Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Many countries around the world celebrate Christmas. While there are many things in common in the places that Christmas is celebrated, many times the traditions can be different. Each place has its unique traditions that it practices when it comes to the Christmas season.

In many countries around the world Christmas is observed as primarily a religious holiday. In some, such as in the United States, Christmas is seen as a secular holiday, or at least a mixed holiday. In countries where there is more emphasis on the religious side of Christmas, it is often tradition to attend Church at various times. This might include a midnight mass on Christmas eve, morning services on Christmas day, or even services on every day of the twelve-day season.

In some places around the world, particularly where the Eastern Orthodox Church is dominant, it is tradition to celebrate Christmas earlier in December. Often, Christmas falls on or around December 6th. The difference comes from their use of the older calendar for figuring religious holidays. In some countries, they observe the full “twelve days of Christmas,” giving gifts daily from Christmas eve through the end of the festival.

Santa Claus is one of those nearly-universal Christmas traditions. This figure of goodwill and gift-giving goes by a different name in many countries. In England, for example, he is called “Father Christmas.” In Brazil, he is called “Papai Noel.” In France, “Père Noël.” In Germany, “Der Weihnachtsmann.” In Belgium, he is “Sinterklaas.” In some countries, Santa Claus brings gifts on Christmas Eve. In Finalnd, for example, it is tradition for one family member usually dresses up like Father Christmas and distributes presents to the children. In Germany, ‘Der Weihnachtsmann’ brings Christmas presents on Christmas Eve day, often when the family has gone to church. In Hungary, Santa comes on December 6th and deposits candies or small toys into the children’s’ shoes.

The traditional Christmas meal is celebrated differently in different countries around the world as well. In New Zealand, at midnight on Christmas eve, they eat a special dish made of salted, dried codfish with boiled potatoes. On Christmas day, they might have turkey with the trimmings, and a Barbecue later in the day. In Russia, Christmas dishes include cakes, pies, and dumplings with meat. In Sweden, a special meal is served on Christmas eve, consisting of ham, herring, and brown beans. In Transylvania, they had stuffed cabbage on Christmas eve and then again for lunch on Christmas after attending Church. In Belgium, a special sweet bread shaped like the baby Jesus is served for breakfast. In Finland, people eat rice porridge on Christmas Eve, and Christmas dinner usually includes casseroles with things like macaroni, carrots, potato, and rutabaga. In Germany, Carp or Goose is often served on Christmas day.

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