Christmas Traditions from around the World

In many countries of the world, the celebration of Christmas is a high point of the year. Many people take time out of their busy work schedules to spend time with family and friends, and to enjoy all of the festivities that this busy time of year has to offer. However, did you know that we differ in the way that we traditionally celebrate Christmas around the world?

Christmas Traditions in the UK

On Christmas Eve in the UK, children hang stockings on bedposts or fireplaces for Father Christmas to fill, and presents are also placed beneath the tree. Christmas Day sees the opening of these presents, usually against a backdrop of church services and a feast of roast Turkey with stuffing and roast potatoes.

Christmas in Switzerland

In Switzerland, Father Christmas plays a much smaller role. He does still appear but on the 6th December giving out sweets, fruit and nuts, accompanied by a donkey. His role on Christmas Eve is taken over by the “Christ kind” who brings the tree, under which he places a nativity scene and presents. After an early dinner, hymns and bible readings take place around the tree before the gifts are exchanged.

USA Christmas Traditions

At Christmas time the USA are best referred to as a melting pot of all nations and traditions. Most Americans eat roast turkey but each region then has its own culinary delights. For example in New England, Lumberjack Pie is a delicacy while by contrast in Hawaii, turkey teriyaki is a favourite.

Christmas Traditions in Mexico

Mexico sees the biggest fiesta of the year, epitomized by the posada; a procession of choir children that grows in numbers on its way to the church where a mass is then held. A party is then held after the service.

Christmas in Sweden

In Sweden, the tree is not brought into the home until one or two days before Christmas, and then is beautifully decorated. A traditional Swedish Smorgasbord is served on Christmas Eve with a customary rice pudding for dessert. An almond is hidden in the dessert and the recipient of this nut is expected to be married within one year. After the meal the Tomte comes, a Christmas elf that lives in the floorboards, with a sack full of presents. Traditionally, Swedes attend church in the very early hours of Christmas morning. The festivities last until 14th January at which point the tree is flung out into the snow!

Christmas Traditions in Spain

Spain holds the usual festivities with nativity scenes, Christmas trees and Markets everywhere. However, one unique difference is to see people jumping over “Hogueras”, or bonfires, as a symbol of protection against illness. Christmas Eve holds a Midnight Mass after which a sumptuous feast of turkey and truffles is served. Father Christmas comes in the form of the Three Wise Men but they don’t come until the 5th January, leaving gifts in shoes left out on the doorsteps.

Australia Christmas Traditions

By complete meteorological contrast, Christmas in Australia is usually spent on the beach enjoying the warmer climes and surf. The traditional Christmas dinner is just as likely to be a cold meat platter with salad, as roast turkey with all of the trimmings. Children do believe that Father Christmas comes on Christmas Eve to all of the good children but according to one popular Australian song, he is pulled along by 6 large kangaroos and not reindeer! They would struggle without the snow!!

Wherever you are and whichever way you choose to celebrate, Christmas is a special time for families and friends to be together to enjoy the various festivities.