How Crismas is celebrated allover world
Christmas is celebrated worldwide, but the customs and traditions can vary greatly depending on the country and culture. Here are some ways Christmas is celebrated across the world:
- United States
Decorations: Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and wreaths. Many cities have elaborate light displays.
Festivities: Christmas Eve is often celebrated with a big family dinner and midnight Mass. Christmas Day is spent exchanging gifts and enjoying meals like roast turkey or ham.
Santa Claus: A major part of the celebrations, especially for children, with the tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa.
- Mexico
Las Posadas: A traditional celebration that involves reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. It takes place from December 16-24.
Nochebuena: Christmas Eve is the focal point, with a late-night dinner, fireworks, and family gatherings.
Piñatas: Children break piñatas filled with candy and fruit.
- Germany
Christmas Markets: German cities host famous Christmas markets, where visitors can buy handmade ornaments, food, and mulled wine (Glühwein).
Advent: Many Germans follow the Advent tradition, lighting candles on a wreath each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Christmas Eve: Gifts are exchanged, and a festive meal is served. Many also attend church services.
- Italy
Feast of the Seven Fishes: On Christmas Eve, Italians often enjoy a seafood-based feast.
La Befana: A witch-like figure who delivers gifts to children on January 6, celebrating the arrival of the Three Kings.
Midnight Mass: Many Italians attend church services, and the Christmas meal typically includes rich foods like roasted meats and panettone.
- United Kingdom
Christmas Day: Celebrations start with family gatherings and a large Christmas dinner, often featuring turkey, roast potatoes, and Christmas pudding.
Boxing Day: December 26 is also a holiday in the UK, where people exchange gifts and enjoy sports or leisure activities.
Caroling: Singing carols is a popular tradition, and people often participate in charity events.
- Sweden
St. Lucia’s Day: On December 13, Swedes celebrate St. Lucia, with processions led by a girl dressed as Lucia, wearing a crown of candles.
Christmas Eve: The main day for celebrations, with a festive meal, often including ham, herring, and a special rice porridge (risgrynsgröt).
Julbock: A traditional Yule goat figure is often seen as part of decorations.
- Philippines
Simbang Gabi: A series of early morning Masses from December 16 to Christmas Eve.
Parol: A star-shaped lantern symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem is displayed outside homes.
Noche Buena: The Christmas Eve feast, with family gatherings and a variety of traditional Filipino dishes like lechon and bibingka.
- Australia
Summer Christmas: Since it’s summer in Australia during December, many people celebrate Christmas with beach parties, barbecues, and outdoor activities.
Carols by Candlelight: A tradition where Australians gather in parks for carol singing, often holding candles.
Christmas Day: The day is often spent with family and a festive meal that may include seafood and roast meats.
- Ethiopia
Gena: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7. The day begins with a church service, followed by a feast with traditional foods like injera (flatbread) and doro wat (spicy chicken stew).
Fasting: Many Ethiopians fast for 40 days leading up to Christmas, abstaining from animal products.
- Russia
Orthodox Christmas: Christmas is celebrated on January 7 due to the Eastern Orthodox Church’s use of the Julian calendar.
Sviatki: A period of festivity after Christmas, lasting for two weeks until Epiphany.
Feasting: Traditional dishes include borscht (beet soup) and various pastries.
- Finland
Joulupukki: Finland is believed to be the home of Santa Claus, known as Joulupukki. Children send letters to Santa asking for presents.
Sauna: Many Finnish families enjoy a sauna on Christmas Eve, followed by a festive meal, often featuring ham, fish, and various side dishes.
Christmas Peace: A declaration of peace is made in the city of Turku, marking the start of Christmas festivities.
Each country has its own unique blend of traditions, but common themes such as family gatherings, festive meals, and charitable acts are universal during the Christmas season.
