20 different Christmas Traditions around the world
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20 Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World
Christmas is celebrated worldwide, but each culture has its own unique way of marking this festive season. From German Christmas markets to American stockings by the fireplace, let's explore 20 Christmas traditions that bring holiday joy to different corners of the globe.
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Germany - Advent Calendars and Advent Wreaths
In Germany, Advent calendars are a big tradition, with each day revealing a small treat or surprise. Families also create wreaths with four candles, lighting one each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
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United States - Decorating the Christmas Tree
Americans gather to decorate Christmas trees with ornaments, lights, and tinsel. This tradition usually starts right after Thanksgiving, marking the beginning of the festive season.
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Italy - La Befana
Italian children receive gifts from La Befana, a kind old witch who arrives on January 6. According to legend, she flies from house to house on a broomstick, delivering candies and small toys.
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Mexico - Las Posadas
In Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated with reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Each night from December 16 to 24, families host processions, parties, and piñatas filled with sweets.
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Sweden - St. Lucia Day
On December 13, St. Lucia Day, a tradition honoring Saint Lucia, who symbolizes light in the winter darkness, is celebrated with a procession of young girls wearing white dresses, red sashes, and wreaths of candles on their heads.
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Finland - Sauna Tradition
In Finland, families gather in saunas to relax and purify before Christmas Eve celebrations, connecting the tradition with a sense of warmth, cleansing, and togetherness.
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Norway - Hiding Brooms
Norwegian families hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to ward off mischievous spirits and witches, who are believed to roam on this night in search of brooms to ride.
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Iceland - The Yule Lads
Icelandic children receive visits from the 13 Yule Lads, each with their own distinct personality. Each night leading up to Christmas, the Yule Lads leave small gifts in children’s shoes if they’ve been good.
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Japan - Christmas KFC
In Japan, Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated, but many families have adopted the custom of enjoying a special Christmas meal from KFC, thanks to a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s.
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United Kingdom - Christmas Crackers
British families set out Christmas crackers at dinner. These paper tubes, pulled apart to reveal small toys, jokes, and paper crowns, are a staple at British Christmas dinners.
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Philippines - Giant Lantern Festival
In the Philippines, the city of San Fernando holds a Giant Lantern Festival with elaborate lanterns lit up in vibrant colors, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
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Austria - Krampus Night
On December 5, Krampus, a frightening horned figure, roams the streets in Austria, scaring naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the good ones.
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Poland - Wigilia and Sharing of Oplatek
On Christmas Eve, Polish families gather for Wigilia, a festive meal of 12 dishes. Before eating, they share oplatek (a thin wafer) with each other, wishing one another peace and blessings.
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Venezuela - Roller Skating to Church
In Caracas, Venezuela, people roller skate to early morning Christmas Mass on December 24. Roads are often closed to allow this fun, community-oriented tradition to take place safely.
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Australia - Beach Barbecues
Australians celebrate Christmas during the summer, often with barbecues at the beach. Families gather for fun in the sun, making it a very different kind of Christmas celebration.
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France - Bûche de Noël
French families enjoy a Bûche de Noël, a Yule log-shaped dessert that symbolizes the historic burning of a large log in the hearth for prosperity and warmth.
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Denmark - Dancing Around the Christmas Tree
After decorating the Christmas tree, Danish families gather around it on Christmas Eve to sing carols and dance in a circle, creating a joyful and connected atmosphere.
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Ukraine - Spider Web Decorations
In Ukraine, trees are decorated with spider webs as a nod to a folktale where spiders wove webs around a poor family’s Christmas tree, turning them into silver and gold on Christmas morning.
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Czech Republic - Shoe Toss
In the Czech Republic, single women toss a shoe over their shoulder on Christmas Day. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing towards the door, it’s said they’ll be married within the year.
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Brazil - Midnight Mass and Fireworks
Brazilians attend a midnight mass called Missa do Galo on Christmas Eve, followed by fireworks that light up the sky. The celebration often extends to the beach, where families gather for a festive meal.
Each tradition offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season, reflecting the diverse and beautiful ways people around the world embrace the spirit of Christmas. By exploring these customs, we can find new ways to bring warmth, joy, and unity into our own holiday traditions.
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