries in Asia, Christmas carols begin as early as September 1^st through December 24^th. Catholics make lanterns shaped as Stars of David to guide the three kings.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, fireworks have been set on December 1^st to announce that Christmas is just around the corner since the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16^th century. On the 24^th, the Christians who represent 7% of the population attend a Midnight Mass and on the 25^th, they invite non-believers to join them and eat Christmas cakes and drink wine all day until the traditional Christmas feast.

Serbia

In Serbia, in addition to the traditional feasts, an oak is cut from which a log is carved (Badnjak) and burned while the other members of the family place walnuts on straw and wheat. While watching the badnjak burn, the whole family pray for a year filled with happiness, love, joy and prosperity. Groups of youth walk from door to door to wish a Merry Christmas and on the 25^th, the first visit has a special meaning, so it is often planned in advance.

Germany

On December 6^th, day of the Saint-Nicholas, Saint-Nicholas himself goes from door to door to put gifts and surprises in the stockings of all German children who have been good. It is also on that day that the he Knecht Ruprecht scares naughty children with his whip and his devilish face. On the 24^th, everyone exchange gifts and children can stay up as late as they want.

Denmark

In Denmark, Christmas begins on the 24^th with a traditional feast of roasted duck, pork or goose followed by a gift exchange initiated by children or by the Julemanden, their Santa Claus, depending on the region. A rice pudding containing sliced almonds and a full almond is also served and it is a sign of good luck to find the almond in your plate. The next day, a big lunch is prepared with family and friends and all adults drink beer and spirits.

Australia

In Australia, just like in the rest of the southern hemisphere, Christmas arrives in the middle of the summer. Very influenced by the Commonwealth, Christmas is very similar in Australia, in England and in the United States and sending cards (a tradition invented in England) and exchanging gifts is a must. Christmas carols, a great meal and crackers complete this wonderful celebration and in Sydney, a public barbecue is organized where Santa goofs around and makes everyone laugh.

Ireland

Christmas is the biggest celebration in Ireland and it is celebrated from December 24^th to January 6^th. On December 24^th, a Christmas drink is offered at the local pub and during the evening, meat pie and Guinness are left for Santa. On the next day, children open their gifts and the party continues in a gigantic feast where rich sauces and cakes are served.