By Christmas Traditions Around the World
We’re almost approaching the end of 2024, but before that, there’s a happening and fun festival that all of us celebrate. Yes, it’s Christmas Eve! As December 25 is almost here, people across the globe are preparing for this big day but in their way and culture. Everyone follows their culture and traditions to make the most of this memorable day. You will see different ways to enjoy and spend this day from Yule Log to Mistletoe. So are you ready to find out about the celebration of Christmas in different cultures and countries? Let’s get started!
The United Kingdom
People in the UK consider Christmas Eve a festival to meet their beloved and enjoy themselves. They decorate a tree or even (trees) with ornaments and gather up to exchange and open presents. They have different Christmas “fayres” which is a public show for enjoyment with slides and food stalls. Have you heard about the Santa Grotto? If not, the shops in the local market have a Santa Claus for children. They give a little pre-Christmas gift to them! Sounds fun, right?
Now, comes the pantomime. If you haven’t heard of it, this is a theatre show where usually small celebrities or actors perform. These shows can be on traditional stories or something new as well. How can we forget about the big day’s dinner? Yes, Turkey is on the way! Many people also cook it with their families and make the most of their day!
For students across the world, let me remind you that you have tons of assignments to write during this break. Yes, I know no one wants to sacrifice their celebrations and study. The cherry on top is when you have to write PGCE assignments. Ah, a nightmare. Therefore, it’s best to connect with PGCE Assignment Writers.
Japan
Christmas Eve is not a religious festival in Japan. The Japanese consider it the most romantic day of the year. Couples go for dinner or watch a movie. However, it is a commercial holiday where stores sell gifts, and restaurants are usually booked. Oh, since we are talking about a major festival, how can I forget to mention Strawberry Shortcake? It is cooked on Christmas Eve as it has a red and white color that represents the colors of their national flag. Also, some streets are famous for following a certain theme and decoration such as Roppongi, Shinjuku, and others.
France
Discussing Christmas Eve celebrations in countries and not mentioning France? Well, that would be quite unfair. France makes the most of this festival. Starting from decoration, the French decorate by using nativity, lights, ornaments, and several other things. Some homes even have cartoonic figures called santons that are biblical characters.
Okay, so I’m more interested in finding out about their food. Are you too? Well, they cook a dish called Reveilleon de Neol. It has turkey, goose, cheese, and whine. For the dessert, the Yule Log cake subparks every other sweet dish. Also, they follow a religious tradition called L’Advent which begins four weeks before Christmas. The “Festival of Light” is the highlight Advent event that illuminates the city’s rivers and hubs.
China
A very small percentage (1%) of China’s population is Christians. Therefore, it is not a religious festival in this country. However, public places such as malls, streets, and buildings are decorated. Also, it’s a Chinese culture to gift “apples” wrapped in cellophane. It also has written messages in Chinese language. Moreover, Santa Claus is called “Shengdan Laoren” (old Christmas man). It is a postman that delivers gifts to children. So people in China celebrate Christmas by going to shopping malls, ice skating, dining, and other fun activities. Want to know how Americans celebrate their Christmas? If yes, read the section below!
The United States of America
Well, the USA is one of the countries where Christmas is celebrated the most. There isn’t any specific way or culture to celebrate it due to the multi-cultural nationalities. Do you know that wearing matching or coordinating pajamas is a tradition in the USA to celebrate Christmas? Yes, it’s right. Families do it and also take a picture as a memory.
Moreover, they decorate trees and enjoy this festival that traces down to the story of Adam and Eve. Also, people share food and visit the church as a tradition. Americans also perform carol singing and send cards to friends and families.
Fact: The history of Christmas is deeply rooted in the USA. Want to know how? Alabama was the first state to recognize this festival in 1836.
Norway
Christmas is widely known for exchanging gifts with your loved ones. Well, Norway is the true example! On this big day, people usually buy gifts for their families and to go Church. Norwegians also follow the tradition of Advent just like the French. Moreover, at 5 PM a bell rings which is the sign to celebrate and people then start their dinner. The traditional dishes are pinnekjot, ribbe, and lutefisk. Lastly, they end their day by raising the national flag.
Austria
Okay, so Austrians follow a different celebration routine on Christmas that has a blend of horror and joy. They believe that St. Nicholas praises and gives gifts to those who have been a good guy. However, Krampus, a half-goat and half-man punishes those who misbehave. I know it sounds strange but it’s very common in Austria. The traditional Christmas food for Austrians is mayonnaise salad, potato salad, goose, and cheese. Also, they had a parade called the Krampus Run during this period. Lastly, people dress up as folks or any relevant character according to the big day.
Australia
Outdoor evenings on beaches, barbecuing, and playing cricket along the shore, sounds fun right? Well, Australians celebrate their Christmas just like this. Also, instead of traditional ham or turkey, they prefer seafood such as prawns. For desserts tiramisu, pudding, trifle, and fresh fruits can never go wrong. Australia is very hot at Christmas therefore it’s more like a summer vacation for them. This is how Australians celebrate their festival with utmost fun!
Final Words
In this guide, we discussed a few important countries that celebrate Christmas in their way and follow traditions. Be it the UK where people enjoy visiting shopping malls or Austria which follows the concept of horror and joy together, Christmas is one of the festivals that has the hearts of millions of people. People across the world celebrate it by exchanging gifts, making traditional food, and of course, how can I forget Santa Claus! Some countries take it as a religious festival while some take advantage of their holiday to go on a romantic date! I believe this is the right way to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones
