Magical Christmas Traditions From Around The World
Christmas is a magical time for everybody. Families have their own Christmas traditions, but the celebrations around the world can be even more imaginative and varied.
There are Christmas differences between the US and the UK — in England, letters to Santa are burned at the fireplace instead of mailing them, and Santa is left brandy and a mince pie instead of cookies and milk.
Considering the differences between two such similar countries, it’s no wonder that there are worldwide traditions that are truly amazing. Some customs come from folklore, and some are part of modern-day traditions, but they are all interesting and festive. Here are some of our favourite Christmas traditions from around the world.
Iceland
Icelandic Christmas celebrations are an interesting mixture between familiar ones we know, and traditional folklore. Christmas is taken seriously, with lights and plenty of good food. However, Icelandic people don’t just have one Santa Claus. Folk stories tell of a pair of ogres who live in the mountains, whose thirteen children come down one at a time for thirteen nights and leave gifts in children’s shoes. These can be sweets, if the children have been good that day, or potatoes if the child has misbehaved. It’s similar to our own Christmas story, but with a magical, Icelandic, twist.
Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from December 12th to January 6th. The nine nights before Christmas, children celebrate the Posadas. Families act out the Christmas story in which Mary and Joseph searched for somewhere to stay. Children are given candles and clay figures of Mary and Joseph. They then visit the houses of friends and neighbours, singing songs, but are told that there is no room for them there. Eventually, one house will allow them in where there is a party. Christmas Eve is the final night, in which a nativity scene is created in the last house. Everybody eats and plays games, before going to Midnight Mass. It’s a great way to honour the Christmas story, while fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
Scandinavia
Scandinavian countries have winter celebrations through December, making the whole month festive. One of the most beautiful festivals is St Lucia’s day, which is especially celebrated in Sweden. The youngest girl of the family is dressed all in white, with a crown of candles and leaves, and families all join together in a procession in which traditional songs are sung and food is passed around. Schools choose their own Lucia, as there is even a national Lucia for public events. She visits charities and hospitals to spread cheer.
Japan
Christmas isn’t seen as a religious holiday in Japan, as there are few Christians. It’s only been celebrated there in the past few decades, so it’s developed into a modern festival. It’s more about spreading happiness, and couples often see it as a romantic night, similar to Valentine’s Day. Some traditions are western, such as exchanging cards or presents, and others are completely unique, such as the Christmas meal. Fried Chicken is one of the most popular Christmas dinners eaten, to the point that they sell a special Christmas meal that must be ordered weeks in advance, and you would need a reservation to eat there on Christmas Day.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. New Years is a bigger event than Christmas Day in much of Eastern Europe, but Ukraine has one of the biggest celebrations. The orthodox festival Malanka can be found in many areas of Eastern Europe, but it’s at its best in the Ukraine. It’s celebrated with enormous costumes made of straw and flowers, others dressed as animals and a parade that goes from house to house playing pranks and acting out plays. Traditionally it was to re-enact the story of Malanka, or Spring, who was taken from her mother by the Devil for the winter. Ukrainians dress up to welcome her, whilst others play the devil to tell the story. It’s all about celebrating nature and fun.
