Top 10 Christmas Traditions from Around the World
‘Tis the season, isn’t it?
You already have heard of putting up Christmas trees and decorating them with lights and ornaments. I am sure that you know about kissing under the mistletoe, building gingerbread houses, and having the fat and jolly Santa Claus come to your house in the middle of the night to lay presents under the tree for all the good little boys and girls. But have you ever wondered how other countries celebrate the same holiday? Well, wonder no more! Here is a culmination of some of the best and most interesting Christmas traditions from around the world.
Mexico
Poinsettias originate from Mexico, but New York stores began to sell them at Christmas in 1870. Henceforth, they became known as a universal symbol for the holiday. In Mexico, they also make piñatas out of papier-mâché filled with candy to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Columbia
On Día de las Velitas, or Day of the Little Candles, on December 7, Christmas celebrations commence in Columbia. Everything, and I mean everything, is adorned with candles, lanterns, and other lights. Fireworks, food, and music are all accommodations of the wonderful day, too.
Norway
Norway has a very odd tradition held on Christmas Eve. People used to believe that witches and evil spirits would come out to steal brooms to ride on. As a solution, people hide their brooms to keep them from the seasonal, kleptomaniac witches. But they might be onto something, so make sure to stow away your broom, or else.
Germany
A German type of Santa-like individual is called Nikolaus. He rides a donkey, and on December 6 he gifts coins, chocolate, oranges, and toys into the shoes of righteous children. St. Nicholas visits children as well, but to get their present they must recite a poem, sing a song, or draw a picture. His counterpart Knecht Ruprecht, or Farmhand Rupert, is a devil-like character that has dark clothes with bells and a dirty beard. He punishes children with a stick or small whip if they are naughty.
Iceland
For thirteen nights before Christmas, Icelandic children place one of their shoes on a windowsill. The 13 Yule Lads, who are each distinct, mischievous little Santa Clauses, come one at a time and give kids candy in the night, or a rotten potato if they have misbehaved.
Japan
Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, but there are still some fun ways to celebrate. For example, they get KFC for their Christmas feast. The tradition began in 1974 when the restaurant began using the marketing slogan “Kentucky for Christmas!” Some people order their boxes whole months in advance or wait two hours in line for their crispy chicken. It may not be the traditional turkey or ham, but its still finger-licking good.
Austria
Austria has Krampus, a horned, goat-like creature that is their counterpart for St. Nick. Children make a list of their good and bad deeds. If they are good, candy, apples, and nuts are their reward. If they are bad, Krampus has been known to punish children with birch rods.
New Zealand
It is hot and sunny in New Zealand for Christmas. They have barbeques where families and friends gather for some grilled vegetables or surf and turf. Their holiday tree is the Pohutukawa. This is a species that grows on the coast and has bright-red flowers that bloom in December and gives them some shade while they sing carols. The Pohutukawa can grow up to 82 feet high in a dome shape and is known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree.
Sweden
Yule Goats are a Christmas symbol whose origins trace back to ancient times. In the city of Gävle, a tradition began in 1966 to build a giant straw goat, called the Gävle Goat. It is more than 42 feet tall, 23 feet wide, and weighs a whopping 3.6 tons. It is built in the same spot every year and people can watch a livestream of it being built until it is taken down after the New Year. Often, it is vandalized or burned down illegally (which has happened at least thirty-seven times).
The Philippines
The city of San Fernando is the the “Christmas Capital” of the Philippines. They hold the Giant Lantern Festival every year. Beautiful parols symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and consist of thousands of spinning lights that illuminate the night sky.
These are the top 10 Christmas traditions throughout the world. Feel free to share a fun fact at your own Christmas feast to earn some points with the in laws. Maybe you’ll even take one of these traditions into your own home.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Christopher Davis is Vice President of YVHS’s National Honor Society and a member of the Class of 2022. He is looking forward to finishing a strong senior year.
