Christmas traditions are the foundation of the festival of Christmas. Every country around the world celebrates Christmas in its own way with different customs and traditions giving it a regional touch of that country. Christmas traditions include Christmas tree traditions, and also the different Christmas family traditions that are there in ever family.
On this Christmas let’s take a look at the different Christmas traditions from around the world and be a part in the celebrations. As we explore the customs we get in touch with the rich culture and lifestyles of our neighboring countries and feel the real spirit of Christmas that unites the whole world in one common feel.
Belgium Christmas Traditions
The Christmas traditions in Belgium focuses to a great extent on Santa Claus who is popularly known as Saint Nicholas. They believe that he rides a horse and therefore leave him hay and carrots and water for Santa’s horse outside the house on December 6.
Canada Christmas Traditions
Christmas traditions are followed with high spirits in Canada. The Christmas Trees are decorated with different ornaments and stockings are hung on the fireplace with the hope that Santa Claus will fill it with gifts. Cards and gifts are also given among friends and relatives. Children enact pageants and go about singing the Christmas Carols.
China Christmas Traditions
The Christmas celebrations in China have beautiful paper lanterns adorning the homes. These lanterns form an important part of the Christmas tradition in China. Also in China Santa is referred as Dun Che Lao Ren although just like in US children eagerly put up their Christmas stockings in expectation of surprise gifts.
CZECHS Christmas Traditions
The CZECHS give a great feast during Christmas time. A delicious dinner with a wide range of cuisine like appetizers, soups, salads, main course followed by dessert is an absolute must for a Christmas dinner. This elaborate meal is served on the Christmas Eve and there is a special place reserved for the Christ child not matter how large the family is.
Denmark Christmas Traditions
In Denmark Santa Claus is known as Julemanden and he arrives in a sleigh pulled by reindeer loaded with gifts. The elves are popularly known by the name Juul Nisse and believe that these elves live in the attic of their very homes. In place of the usual milk and cookies they leave the elves rice pudding and saucers of milk.
England Christmas Traditions
England is one country from where we have acquired many different traditions of Christmas. The most popular among these is the Christmas tree that was made popular during the rule of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The next popular tradition is the Boxing Day. This day is celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas. On this day small boxes containing food and sweets or even gifts are wrapped in a colorful way and is given to anyone who comes to their house on that day. Also in England, Santa is known as Father Christmas and is depicted wearing long robes with sprigs of holly in his hair. It is from England where the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings begun.
Italy Christmas Traditions
In Italy the tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts doesn’t happen before January 6th as it is believed that it was this day when the Wise Men reached baby Jesus. Here instead of Santa Claus as the bringer of gifts it is La Befana. The setting of nativity scene also started from Italy itself.
Mexico Christmas Traditions
Navidad is the name given to Christmas in Mexico. The Christmas traditions here are of nine days with Las Pasdas. In these nine days people dress up as Mary and Joseph and travel from house to house asking if Mary may stay the night there. For this the answer comes that it is full. After this tradition the door is once more opened and everybody is invited for a grand party. This Christmas tradition goes on for eight days and on the ninth day the question is answered in an affirmative saying Mary can stay and everybody is invited for a dinner after which they go to the Church.
Sweden Christmas Traditions
In Sweden Santa is known by the name Santa Tomte and is seen as a gnome who comes out from the below of the floor of the house and carries a bag full of gifts for the children. Santa’s sleigh is driven by goats. On the Santa Lucia day the oldest daughter wears a wreath having seven candles on her head and serves a grand meal of ham, fish and rice pudding. On Saint Lucia’s day ie December 13 the eldest daughter wakes up with the first light of dawn and dresses in a white robe and places a ring of candles in her hair. It is her duty to awake the rest of the members of the family and serve them breakfast.
