It's almost Christmas, and according to some people, it's "the most wonderful time of

the year."

But, why is that? Because we cover our trees with spider webs and go to church in
roller blades? Or, maybe because we eat caterpillars and KFC? Wait, no? Well, that's
what tradition calls for in some countries.

Here are Christmas celebrations that can't be found in the US:

THE CZECH REPUBLIC

You know how people hate being single on the holidays? Well, single Czech women
are no different. On Christmas Eve, it's tradition for Czech women to put their backs to
the house door and throw a shoe over their shoulders.

If the shoe lands with the heel towards the door, then she might as well cancel her
Tinder account and buy up some more cats. But, if the front of the shoe points to the
door, then she kisses her parents goodbye and gets to planning a wedding that
will trump Kim K's!

NORWAY

Brooms and similar cleaning items are all hidden away, and men fire their guns into the
night on Christmas Eve in Norway. According to ancient belief, this is primetime for
witches and evil spirits to emerge.

Here you thought "The Nightmare Before Christmas" was just a figment of Tim Burton's
imagination.

AUSTRALIA

Christmas in Aussie land falls in the summer time. So, it makes sense that they have
BBQs and -- wait for it --- motherf*cking kangaroos in their Christmas traditions.

Yup, Santa swaps his reindeer for "six white boomers" or kangaroos or even rides over
on a surfboard. Nice one, mate!

ARMENIA

Some Armenians choose to fast the week before Christmas. Then, they break their fast
with a light Christmas Eve meal called "khetum," which includes rice, fish, chickpeas,
yogurt soup, dried nuts and grape jelly desserts.

So, if you want to avoid weight gain this holiday season, maybe consider heading
to Armenia.

SOUTH AFRICA

Why have eggnog and pumpkin pie when you can celebrate Christmas by eating
plump, fuzzy caterpillars, aka Emperor Moths? Don't worry, they're fried in oil, so you
know it's good... right?
UKRAINE

The Ukrainians use fake spider webs to cover their trees.

Why? According to legend, a poor widower had no money to decorate the family's tree.
Some friendly spiders were grief-stricken when they saw the widow and her crying
children, so at night, when everyone was asleep, they decorated the tree with silver and
gold.

After that, the poor family became prosperous, lucky and never had a financial woe,
ever again. Thus, a spider web-covered tree signifies prosperity and wealth for the next
year.

This Christmas, I'm covering my tree, my house, my dogs and my brother in

Halloween's fake spider webs!

VENEZUELA

On Christmas Eve, Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, closes down its streets so
everyone and anyone can make their way to church. In roller blades. 'Nuff said.

SPAIN

You'd think pooping and farting humor stops after the age of 6, but not in the Spanish
region of Catalonia.

The humor lives on in the form of a character called Caga Tio, which means pooping
log. Basically, Spanish children will feed the log in hopes that it'll grow bigger.

Meanwhile, parents will swap the log for bigger logs, and on Christmas Day, the family
gathers round to sing it songs to help it defecate ... presents!

INDIA

The amount of Christians in India amounts to only 2.3 percent of its population. But,
wait, India is one of the most populous countries in the world, meaning that translates
to 25 million people who celebrate Christmas.

Due to lack of fir and pine trees in the region, Indians use banana or mango trees as a
substitute.

PHILIPPINES

You won't find stockings hanging on chimneys in the Philippines. Rather, kids will polish
their shoes and leave them by the window sills, so when the Three Kings walk by at
night, they'll leave presents.

IRELAND

Rather than milk and cookies for Santa, it's all about Christmas pudding made with
Guinness or Irish Whiskey. This tradition also carries over to the UK.
Thanks to the high alcohol content, it can lasts for months on end, even to next
Christmas. And, getting a good buzz from sweets never killed anybody. I don't think...

JAPAN

Maybe you thought Pikachu came to homes in Japan to drop off some sushi and saki
bombs for a festive meal. Wrong!

Thanks (or no thanks) to a successful campaign run in the 70s, many Japanese people
go to the one and only Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) to get their grub on.

Because what's better than a turkey or roast? Fried chicken, that's what!

CANADA

There is an actual postal code used in Canada to send letters to the North Pole: H0H
0H0. Unfortunately, since there is no centralized address, thousand of volunteers help
out the Canada Post to respond to the letters received, even in Braille.
#FaithInHumanityRestored

Please Note: These are general tales for the countries' traditions and not every
citizen necessarily country participates.

Nevertheless, whether you indulge the above or not, everyone has traditions, and it's
always fun to share in the festivities of the holiday season.

Christmas Traditions Around The World: How 5 Different Countries

Celebrate Christmas
Posted December 29, 2017 in Tips and General Interest.

Often hailed “the most wonderful time of the year,” Christmas is a season of unity. This doesn’t
just extend to family; Christmas is one of those rare occasions which truly unites people world-
wide.
Universally recognised, it is an event which language, and international borders, bringing people
together through Christmas games, presents, food, and traditions. What is fascinating is the
different ways in which we see Christmas around the world.

1. England

English Christmas traditions in England begin early in December, and are preceded by the very
English complaining that the holiday starts earlier every year.

Advent calendars and candles count down the days to Christmas Eve, trees are dressed and
houses decorated, and on the 24th, Father Christmas visits down chimneys to leave presents for
children on the ‘Good’ list.

Children will leave out snacks for him and his reindeer – traditionally a mince pie and biscuit,
washed down with beer and whisky. Church plays an important role, with Midnight Mass on
Christmas Eve, and a service on Christmas morning.

Dinner is the next priority, with turkey traditionally the centrepiece, next to the equally important
roast potatoes, veg, gravy, stuffing and, most importantly, Yorkshire puddings. This is usually
followed by the Queens Speech at 3pm, along with games, fun, and usually some snoozing!

2. Malta

As Malta has a large Catholic population, the tradition of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is
popular.

Churches will be filled with lights and nativity cribs (or Presepiu), and decorated with important
figures.
Christmas night will be celebrated by placing a figure of Jesus on the main altar, to act as a central
focus for the event, and this tradition continues with three Magi figures being placed in the crib at
Epiphany.

Many enjoy the run up to Christmas by visiting local Presepiu, and carol singers can be found
everywhere.

The Maltese will also enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch, famous for the sheer amount of food!
Consisting of the largest capon, which has been roasted at the local bakery with vegetables and
potatoes, followed by the Treacle Ring and washed down with a delicious hot Chestnut and
Chocolate beverage, the dinner is a wonderful time to spend with family and indulge!

3. France

The French have their own unique Christmas traditions; the main Christmas meal, Réveillon, is
eaten on Christmas Eve, following the midnight Church service, and usually includes turkey
stuffed with chestnuts, goose, oysters and foie grad.This is also when families will exchange gifts,
though they may also be given on December 6th, the feast of St Nicholas, or January 6th for those
who can wait that long; the Feast of the Kings, meaning that French Christmas’s keep the magic
alive for a while!

Leading up to Christmas, children will write letters to Pére Noel, and it has been French law since
1962 that all letters must receive a postcard in reply!
In return, they will leave shoes by the fire, in the hope that he will fill them with presents and
sweets, in a contrast to the stockings found elsewhere.

Cribs and crèches are also part of the Christmas build up, and comprise not only of biblical figures,
but bakers, merchants and other random characters!

4. Spain

Spanish Christmas traditions are focused closely on religion, with most people attending ‘La Mis
Del Gallo,’ – The Mass of the Rooster.

This is based on a belief that a rooster crowed on the night of Jesus’s birth! On Christmas Eve,
families will sit down to ‘Pavo Trufado de Navidad,’ a traditional Christmas dinner consisting of
turkey stuffed with mushroom truffles.

The celebrations continue as people celebrate in the streets with guitars, drums and singing. A
favourite phrase on this evening is ‘Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no Es noche de dormir’ –
“Tonight is a good night and it is not for sleeping!”
Following Christmas, the Christmas Story occurs on Epiphany (January 6th), which celebrates the
Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus.

This is the day on which stockings and shoes are left out, presents are exchanged, and a
traditional ‘Christmas Day’ is celebrated, with more good food, fun, and coal for naughty children!

Christmas traditions
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 Christmas tree

Map of countries where Christmas is a formal public holiday either on December 24/25 or January 6/7. Color shading
indicates "Days of rest".

Christmas traditions vary from country to country. Christmas celebrations for many nations include the
installing and lighting of Christmas trees, the hanging of Advent wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes,
setting out cookies and milk, and the creation of Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas
carols may be sung and stories told about such figures as the Baby Jesus, St Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father
Christmas, Christkind or Grandfather Frost. The sending and exchange of Christmas card greetings, observance
of fasting and special religious observances such as a midnight Mass or Vespers on Christmas Eve, the burning
of a Yule log, and the giving and receiving of presents. Along with Easter, Christmas is one of the most important
periods on the Christian calendar, and is often closely connected to other holidays at this time of year, such
as Advent, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St Nicholas Day, St. Stephen's Day, New Year's, and
the Feast of the Epiphany.[1]

Contents

 1Geographical variation
o 1.1Africa
 1.1.1Ethiopia and Eritrea
 1.1.2Nigeria
 1.1.3South Africa
o 1.2Asia
 1.2.1East Asia
 1.2.1.1China
 1.2.1.1.1Hong Kong
 1.2.1.1.2Macau
 1.2.1.2Japan
 1.2.1.3South Korea
 1.2.2South Asia
  1.2.2.1India
 1.2.2.2Pakistan
 1.2.3Southeast Asia
 1.2.3.1Brunei
 1.2.3.2Indonesia
 1.2.3.3Malaysia
 1.2.3.4Philippines
 1.2.3.5Singapore
 1.2.3.6Vietnam
 1.2.4Southwest Asia – Eastern Mediterranean
 1.2.4.1Armenia
 1.2.4.2Assyrians
 1.2.4.3Lebanon
o 1.3The Americas
 1.3.1North America
 1.3.1.1Canada
 1.3.1.2Mexico
 1.3.1.3United States
 1.3.2Central America
 1.3.2.1El Salvador
 1.3.2.2Guatemala
 1.3.3South America
 1.3.3.1Brazil
 1.3.3.2Colombia
 1.3.3.3Venezuela
 1.3.4Caribbean
 1.3.4.1Bahamas
 1.3.4.2Cuba
 1.3.4.3Jamaica
o 1.4Europe
 1.4.1Central Europe
 1.4.1.1Austria and Germany
 1.4.1.1.1Austria
 1.4.1.1.2Germany
 1.4.1.2Czech Republic and Slovakia
 1.4.1.3Hungary
 1.4.1.4Poland
 1.4.1.5Romania and Moldova
 1.4.2Eastern Europe
 1.4.2.1Georgia
 1.4.2.2Russia
 1.4.2.3Ukraine
 1.4.3Northern Europe
 1.4.3.1Denmark
 1.4.3.2Estonia
 1.4.3.3Finland
 1.4.3.4Iceland
 1.4.3.5Norway
 1.4.3.6Sweden
 1.4.4Southern Europe
 1.4.4.1Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia
 1.4.4.2Bulgaria
 1.4.4.3Greece and Cyprus
 1.4.4.4Italy
 1.4.4.5Malta
 1.4.4.6Portugal
 1.4.4.7Serbia and Montenegro
 1.4.4.8Spain
 1.4.5Western Europe
 1.4.5.1France
  1.4.5.2United Kingdom
 1.4.5.2.1Wales
 1.4.5.2.2Scotland
 1.4.5.3Ireland
 1.4.5.4Netherlands and Flanders
o 1.5Oceania
 1.5.1Australia
 1.5.2New Zealand
 2References
 3Further reading
 4External links

Geographical variation
Africa
Further information: Christianity in Africa

Ethiopia and Eritrea

Christmas Day is a public holiday in Eritrea that is celebrated on January 7 or on 27 Tahsas of the Ethiopian
calendar. Christmas is called Ledet (ልደት) in Eritrea or Gena (ገና) in Ethiopia.[2] Many people who are Christian in
the two countries fast for 40 days (it is called fast of the prophets). They then head to church at dawn on
Christmas morning. On Christmas Day, there will be colorful musical celebrations which involve the priests
dressed in their best robes performing rituals, including dancing and playing drums and other instruments. Early
in the morning at dawn, everyone dresses in white and head to the nearby church. Late in the afternoon there
will be the traditional game of Gena, a kind of hockey. According to an Ethiopian legend, the game was being
played by the shepherds who were tending their flocks on the night that Jesus was born. The game is attended
by the leader of the community. A prize is awarded to the winner of the Gena game. Most Ethiopians don a
traditional Shamma, a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly colored stripes across the ends.The holiday is
followed up by the three-day festival Timkat starting on January 19 and celebrating the baptism of Jesus
Christ.[3][4]
Nigeria
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Nigeria which is always marked by the emptying of towns and cities as
Nigerians that have been successful returning to their ancestral villages to be with family and to bless those less
fortunate.[5][6] As the towns and cities empty, people jam the West African markets to buy and transport live
chickens, goats and cows that will be needed for the Christmas meals.[7]
On Christmas Eve, traditional meals are prepared according to the traditions of each region. Nigerians as a
whole tend to prepare various meats in large quantities.[7]In the south, a dish called Jollof rice is served with
stews of various meats along with boiled beans and fried plantains; in the north, Rice and Stew as well
as Tuwon Shinkafa, a rice pudding served with various meat stews, is preferred. In the North several local
desserts are also made which is hardly ever found in other parts of Nigeria.[7] An alternative in both regions (but
more favored in the south) is a pepper soup with fish, goat, or beef which may also be served
with Fufu (pounded yam).[7] Served with this food are an array of mainly alcoholic drinks such as the
traditional palm wine or various local and imported beers and wines; children and women may be served locally-
made soft-drink equivalents instead.[7]
Gift giving in Nigeria often involves money and the flow of gifts from the more fortunate to the less
fortunate.[8] After the "successful" visitors have come from their towns, cities, and even overseas, they are given
time to settle in. Afterwards, local relatives begin approaching them asking for assistance of some kind, whether
financial or not.[8] Financial donations and elaborately wrapped gifts may be given out at lavish parties, weddings,
and ceremonies; sometimes the money is scattered in the air to be grabbed by the others or stuck onto the
sweaty foreheads of those dancing.[8]
Religion in Nigeria is about equally divided between Christians and Muslims. There are occasional outbreaks of
religious conflict. The Islamic sect Boko Haram has attacked Christian churches with bombings on Christmas
2011.
South Africa
Christmas in South Africa is a public holiday celebrated on December 25.[9] Many European traditions are
maintained despite the distance from Europe.[10]
Christmas trees are set up in homes and the children are given presents in their stockings.[11] Traditional 'fir'
Christmas trees are popular and children leave a stocking or milk and cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas
Eve. The gift bearer is Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Towns and cities have Carols by Candlelight in the
beginning of the festive season where groups of people come together to sing Christmas carols and donate toys
and clothing to needy children.
The Christmas meal is mince pies, turkey, gammon, beef tongue, turducken, corned beef, green salad,roast
beef or a barbecue outdoors. The meal is finished with Christmas Pudding, Ice cream or trifle. Christmas
crackers are used to make noise.[11]
Despite Christmas occurring at the height of the Southern Hemisphere summer, wintry motifs common to the
Northern Hemisphere are popular.
Asia
East Asia
China

Christmas 2012 in China

In China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. However, it is still designated as a public holiday in China's special
administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, both former colonies of Western powers with nominal Christian
cultural heritage.
In the mainland, the small percentage of Chinese citizens who consider themselves Christians unofficially, and
usually privately, observe Christmas.[12] Many other individuals celebrate Christmas-like festivities even though
they do not consider themselves Christians. Many customs, including sending cards, exchanging gifts, and
hanging stockings are very similar to Western celebrations.[12] Commercial Christmas decorations, signs, and
other symbolic items have become increasingly prevalent during the month of December in large urban centres
of mainland China, reflecting a cultural interest in this Western phenomenon, and, sometimes, retail marketing
campaigns as well.[13]
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, where Christmas is a public holiday,[14] many buildings facing Victoria Harbour will be decorated
with Christmas lights. Christmas trees are found in major malls and other public buildings,[15] and in some homes
as well, despite the small living area. Catholics in Hong Kong can attend Christmas Mass.[16]
Macau
Christmas is a public holiday in Macau. Its traditions are mostly influenced by the Portuguese since the territory
was a colony of Portugal until December 20, 1999. Casinos in Macau remain open on Christmas Day. Christmas
masses in Macau's Catholic churches are held in either Chinese or Portuguese.
Japan
Santa Claus in Kobe, Japan

Encouraged by commerce, the secular celebration of Christmas is popular in Japan, though Christmas is not a
national holiday. Gifts are sometimes exchanged.[17] Christmas parties are held around Christmas Day;
Japanese Christmas cake, a white sponge cake covered with cream and decorated with strawberries, is often
consumed and Stollen cake, either imported or made locally, is widely available. Christmas lights decorate cities,
and Christmas trees adorn living areas and malls.[17] Christmas Eve has become a holiday for couples to spend
time together[17] and exchange gifts. A successful advertising campaign in the 1970s made eating at KFC around
Christmas a national custom. Its chicken meals are so popular during the season that stores take reservations
months in advance.[18]

Christmas lights in Tokyo

The first recorded Christmas in Japan was a Mass held by Jesuit Missionaries in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1552.
Some believe that unrecorded celebrations were held before this date, starting in 1549 when Saint Francis
Xavier arrived in Japan. Christianity was banned throughout Japan in 1612. However, a small enclave of Kakure
Kirishitan ("hidden Christians") continued to practice underground over the next 250 years.
Christianity in Japan along with Christmas reemerged in the Meiji period. Influenced by America, Christmas
parties were held and presents were exchanged. The practice slowly spread, but its proximity to the New Year's
celebrations makes it a smaller focus of attention. During World War II, all celebrations, especially American,
were suppressed. From the 1960s, with an expanding economy, and influenced by American TV, Christmas
became popular. Many songs and TV series present Christmas as romantic, for example "Last Christmas"
by Exile. The birthday of the current emperor, Akihito, on December 23 is a national holiday. Businesses soon
close for the New Year's holidays, reopening after January 3.
South Korea
Christmas is a public holiday in South Korea.
As Christmas is totally banned in North Korea, South Koreans living near the DMZ are not allowed to put an
outdoor Christmas tree or decorations.
South Asia
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India
Christmas decorations for sale

Being a British colony until 1947, many British traditions stayed on in India.[19] Christmas is a state holiday in
India, although Christianity in India is a minority with only 2.3% (of 1.237 Billion)[20] of the population. Most of the
Christians, especially Catholics in India attend the midnight mass.[21] Many Christian houses in India decorate
Christmas cribs, hang brightly lit stars outside their houses and distribute sweets and cakes to their neighbors. In
many of the schools that are run by the Christian missionaries, the children actively participate in Christmas
programs. Also in many non-religious schools, there is tradition of Christmas celebration. Christmas is also
increasingly celebrated by other religions in India.[22] Christmas is known as "Badaa Din" (Big Day) in North and
North-West India and people plant trees on this day.[23][24][25]
Pakistan

Christmas Tree at Pakistan Monument Night view

Christianity in Pakistan constitutes the second largest religious minority community in Pakistan after Hindus. The
total number of Christians is approximately 2,800,000 in 2008, or 1.6% of the population. Of these,
approximately half are Roman Catholic and half Protestant. Christians celebrate Christmas by going from house
to house singing carols, and in return the family offers something to the choir.[26] Mostly the money collected from
such carols is used for charity works or is given to the church. Their homes are decorated with local Christmas
handicrafts while artificial stars signifying the Star of Bethlehem are hung on rooftops. Christmas celebrations
are also popular with the urban middle class in the country with hotels, cafes, restaurants and theme parks
hosting festivities and special events.[26]
Southeast Asia
Brunei
As of December 22, 2015, Christmas is completely banned in Brunei[27] (but for its expatriate and local Christian
community, it is still celebrated as usual privately amongst themselves), which includes putting up Christmas
trees, singing Christmas carols, Nativity plays, festive greeting, and even dressing as Santa Claus. About 20
percent of the population are non-Muslims and anyone caught will face up to five years in jail. Before the Sharia
law was passed in 2014, non-Muslim expats were free to celebrate Christmas in Brunei.
Indonesia
Main article: Christmas in Indonesia
Christmas Tree in Senayan City, Jakarta, Indonesia

The Christmas in Indonesia (locally known as Natal, from the Portuguese word for Christmas), is one of
many public holidays in Indonesia which approximately 16.5 million Protestants and 6.9 million Roman
Catholics,[28] celebrated with various traditions throughout the country. In the provinces with majority or
significantly of Christian (Protestants and Catholics) such as North Sumatra, Jakarta, West Kalimantan, Central
Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku,
the whole Papua Island, and cities like Surabaya, Tangerang, Batam, Bandung, etc., the Christmas season is
filled with ceremonies, festival, and local foods.[29] In big cities, many shopping centres, offices, some roads, and
other commercial places are mostly decorated with Christmas stuff such as plastic Christmas
trees and Sinterklas (derived from the Dutch word Sinterklaas) and its reindeers. Most local television channels
will broadcast Christmas musical concerts and annual national Christmas celebrations like concerts and
Christmas shows which are held by the government. Like other countries, on Christmas Eve, people will go to
church for Misa and will go to church again the next morning, and exchanging gifts is a usual tradition
for Christians in Indonesia. In addition to traditional foods, generally every Christmas Day is filled with cookies,
like nastar (pineapple tart), kastengel (from Dutch word kasteengel), or 'putri salju'.[30]
Malaysia
Main article: Christianity in Malaysia

Colourful Christmas greetings in Malaysia

Although Christmas is a public holiday in Malaysia, much of the public celebration is commercial in nature and
has no overt religious overtones. Occasionally, Christian activist groups do buy newspaper advertorials on
Christmas or Easter but this is largely only allowed in English newspapers and permission is not given every
year. The advertorials themselves are usually indirect statements. There has been controversy over whether or
not the national government has exerted pressure on Malaysian Christians not to use Christian religious symbols
and hymns that specifically mention Jesus Christ.[31]
Philippines
Main article: Christmas in the Philippines
Parols are an iconic display in the Philippines during its long Christmas season

Christmas in the Philippines,[32] one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East
Timor), is one of the biggest holidays on the calendar and is widely celebrated. The country has earned the
distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as
September 1 when the "Ber Months" season kicks off traditionally. The season is officially ushered in by the
nine-day dawn Masses that start on December 16. Known as the Misas de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses) or Misa de
Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish, these Masses are more popularly known in Tagalog as
the Simbang Gabi, and are held in Catholic parishes and chapels nationwide. Usually, aside from the
already legal holidays which are Rizal Day (December 30) and New Year's Eve (December 31), other days in
close proximity such as Christmas Eve (December 24), Niños Inocentes (December 28), and the Epiphany
(traditionally, January 6 but now on the first Sunday of January) are also declared non-working days.[33]
As in many East Asian countries, secular Christmas displays are common both in business establishments and
in public, including lights, Christmas trees, depictions of Santa Claus despite the tropical climate, and Christmas
greetings in various foreign languages and various Philippine languages. Occasionally such displays are left in
place even in summer for example the parol representing the "Star of Bethlehem" which led the Three Kings to
the newborn Baby Jesus.[33]

The University of Santo Tomasmain building illuminating the nights of December 2007

For Filipinos, Christmas Eve (Tagalog: Bisperas ng Pasko; Spanish: Víspera del Día de Navidad) on December
24 is celebrated with the Midnight Mass, and immediately after, the much-anticipated Noche Buena – the
traditional Christmas Eve feast. Family members dine together around 12 midnight on
traditional Nochebuena fare, which may include: queso de bola(English: "ball of cheese"; this is actually edam
cheese), tsokolate (a hot chocolate drink), and jamón (Christmas ham), lechón, roast chicken or turkey,
pasta, relleno (stuffed bangus or chicken), pan de sal, and various desserts including cakes and the ubiquitous
fruit salad. Some would also open presents at this time.
On December 31, New Year's Eve (Tagalog: Bisperas ng Bagong Taon; Spanish: Víspera del Año Nuevo),
Filipino families gather for the Media Noche or midnight meal – a feast that is also supposed to symbolize their
hopes for a prosperous New Year. In spite of the campaign against firecrackers, many Filipinos still see these as
the traditional means to greet the New Year. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are also supposed to
drive away bad spirits. Safer methods of merrymaking include banging on pots and pans and blowing on car
horns. Folk beliefs also include encouraging children to jump at the stroke of midnight in the belief that they will
grow up tall, displaying circular fruit and wearing clothes with dots and other circular designs to symbolize
money, eating twelve grapes at 12 midnight for good luck in the twelve months of the year, and opening
windows and doors during the first day of the New Year to let in good luck.
Christmas officially ends on the Feast of the Three Kings (Tres Reyes in Spanish or Tatlong Hari in Tagalog),
also known as the Feast of the Epiphany (Spanish: Fiesta de Epifanía). The Feast of the Three Kings was
traditionally commemorated on January 6 but is now celebrated on the first Sunday after the New Year. Some
children leave their shoes out, in the belief that the Three Kings will leave gifts like candy or money inside. But
the celebrations do not end there, since 2011, as mandated by the Catholic Church, they are on the second
Sunday of January in honor of the Lord Jesus's baptism in the Jordan (the Solemnity of the Lord's Baptism or in
Spanish Solemnidad de Bautismo del Señor). The final salvo of these celebrations is marked by the feast of
the Black Nazarene every January 9 in Manila and Cagayan de Oro, but can also, due to the celebrations in
honor of the Santo Niño in the third and fourth Sundays of January in some places, can even extend till the final
weeks of that month.[33]
Singapore

Christmas in Singapore

Christmas is a public holiday in Singapore that is widely celebrated.[34] The Christmas season is also a popular
period for shopping centres and businesses to conduct year-end sales, and will offer discounts and promotions
that tie in with the festivities. The famous Singaporean shopping belt Orchard Road, as well as the Marina
Bay area will feature lights and other decorations from early November till early January (the 2014 part is
November 14, 2014 all the way until January 5, 2015). The Christmas light-up and decorated shopping malls
along Orchard Road often attract numerous visitors, locals and tourists alike. Other than the light-up, other
activities such as caroling, concerts and parades can also be experienced in Orchard Road. In addition,
companies in Singapore usually arrange gift exchange programs on the last working day before Christmas.
Vietnam
Christmas is not a national holiday but is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam.[35] The ever-wealthier
Vietnamese are embracing Christmas precisely because of its non-religious glamor and commercial
appeal.[35] Locals also are more exposed to Western culture, though their style of celebrating Christmas might
seem unrecognizable to some Westerners. Vietnamese may be more accepting of corporate influence because
for many, Christmas was never based on personal values to begin with.[35] It's not a time to have dinner at home
with family and show thanks for one another. Instead, it's a time to go out on the town, shop, and take pictures
with friends in front of colorful displays, especially on December 24.[35]
Southwest Asia – Eastern Mediterranean
Armenia
Armenians usually celebrate Christmas on January 6. The reason for this unusual date emerges from ancient
history. "In the fourth century Roman Catholic Church, officials established the date of Christmas as December
25th." [36] Before that time, Armenians celebrated Christmas (surb tsnunt, Սուրբ Ծնունդ, meaning "Holy Birth")
on January 6[37] as a public holiday in Armenia. It also coincides with the Epiphany. The Armenians denied the
new Roman mandate regarding Christmas, and continued to celebrate both the Nativity and Jesus’ baptism on
January 6. When the Gregorian calendar was implemented in 1582, the Armenians rejected the reformed
calendar and remained following the Julian Calendar. But today, only Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem still
uses the Julian Calendar. Since the Julian calendar is thirteen days ahead of the Gregorian Calendar, when the
Armenians of Jerusalem celebrate Christmas on January 6 according to the Julian calendar the Gregorian
calendar counts the day as January 19.[36]
Traditionally, Armenians fast during the week leading up to Christmas avoiding all meat, eggs, and dairy
products.[36] Devout Armenians may even refrain from food for the three days leading up to the Christmas Eve, in
order to receive the Eucharist on a "pure" stomach. Christmas Eve is particularly rich in traditions. Families
gather for the Christmas Eve dinner (khetum, Խթում), which generally consists of: rice, fish, nevik (նուիկ, a
vegetable dish of green chard and chick peas), and yogurt/wheat soup (tanabur, թանապուր). Dessert includes
dried fruits and nuts, including rojik, which consists of whole shelled walnuts threaded on a string and encased in
grape jelly, bastukh (a paper-like confection of grape jelly, cornstarch, and flour), etc. This lighter menu is
designed to ease the stomach off the week-long fast and prepare it for the rather more substantial Christmas
Day dinner. Children take presents of fruits, nuts, and other candies to older relatives.[38] "On the eve of the Feast
of the Nativity and Theophany of The Lord Jesus Christ, the Jrakalouyts Divine Liturgy (the lighting of the lamps
service) is celebrated in honor of the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God (theophany)" [39] In addition to the
Christmas tree (tonatsar, Տօնածառ), Armenians (particularly in the Middle East) also erect the Nativity scene.
Christmas in the Armenian tradition is a purely religious affair. Santa Claus does not visit the nice Armenian
children on Christmas, but rather on New Year's Eve. The idea of Santa Claus existed before the Soviet Union
and he was named kaghand papik (Կաղանդ Պապիկ), but the Soviet Union had a great impact even on Santa
Claus. Now he goes by the more secular name of Grandfather Winter (dzmerr papik, Ձմեռ Պապիկ).
Assyrians

Traditional ceremony during an Assyrian Christmas celebration in Alqosh, northern Iraq

The Assyrians, the indigenous people of northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, and southeastern
Turkey that belong to the Assyrian Church of the East, Ancient Church of the East, Syriac Orthodox Church,
and Chaldean Catholic Church today celebrate Christmas on December 25. Assyrians colloquially call
Christmas Eda Zora, meaning "little holiday." It is officially called Eda d'Yalde which means "birthday holiday."
Traditionally, Assyrians fast (sawma) from December 1 until Christmas Day. In Iraq, for instance, on Christmas
Eve, Assyrian families congregate outside of their house and hold lighted candles while a child reads aloud the
nativity story. Then they all sing psalms over a bonfire made of thorn bushes. Folklore says that if the thorns
burn to ashes, the family will have good luck. After the fire has been reduced to ashes, the family members will
jump three times over the ashes and make a wish.[40] The next day, on Christmas, "as another bonfire burns in
the churchyard, the bishops lead the service while carrying a figure of the baby Jesus. He blesses one person
with a touch. That person touches the next person and the touch passes around until all have felt the touch of
peace."[41] Many Assyrians will attend the Shaharta, or midnight vigil before Christmas. On Christmas Day, when
families gather together after the Shaharta or morning mass, raza d'mowlada d'maran, the fast is broken by
eating traditional Assyrian foods such as pacha/reesh-aqle (meaning "from the head to the tail"), which is a
boiled soup made of sheep or cow intestines, tongue, stomach, legs, and spices or harissa, a porridge made of
ground wheat and chicken (both dishes are prepared usually overnight). These two dishes are only made twice
a year: on Christmas and Easter. Traditional desserts eaten after the main course include Killeche, a date and
walnut-stuffed cookie, and Kadeh, another stuffed pastry. After the feast is finished, Assyrians will visit the
houses of family and friends to exchange Christmas greetings, saying, "Eedokhon breekha," meaning "May your
feast be blessed."[42] There, the host will serve tea, Turkish coffee, and Killeche and Kadeh to guests. Although
Christmas is celebrated in a much more religious fashion, in recent years, families put up a small Christmas tree
in the house.
Lebanon
Christmas is an official holiday in Lebanon. Lebanese celebrate Christmas on December 25, except
for Armenian Lebanese who celebrate Christmas on January 6 which is also an official holiday in Lebanon.
Lebanese families come together and butcher a sheep for a Christmas Eve feast, in honor of the birth of The
Shepherd Jesus Christ. On that night the head of the house passes around a piece of coal representing the sins
before Christ.[43] After the piece of coal has been passed around it is then set on fire.[44] After Dinner, Christian
Lebanese attend midnight mass. Santa Claus is known by the French, Papa Noël. Gifts are either dropped off at
church or Papa Noël makes a personal appearance at the home.[45]
The Americas
North America
Christmas is observed widely on December 25. Governments recognizing the holiday include those of: the
United States, where it is a federal holiday for federal employees and a legal holiday in the respective States;
Canada, where it is a nationwide statutory holiday; Mexico, where it is also a nationwide statutory holiday;
and several others.
Canada
Christmas in Ottawa, Canada

In the Canadian provinces where English is the predominant language, Christmas traditions are largely similar to
those of the United States, with some lingering influences from the United Kingdom and newer traditions brought
by immigrants from other European countries. Mince pies, plum pudding, and Christmas cake are traditionally
served as Christmas dinner desserts, following the traditional meal of roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and winter
vegetables. Christmas table crackers are not uncommon and, in some parts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia,
Christmas traditions include mummers.[46][47]
North American influences on Christmas are evident in the hanging of stockings on Christmas Eve, to be filled
by Santa Claus. However, Canadian children believe that the home of Santa Claus is located at the North Pole,
in Canada,[48] and, through Canada Post, address thousands of letters to Santa Claus each year, using
the postal code designation H0H 0H0.[49] Decorated Christmas trees, either fresh cut or artificial, were introduced
to Canada in 1781, originally by German soldiers stationed in Quebec during the American Revolution, and are
now common in private homes and commercial spaces throughout most of Canada.
As Canada is a cold, dark country in winter, lights are often put up in public places and on commercial and
residential buildings in November and December. Many communities have celebrations that include light events,
such as the Cavalcade of Lights Festival in Toronto,[50] the Montreal Christmas Fireworks, or the Bright Nights
in Stanley Park, Vancouver.[51] A national program, Christmas Lights Across Canada, illuminates Ottawa, the
national capital, and the 13 provincial and territorial capitals.[52]
In the province of Quebec, Christmas traditions include réveillon, Père Noël ("Father Christmas"), and the bûche
de Noël (Yule log), among many others.[53] A traditional dish for the réveillon is tourtière, a savoury meat pie, and
gifts are opened during réveillon, often following Midnight Mass.

Boxing Day at the Toronto Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto, Canada

The Royal Christmas Message from the Canadian monarch is televised nationwide in Canada, the occasion
being an observance which unites Canadians with citizens of the other Commonwealth countries worldwide. The
observation of Boxing Day on the day following Christmas Day is a tradition practiced in Canada, as it is in many
other Anglophone countries, although not in the United States. In Canada, Boxing Day is a day (or the beginning
of a few days) of deeply discounted sale prices at retail stores which attract large numbers of shoppers in search
of bargains.
Mexico
See also: Christmas in Mexico

Christmas is a statutory holiday in Mexico and workers can have the day off with pay. Mexico's Christmas is
filled with over 30 traditions found only within Mexican Christmas. Over nine days, groups of townspeople go
from door to door in a fashion of when the parents of the unborn baby Jesus Christ looked for shelter to pass the
night when they arrived at Bethlehem, and are periodically called inside homes to participate in the breaking of a
candy-filled piñata.
Mexican Christmas festivities start on December 12, with the feast of La Guadalupana (Virgin of Guadalupe),
and end on January 6, with the Epiphany. Since the 1990s, Mexican society has embraced a new concept
linking several celebrations around Christmas season into what is known as the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon. At
midnight on Christmas, many families place the figure of baby Jesus in their nacimientos (Nativity scenes), as
the symbolic representation of Christmas as a whole. In the center and south of Mexico, children receive gifts on
Christmas Eve and on January 6, they celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, when, according to tradition, the
Three Wise Men (3 Wizard Kings) brought gifts to Bethlehem for Jesus Christ. Santa Claus (or Santa Clos, as
he's known in Mexico[54]) is who brings the children their gifts, but traditionally the Three Wise Men will fill the
children's shoes with candies, oranges, tangerines, nuts, and sugar cane, and sometimes money or gold. For
the Three Wise Men gave Baby Jesus Gold for his future.
United States
Further information: Christmas in the post-war United States

U.S. Army Service members celebrating Christmas Eve while stationed abroad at Victory Base Complex, Iraq, December
24, 2008

Christmas at Rockefeller Center, New York City

Christmas in California

Christmas is a widely celebrated festive holiday in the United States,[55] and Christmas Day is officially
recognized as a federal holiday by the US Government. The Christmas and holiday season begins around the
end of November with a major shopping kickoff on Black Friday, the day after the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving,
though Christmas decorations and music playing in stores sometimes extend into the period
between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Many schools and businesses are closed during the period between
Christmas and the New Year's Day holiday, which is a time commonly used to spend time with family and close
friends, return unwanted gifts at stores, and shop after-Christmas sales. Most decorations are taken down by
New Years or Epiphany. Other observances considered part of the season (and potentially included in non-
denominational holiday greetings like "Happy Holidays") include Hanukkah, Yule, Epiphany, Kwanzaa,
and winter solsticecelebrations.
The interior and exterior of houses are decorated during the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Christmas tree
farms in the United States and Canada provide families with trees for their homes, many opting for artificial ones,
but some for real ones. The Christmas tree usually stands centrally in the home, decorated with ornaments,
tinsel, and lights, with an angel or a star symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem at the top.[55]

Santa Claus hands gifts to children

Christmas Eve is popularly described as "the night before Christmas" in the poem actually titled "A Visit from St.
Nicholas". Better known as Santa Claus, he is said to visit homes while children are sleeping during the night
before Christmas morning. The fireplaces in many homes have been replaced by electric fireplaces, but the yule
log has remained a tradition. Christmas stockingsare hung on the mantelpiece for Santa Claus to fill with little
gifts ("stocking stuffers"). It is tradition throughout the United States for children to leave a glass of milk and plate
of Christmas cookies for Santa Claus nearby.[56]
Presents the family will exchange are wrapped and placed near the tree, including presents to be given to
pets.[57] Friends exchange wrapped presents and tell each other not to open presents before Christmas.
Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings and occasionally guests from out of town are entertained in
the home or else visited. Wrapped presents are most commonly opened on the morning of Christmas Day;
however, some families choose to open all or some of their presents on Christmas Eve, depending on evolving
family traditions, logistics, and the age of the children involved; for example, adults might open their presents on
Christmas Eve and minor children on Christmas morning, or everyone might open their gifts on Christmas
morning. Others follow the tradition of opening family-exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve night, followed by
opening of the presents Santa brought on Christmas morning. Children are normally allowed to play with their
new toys and games afterwards.
The traditional Christmas dinner usually features either roasted turkey with stuffing (sometimes called
dressing), ham, or roast beef. Potatoes, squash, roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce are served along
with tonics and sherries. A variety of sweet pastry and egg nog sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg are served
in the United States. Certain dishes such as casseroles and desserts are prepared with a family recipe (usually
kept a secret[citation needed]). Sometimes, families also partake in a religious tradition, such as the consumption of
a Christmas wafer in Christian families of European ancestry. Fruits, nuts, cheeses and chocolates are enjoyed
as snacks.[58][59][60]
Other traditions include a special church service on the Sunday before Christmas and Midnight Mass on
Christmas Eve. Candlelight services are held earlier in the evening for families with children. A re-enactment of
the Nativity of Jesus called a Nativity play is another tradition.
Christmas-related tourist attractions, such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and elaborate
animated department store Christmas windows in New York City are heavily visited by tourists from all over the
world. Christmas music can be heard in the background. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is one whose annual
carol singing is well-recognized. Christmas symphony orchestra and choral presentation such
as Handel's Messiah and performances of The Nutcracker ballet are attended. Local radio stations may
temporarily switch format to play exclusively Christmas music, some going to an all-Christmas format as early as
mid-October.[61] A few television stations broadcast a Yule Log without interruption for several hours. News
broadcasts and talk shows feature Christmas-themed segments, emphasizing fellowship and goodwill among
neighbors. Of particular note is the observance of Christmas for military families of soldiers and sailors serving
abroad, on both sides of the Canada–U.S. border. The Los Angeles Lakers have made it a tradition, since they
relocated from Minneapolis prior to the 1960-61 NBA season, to have a home game on Christmas. As of 2015,
the NBA now schedules five games on Christmas, usually including classic rivalry games as well as a rematch of
the previous season's NBA Finals.[62]
Central America
El Salvador
Christmas for El Salvador still carries a strong meaning that brings families together. Despite the business on the
streets and the red, green and white colors flooding the environment, Salvadoran people try to honor what they
consider to be the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus. In El Salvador children celebrate Christmas by
playing with firecrackers, fountains, such as the small volcancitos ("little volcanos") and
sparklers, estrellitas ("little stars"). Teenagers and young adults display bigger fireworks or Roman Candles.
Families also have parties in which they dance and eat. Santa Claus is known for appearing in TV and print ads,
but people ask children if they already wrote a letter to little baby Jesus. Traditional Salvadoran Christmas
dishes are sauteed turkey sandwiches in a baguette with lettuce and radishes, Salvadoran Tamales, and sweet
bread for dessert. Drinks include hot chocolate, pineapple juice, Salvadoran horchata, Cherry Salvadoran
horchata, and coffee. At 12:00 a.m. on December 25 everyone gathers around the Christmas tree and opens
their presents.[citation needed]
Guatemala
On Christmas in Guatemala, people dress up in an ornamental hat, called a Puritina, and dance in a line. As with
much of the country's culture, the celebration includes Spanish and Mayan elements.[63]
South America
Brazil

São Paulo's Christmas Tree and water fountains at Ibirapuera Park

Christmas Day on December 25 is a national holiday in Brazil. But because Brazil lies in the Southern
Hemisphere, Brazilians celebrate Christmas in the summer. In the small cities in the entire country, as well as in
the largest cities, like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Brasília,
Manaus, Belém, Natal and Belo Horizonte, the celebrations resemble in many ways the traditions in Europe and
North America, with the Christmas tree, the exchanging of gifts and Christmas cards, the decoration of houses
and buildings with electric lights and the nativity scene. Despite the warm tropical summer weather, some
incongruences such as decorations with themes of winter and snow are not uncommon. In some cities
like Guarapuava, there are decoration contests, when judges go to houses to look at the decorations, inside or
outside of the house, and decide the most beautiful house. Christmas Eve is the most important day. Unlike in
the North American and Anglo-Saxon tradition, Christmas takes action mainly near midnight, usually with big
family dinners, opening of gifts and the celebration of the "Missa do Galo" (the rooster's mass) in churches
throughout the nation.
Many Brazilians decorate their homes with a Christmas Tree, there is no rule, the parents can decorate it by
themselves as a surprise to the kids, or they can do it together. In addition to the Christmas tree, many families
set up a Nativity scene as the main decoration. Nativity scenes are very popular in Brazil, and can be seen
everywhere including churches and popular places around the town. Like many other countries, Christmas
dinner in Brazil is normally served late in the evening on Christmas Eve around 10 or 11 p.m. The meal often
includes farofa stuffing, assortments of fruit, fried cod, and roast turkey with a dessert called "rabanada". Along
with their meals, Brazilians typically drink champagne, wine, and fruit punch. Typically after they eat, many
Brazilians attend a Midnight Mass service or watch the Pope's television broadcast celebration of "Midnight
Mass in Rome" with family and friends.[36][64]
Colombia

Medellín River during the Lighting of Medellin

Christmas is a public holiday in Colombia and is primarily a religious celebration. Presents are brought by El
Niño Jesus / Niño Dios (Baby Jesus).
While Christmas decorations may be put up as early as the beginning of November, the unofficial start of
Colombian Christmas festivities takes place on December 7, Día de las Velitas, or "Day of the Candles." At
night, the streets, sidewalks, balconies, porches, and driveways are decorated with candles and paper lanterns,
which illuminate cities and towns in a yellow glow to honor the Immaculate Conception on the following day,
December 8. In many cities, and even in small rural towns, neighborhoods get together and decorate their whole
neighborhood or street, turning streets into virtual "tunnels of light." Many radio stations and local organizations
hold contests for the best display of lights, making the competition for the best light show a serious event. The
city of Medellín has become a popular tourist destination during the holiday season because of its Christmas
lights. Activities such as musical events and firework displays are planned by cities and held during this time.
Individually launched fireworks were a common item during the Christmas season in Colombia, often going on at
any time of the day in many cities. However, a recent ban has decreased the individual use of fireworks, and
now only cities or towns are able to hold firework displays.
December 16 is the first day of the Christmas Novena, a devotion consisting of prayer said on nine successive
days, the last one held on Christmas Eve. The Novena is promoted by the Catholic Church as a staple of
Christmas, and is very similar to the posadas celebrated in Mexico. It is a call for an understanding of the
religious meaning of Christmas, and a way to counter the commercialism of the Christmas season. Individual
traditions concerning the Novena may vary, but most families set up a "pesebre" (manger scene), sing religious
Christmas carols called villancicos accompanied by tambourines, bells, and other simple percussion
instruments, and read verses from the Bible as well as an interpretation which may change from year to year.
Novenas serve as beautiful religious gatherings as well as learning environments for young children since kids
have a central and active role in the celebration of the Novenas (they read prayers, sing, and play instruments
guided by their family). From December 16 to 24, games called "aguinaldos"[65] are played after having made a
"pinky promise" deciding the prize for the winner and the punishment for the loser. The games include "Hablar y
no contestar" (Talk but don't answer), "Dé pero no reciben" (Give but don't receive), "Pajita en boca" (Straw in
the mouth), "Tres pies" (Three feet), "Beso robado" (Stolen kisses), and "Si y al no" (Yes or no). Churches offer
dawn and nightly masses during the nine days of the novena, culminating with the Misa de Gallo (Rooster's
Mass) on Christmas Eve at midnight.
Christmas Eve is the most important day of Christmas in Colombia. Families and friends get together to pray the
last Novena and wait until midnight to open the presents, parties are held until sunrise on Christmas Day, kids
stay up late playing with their new presents, and fireworks fill the skies. Families gather around meals, music,
and singing. Because Christmas Eve is the most important day, little occurs on December 25. Families join
Christmas Day mass although it is not nearly as festive as Christmas Eve.
The "Dia de los Santos Inocentes", or the Day of the Innocents, falls in the Christmas season, on December 28.
The day commemorates the innocent infants (called the innocent ones) who were said to have been killed
by King Herod in fear of the power of the newborn baby, Jesus. January 6, the day of the Revelation of the Magi
(Epiphany), is called "Reyes Magos" (from The Three Magi), used to be a day of gift giving, but is celebrated
less now since gifts are given mostly around Christmas Eve today. Some families still give presents, and it is
also the day when godparents give Christmas presents.
Venezuela

Different moments of Paradura del Niño, Venezuelan tradition celebrated on February 2

In Venezuela, Christmas is celebrated as a religious occasion. As in Colombia, the presents are brought by "El
Niño Jesus" (Baby Jesus) instead of "Papá Noél" (Santa Claus), that still has an important role during this
season.
The unofficial start of the Christmas festivities is after the celebrations of "Feria de la Chinita", the second half of
November. The origin of this festival is the cult to Virgin Mary of Chiquinquirá, when various religious activities,
processions, and music in the typical "Gaita style" to honor "La Chinita" (nickname of this Virgin). This event
takes place in the Zulia Region, specifically in Maracaibo (the regional capital). After this, other cities join in the
festivities and many activities take place including musical events and firework displays.
In many cities, small rural towns and neighborhoods get together for the "patinatas" night festivals where
children go and play with skateboards, roller blades and bicycles. These events are usually sponsored by the
local church, where neighbors organize themselves and sell typical Christmas food, hot chocolate, hallaca,
cookies, etc. Also still in some neighborhoods there is the "Parranda" where people go from one house to house
with music and Christmas songs. The singers stops at neighbors' houses to get some food and drinks. Also in
the Venezuelan Andes there is the same tradition of this kind of event but they carry an image of "baby Jesus"
and this is called "Paradura del Niño." Children write request letters to Baby Jesus. The presents are sent by
Baby Jesus at midnight, and most people have a party, which goes on until sunrise.
Caribbean
Bahamas
Junkanoo festivals are held from Christmas Day morning until sunrise on December 27 after Boxing Day and
held again on New Year's Day. It is a carnival featuring parading bands in colorful costumes, singing, dancing,
and decorations.
Bahamian Christmas foods include black cake, imported apples, pepper pot, pickled onions and ham. Drinks like
ginger-beer, sorrel, mauby, and sweet potato fly are served on Christmas.
Cuba
Cuba had a long tradition of celebrating Christmas. Families used to gather at the dining table, and used to go to
mass after dinner. The Communist Regime led by Fidel Castro abolished the paid Christmas holiday in 1969,
citing that workers were needed to continue the sugar harvest. In 1998, the Regime declared December 25 a
leisure day, as requested by Pope John Paul II as a condition to visit the country.[66] It is a one-day public holiday
and it is celebrated only in the evening.
Jamaica
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Radio stations play Christmas carols as early as October, reggae style and some international. Jamaicans paint
their houses and hang new curtains for Christmas. Pepper lights, the local name for Christmas lights, go up even
on trees.
Junkanoo or John Canoe is a traditional Christmas celebration in Jamaica, influenced by African ancestors. This
includes street dancing and a great parade through the streets with Jamaicans dressed in colorful masquerade
costumes in which masks are worn.
The traditional Jamaican Christmas meal includes ackee, saltfish, breadfruit, fried plantains, boiled bananas,
freshly squeezed fruit juice and tea for breakfast; chicken, curried goat, stewed oxtail, rice and gungo peas for
dinner. For dessert, sorrel drink and a Jamaican rum fruitcake along with red wine are served in many homes.
Many people attend church for Christmas Eve or Christmas morning worship service.
Sometimes on Christmas Eve people or children to go the Grand Market where you walk with family and friends
and buy whatever you want and you go home 2:00 or 3:00 am Christmas Day.
Some British Christmas traditions have stayed in Jamaica, like Father Christmas, roast beef or lamb dinners,
Boxing Day, etc.
Europe
Central Europe
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Christmas wreath

In countries of Central Europe (for this purpose, roughly defined as the German-speaking countries of Germany,
Austria and Switzerland as well as the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and possibly other
places) the main celebration date for the general public is Christmas Eve (December 24). The day is usually a
fasting day; in some places children are told they'll see a golden pig if they hold fast until after dinner. When the
evening comes preparation of Christmas Dinner starts. Traditions concerning dinner vary from region to region,
for example, in Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, the prevailing meal is fried carp with potato salad and fish
(or cabbage) soup. However, in some places the tradition is porridge with mushrooms (a modest dish), and
elsewhere the dinner is exceptionally rich, with up to 12 dishes. This in fact reveals that when Christmas comes
around all the kids get presents from neighbours and house guest. Even the house pet got a little something to
gnaw on.
After the dinner comes the time for gifts. Children usually find their gifts under the Christmas Tree, with name
stickers. An interesting example of complicated history of the region is the "fight" between Christmas beings.
During communism, when countries of Central Europe were under Soviet influence, communist authorities
strongly pushed Russian traditional Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost") in the place of Little Jesus won. Now Santa
Claus is attacking, by means of advertising and Hollywood film production. Many people, Christians as well as
people with just a Christian background, go to Roman Catholic midnight mass celebration.
Other common attributes of Christmas in Central Europe include Christmas trees, mistletoe, Christmas garlands,
and Bethlehem cribs.
In many areas of Central Europe, St. Nicholas (Hungarian: Mikulás, Czech: Mikuláš, Polish: Mikołaj, Slovak:
Mikuláš, Slovene: Miklavž), or Santa Claus, does not come for Christmas. He visits families earlier, on the dawn
of St. Nicholas Day on December 6, and for the well-behaved children he has presents and candy-bags to put
into their well polished shoes that were set in the windows the previous evening. Although he neither parks his
sleigh on rooftops nor climbs chimneys, his visits are usually accompanied by a diabolic-looking servant named
Krampusz (in Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia: Krampus, in Czech and Slovak regions he is simply "čert", i.e.
devil, without any name) who gives golden coloured birches for so called badly behaved children. Actually all
children get both gifts and golden birches (Hungarian: virgács) in their shoes, no matter how they behaved
themselves.[67]
Austria and Germany
Main article: Weihnachten

Austrian Advent bowl

In some German-speaking communities, in the German-speaking Europe; particularly in Catholic regions of
western and southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria, South Tyrol and Liechtenstein, as well as in other Catholic
regions of Central Europe, the Christkind (literally "Christ child") brings the presents on the evening of December
24 (Holy Evening or Heiliger Abend).[68]:68–79 The Christkind is invisible; thus he is never seen by anyone.
However, he rings a bell just before he leaves in order to let children know that the Christmas tree and the
presents are ready.
It is a tradition to lavishly decorate a Christmas tree in the days directly before Christmas or on the morning of
Christmas Eve. On late Christmas Eve, after the bell rings, the tree is shown to the children and presents are
exchanged.
In Protestant churches, there is a service in the late afternoon intended to immediately precede the Christmas
Eve meal and the exchanging of gifts. This service, called Christvesper, consists most often of scriptural
readings, the Christmas Gospel from Luke 2, a Krippenspiel (nativity play), favourite Christmas carols and
festive music for organ and choirs. In some regions the tradition of Quempas singing is still popular. Some
Lutheran churches also celebrate a candlelight service at midnight besides the Christmas Vespers in the
afternoon or early evening.
Many Catholic churches also have a first Mass of Christmas, called Christmette, on "Heiliger Abend" about
4 p.m. for the children and parents to attend before the families return home for their meal. The crib is a very
important part of the celebrations in Catholic areas especially Bavaria.
Austria

Christmas market in front of the town hall in Vienna, Austria

In the largely Catholic Austria, Christmas markets are a long-standing tradition. In Vienna, for instance, the
market is held in the large square in front of City Hall. Innsbruck opens its romantic Christmas market in the
narrow medieval square at the foot of the Golden Roof. In Salzburg, the Christmas market takes over the square
in front of the Cathedral with its picturesque stalls, while the tree vendors occupy Residenzplatz on the side of
the huge Cathedral. However almost every small town has its own Christmas market.
In Austria, Christmas trees play a very important part of Christmas celebrations. Every town sets up its own huge
tree on the main square all decorated with candles, ornaments and candies and frequently there will be an extra
one, adorned with bread crumbs, for the birds. In families the tree is decorated with gold and silver ornaments or
stars made out of straw, sweets and candy wrapped in tinfoil, gilded nuts, etc.[69]
The feast of St Nicholas marks the beginning of Christmas in Austria. On Christmas Eve (December 24) the tree
is lit for the first time and the whole family gathers to sing Christmas carols like "Silent Night, Holy Night".[70] Gifts
that are placed under the tree are opened after dinner on Christmas Eve. Austrian Christmas tradition has it that
it is the Christ Child himself who decorates the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and brings the children their
Christmas presents, and it is to him that their letters and wish lists are addressed in the weeks before Christmas.
The Christmas Eve dinner is the main event of the night often served with fried carp. The
famous sachertorte and different kinds of chocolates are served as dessert. The Austrians also have special
crescent shaped cookies served during Christmas time.
Germany
Christmas star

Old Bavarian crib found in St MangBasilica, Füssen, Bavaria

Christmas tree in Berlin, Germany

In Germany Christmas traditions vary by region. Till the reformation Saint Nicholas' Day, December 6, Saint
Nicholas was the main provider of Christmas presents. Nikolaus still puts goodies in children's shoes on that
day. Sometimes St. Nicholas visits children in kindergarten, schools or at public events. They have to recite a
short poem or sing a song in order to get sweets or a small gift. "Knecht Ruprecht" (the servant Ruprecht) –
dressed in dark clothes with devil-like traits (usually noted as a long, bright red tongue and with a stick or a small
whip in the hand) – sometimes accompanies St. Nicholas. His duty is to punish those children who haven't
behaved during the year. Usually he doesn't have much to do. He merely stands near St. Nicholas as a warning
to be good and polite. Nikolaus as well for some Glühwein for adults, there are some traditions connected with
local firefighters, riders associations and church congregations.
The Sorbs, a minority in Saxony and parts of Brandenbuerg with a language similar to Polish, have some
specific traditions. E.g. in Jänschwalde, the Bescherkind Janšojski bog ("presents kid") is visiting the neighbors,
a girl dressed in local costume and veil and goes around with two companions at the Wednesday before
Christmas. It provides smaller presents like sweets, similar to the Nikolaus and provides blessings, stays
however silent.[71] Another tradition in Saxony is related to the Wooden toymaking in the Ore Mountains,
especially Seiffen provides Christmas related decorations like Christmas pyramid and toys around the
year. Christmas letters may be addressed e.g. to Engelskirchen (Angel's church) or Himmelpforten (Heaven's
gate) or some other in municipalities with matching names. After privatization, Deutsche Post kept the tradition
of dedicated Christmas offices, one in each state, answering letters and requests from children.
Traditional Miner's figuresas Christmas light bearers

Currently the actual Christmas gift-giving (German: "Bescherung") usually takes place on Christmas Eve. This
tradition was introduced by Reformator, Martin Luther, as he as of the opinion that one should put the emphasis
on Christ's birth and not on a saint's day and do away with the connotation that gifts have to be earned by good
behavior. The gifts should be seen as a symbol for the gift of God's grace in Christ.[72] This tradition quickly
became common in predominantly Catholic regions as well.
Gifts may be brought by the Weihnachtsmann (translation, "Christmas man"), who resembles either St. Nicholas
or the American Santa Claus, or by Christkindl, a sprite-like child who may or may not represent the baby
Jesus.[68]:68–79 Till 1930, there was sort of south north divide between the realms of southern and silesian
Christkind and Nordic Weihnachtsmann. After the gifts are opened the children often stay up as late as they like,
often till the early hours of the morning.
The Christmas Tree is first put up and decorated on the morning of the 24th. The gifts are then placed under the
tree. Christmas services in the church serve as well to exchange greetings with neighbors and friends. After an
evening meal one of the parents usually goes into the room where the tree is standing, lights the candles and
rings a little bell. Then the children are allowed to go into the candlelit room. In many families it is still a custom
to sing Christmas songs around the tree before opening up the presents. Some families attend a midnight
church service "Christmette" after the evening meal and gift-giving.
The culinary feast either takes place at supper on Christmas Eve or on the first day of Christmas. Traditions vary
from region to region; carp is eaten in many parts of the country.[73] Potato salad with frankfurter or wiener-
sausages is popular in some families. Another simple meal which some families favor, especially in regions
where Christmas Eve still has the character of a fast day, is vegetable or pea soup. In some regions, especially
in Schleswig-Holstein where Danish influence is noticeable, a roasted duck or goose filled with plums, apples
and raisins is family tradition. In other regions, especially in Mecklenburg and Pomerania, many families
prefer kale with boiled potatoes, special sausages and ham. Many families have developed new traditions for
themselves and eat such meals as meat fondue or raclette. In almost all families in all parts of Germany you find
a wide variety of Christmas cookies baked according to recipes typical for the family and the region.
"Lüttenweihnachten" describes the hunting and forestry custom of providing a Christmas tree with food
decorated for animals.
Czech Republic and Slovakia

Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic – Christmastime

Main article: Czech Christmas Mass

Christmas Eve (December 24) is celebrated as Štědrý den/Štedrý deň, which means "Generous Day", when the
gifts are given in the evening. The December 25 and 26 are Public holidays in the Czech Republic and in
Slovakia, but Vánoce/Vianoce (Christmas), is most commonly associated with the 24th.
According to tradition, gifts are brought by Ježíšek/Ježiško, or "baby Jesus". Fish soup and breaded roasted
carp with special homemade potato salad are a traditional dish for the dinner. In Slovakia, before eating,
everyone exchanges Christmas greetings with each other by sharing a piece of Christmas wafer (Oblátky) with
honey and walnuts. Traditional dinner depends on region, but common Christmas dinner is cabbage soup
(Kapustnica) or lentil soup and breaded roasted carp with special homemade potato salad or hand made
gnocchi with poppy (šúľanky s makom). The gifts are surreptitiously placed under the Christmas tree (usually
a spruce or pine and lately fir), usually just before or during dinner. Children have to wait for the ringing of a
Christmas bell (one of the decorations on the Christmas tree) – the sign that Ježíšek/Ježiško (little Jesus) has
just passed by – to run for the presents. That happens at the end of their Christmas dinner. There is a rich
tradition of hard baked Christmas sweets (Cukroví/vianočné koláče).
Other Czech and Slovak Christmas traditions involve predictions for the future. Apples are always cut crosswise:
if a perfect star appears in the core, the next year will be successful, distorted star means a bad year or illness,
while a cross may suggest death. Girls throw shoes over their shoulders – if the toe points to the door, the girl
will get married soon. Another tradition requires pouring some molten lead into water and guessing a message
from its shapes.
In Catholic Slovakia, the tradition of Jasličkári involves young men dressed as shepherds or angels visiting their
neighbors and presenting recitations and songs about the story of the birth of Jesus.[74]
Hungary
Main article: Christmas in Hungary

The Christmas and gift-giving season starts relatively early compared to other cultures, with the Santa-like
figure, or Hungarian version of Saint Nicholas, Mikulás (or Szent Miklós) traditionally visiting the homes of
Hungarian children on the night of December 5, on the eve of Saint Nicholas Feast Day, December 6.
Although the role of gift-giver on Christmas Day itself is assigned to the Christ Child, on the night before St.
Nicholas Day Hungarian children traditionally place a boot on their windowsill waiting for Mikulás to come by and
fill it with treats.[75] In Hungary, celebrations begin with Christmas tree decoration and gift packaging during
daytime on December 24, then comes a family dinner with traditional Christmas meals. In some parts of
Hungary, a traditional supper called fish soup halászlé is served at Christmas Eve meal, although it is also
consumed at other times of the year. The day is otherwise a fast-day.

Kürtőskalács in Budapest

In the evening (Christmas Eve, in Hungarian: Szenteste) the Angel or the Little (Baby) Jesus (Hungarian:
Kisjézus or Jézuska) delivers the presents. This is the most intimate moment of Christmas, featuring warmly lit
Christmas tree and candles, soft Christmas music, family singing of Christmas or religious songs and gift pack
openings. There is also a popular folk custom during December and especially on Christmas Eve, in which
children or adults present the birth of Jesus. The custom is called 'playing Bethlehem' (Hungarian:
Betlehemezés), and it is an acting performance, where the 'actors' are wearing costumes, and telling stories
about the three kings, the shepherds, Mary, Joseph and of course the birth of the Holy Child. A Christmas crib
and a church are used as the scene. The actors go from house to house, and they receive gifts for their
performance.
Poland
Main article: Christmas in Poland

Traditional Polish Wigilia meal

Polish Opłatki (Christmas Wafer) in a basket

Carollers walk from house to house receiving treats along the way

In the largely Roman Catholic Poland, Christmas Eve begins with a day of fasting and then a night of feasting.
The traditional Christmas meal is known as Wigilia ("The Vigil"), and being invited to attend a Wigilia dinner with
a family is considered a high honour.[76] On the night of Christmas Eve, the appearance of the first star in the sky
is watched for, in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem, that it has been given an affectionate name of "the
little star" or Gwiazdka (the female counterpart of St. Nicholas). On that evening, children watch the sky
anxiously hoping to be the first to cry out, "The star has come!" After the first star appearance is declared, the
family members sit down to a dinner table.[77]
According to tradition, bits of hay are spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder that Christ was born in
a manger. Others partake in the practice of placing money under the table cloth for each guest, in order to wish
for prosperity in the coming year. The dinner contains twelve dishes, one for each Apostle. In many homes, an
extra place setting is set. The empty setting is symbolically left at the table for a lonely wanderer who may be in
need of food, an angel, the Baby Jesus or the Holy Spirit should appear to share the feast.
Before eating, everyone exchanges Christmas greetings with each other. The supper begins with the breaking of
the opłatek. By sharing a piece of Christmas wafer (Opłatki), when everyone at the table breaks off a piece and
eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. The opłatek is usually blessed by the presiding Bishop, and
stamped with a religious image, such as the nativity scene, they then share a piece with each family member. A
tradition exists among some families to serve twelve different dishes at Wigilia symbolizing the Twelve Apostles,
or perhaps, an odd number of dishes for good luck (usually five, seven, or nine). Some practice the superstition
that an even number of people must be seated around the table.
A traditional Wigilia supper in Poland includes fried carp and barszcz (beetroot soup) with uszka (translated as
"little ears", also known as meatless ravioli). The most common dishes are fish soup, with potato
salad, pierogi, gołąbki filled with kasza, pickled herring and fruit kompot.[78] Carp provides a main component of
the Christmas Eve meal across Poland; carp fillet, carp in aspic etc. Universal Polish Christmas foods
are pierogi as well as some herring dishes, herring fillets, herring in aspicand for dessert, makowiec or noodles
with poppy seed. Often, there is a compote of dry fruits for a drink. etc. Dishes beside fish are usually cabbage-,
forest mushroom- (like boletus) and poppyseed-based, with herring being very important. After supper the Star
Man arrives attended by the Star Boys. They are dressed as Wise Men or animals or other figures. The Star
Man examines the children in their catechism and rewards them with small presents if they do well, even if they
need a bit of coaching. The Star Boys sing carols and are given a treat for their help. The feast begins with the
appearance of the first star. The meal is followed by the exchange of gifts. The remainder of the evening is given
to stories and songs around the Christmas tree. In some areas of the country, children are taught that "The Little
Star" brings the gifts. As presents are unwrapped, carollers may walk from house to house receiving treats along
the way.
Christmas Eve ends with Pasterka, the Midnight Mass at the local church. The tradition commemorates the
arrival of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem and their paying of respect and bearing witness to the new born
Messiah. The custom of Christmas night liturgy was introduced in the Christian churches after the second half of
the 5th century. In Poland that custom arrived together with the coming of Christianity.[77] The next day
(December 25) begins with the early morning mass followed by daytime masses. According to scripture, the
Christmas Day masses are interchangeable allowing for greater flexibility in choosing the religious services by
individual parishioners.[79]
The following day is often spent visiting friends.
The giftbearer varies. In some regions it is Święty Mikołaj (Saint Nicholas), in others Święty Mikołaj gives his
gifts on December 6 and the giftbringer of the Christmas Eve is Gwiazdor ("star man"), Aniołek ("little angel") or
Dzieciątko ("baby Jesus").
Romania and Moldova
Main article: Christmas in Romania

Christmas market in Sibiu, Romania

Christmas (Romanian: Crăciun) in Romania is on December 25 and is generally considered the second most
important religious Romanian holiday after Easter.[citation needed] In Moldova, although Christmas is celebrated on
December 25 like in Romania, January 7 is also recognized as an official holiday. Celebrations begin with the
decoration of the Christmas tree during daytime on December 24, and in the evening (Christmas Eve, in
Romanian: Ajunul Crăciunului) Moş Crăciun (Father Christmas) delivers the presents.
The singing of carols is a very important part of Romanian Christmas festivities. On the first day of Christmas,
many carolers walk through the streets of the towns and villages, holding a star made of cardboard and paper on
which are depicted various scenes from the Bible. Romanian tradition has the smallest children going from
house to house, singing carols and reciting poems and legends during the whole Christmas season. The leader
of the group carries with him a star made of wood, covered with metal foil and decorated with bells and coloured
ribbons. An image of the Nativity is painted on the star's centre, and this piece of handiwork is attached to the
end of a broom or other long stick.
Romanian food served during the holidays is a hearty multi-coursed meal, most of which consists of pork
(organs, muscle, and fat). This is mainly a symbolic gesture for St. Ignatius of Antioch.[80]
Eastern Europe
Since the 1880s, the Christmas customs of the Eastern Slavic countries have included a similar character known
as Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost"). According to legend, he travels in a magical sanki — a
decorated sleigh drawn by reindeer (or three white horses). With his young, blond assistant Snegurochka (the
"Snow Maiden", said to be his granddaughter) at his side, he visits homes and gives gifts to good children (not
true for former Yugoslavian countries). He only delivers presents to children while they are asleep, and unlike
Santa, he does not travel down chimneys, coming instead to the front door of children's homes. It is traditional
for children to leave food for Ded Moroz.
This Ded Moroz (in Russia, Ded Moroz) is not identified nor in any way associated with Saint Nicholas of
Myra (feast day, December 6), who is very widely revered in Eastern Europe for his clerical and charitable works
as a bishop. In all likelihood, Ded Moroz is actually in Slavic tradition like Santa Claus, any connection to the
original saint having long since disappeared.
Georgia
Children at the Alilo march in the streets of Tbilisi

On calendars in Georgia, Christmas (Georgian: შობა, shoba) is celebrated on January 7 (December 25 on the
Julian calendar). It is traditional in Georgia to go on Alilo (a modified pronunciation of Alleluia), a mass walk in
the streets, dressed in special clothing to celebrate and congratulate each other. Most members of the Alilo
march are children and they are given sweets by the adults. The Alilo carols vary across the provinces of
Georgia. In most songs these words are used: "ოცდახუთსა დეკემბერსა, ქრისტე იშვა ბეთლემსაო'"
(otsdakhutsa dekembersa qriste ishva betlemsao) – "on 25th December Christ was born in Bethlehem". A local
variant of the Christmas tree, called Chichilaki, is made of soft wooden material with curled branches.
Sometimes it is hazelnut branch which is carved into a Tree of Life-like shape and decorated with fruits and
sweets. The Western custom of a Christmas tree (nadzvis khe) is also popular and has been imported through
Russia. The Georgian equivalent of "Santa Claus" is known as tovlis papa (or tovlis babua in western Georgian
dialects), literally meaning a "Grandfather snow", and is traditionally portrayed with long white beard, dressed in
national costume "chokha" and wearing a fur cloak "nabadi".
Russia
Main article: Christmas in Russia

New Year decorations in Nizhny Novgorod

As in some other Eastern Orthodox countries, and due to the 13-day difference between the newer Gregorian,
and older Julian Calendars, Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Unlike its Western counterparts, Christmas is
mainly a religious event in Russia. On Christmas Eve (January 6), there are several long services, including
the Royal Hours and Vespers combined with the Divine Liturgy. The family will then return home for the
traditional Christmas Eve "Holy Supper", which consists of 12 dishes, one to honor each of the Twelve Apostles.
Devout families will then return to church for the "всеночная" All Night Vigil. Then again, on Christmas Morning,
for the "заутренняя" Divine Liturgy of the Nativity. Since 1992 Christmas has become a national holiday in
Russia, as part of the ten-day holiday at the start of every new year.
During the Soviet period, religious celebrations were discouraged by the officially atheist state. Christmas tree
and related celebrations were gradually eradicated after the October Revolution. In 1935, in a surprising turn of
state politics, the Christmas tradition was adopted as part of the secular New Year celebration. These include
the decoration of a tree, or "ёлка" (spruce), festive decorations and family gatherings, the visit by gift-giving "Ded
Moroz" (Дед Мороз "Grandfather Frost") and his granddaughter, "Snegurochka" (Снегурочка "The
Snowmaiden"). Many of these were brought to Russia by Peter the Great after his Western travels in the late
17th century.[citation needed]
Ukraine
Main article: Christmas in Ukraine
Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper, Ukraine

Sviata Vecheria or "Holy Supper" is the central tradition of the Christmas Eve celebrations in Ukrainian homes
and takes place in most parts of the country on January 6. In Western Ukraine, especially in Carpathian
Ruthenia, due to historical multi-culturism, Christmas can be observed twice—on December 25 and January 7,
often irrespective of whether the family belongs to Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the (Roman) Catholic
Church, one of the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches, or one of the Protestant denominations. The Western
Ukrainian tradition of two Christmas celebrations, since 2017, are also celebrated nationwide as well. [81][82]
When the children see the first star in the eastern evening sky, which symbolizes the trek of the Three Wise
Men, the Sviata Vechera may begin. In farming communities the head of the household now brings in a sheaf of
wheat called the didukh which represents the importance of the ancient and rich wheat crops of Ukraine, the
staff of life through the centuries. Didukh means literally "grandfather spirit" so it symbolizes the family's
ancestors. In city homes a few stalks of golden wheat in a vase are often used to decorate the table. The dinner
table sometimes has a few wisps of hay on the embroidered table cloth as a reminder of the manger in
Bethlehem. A prayer is said and the father says the traditional Christmas greeting, "Chrystos rodyvsya!" which is
translated to "Christ is born!", which is answered by the family with "Slavite Yoho!" which means "Let us glorify
him!". In some families the Old Slavic form "Сhrystos rozhdayetsya!" is used. At the end of the Sviata Vechera
the family often sings Ukrainian Christmas Carols. In many communities the old Ukrainian tradition of caroling is
carried on by groups of young people and members of organizations and churches calling at homes and
collecting donations.
Traditionally, Christmas Day opens for Ukrainian families with attendance in church services (Mass, worship
service or Divine Liturgy). Ukrainian churches offer services starting before midnight on Christmas Eve and on
Christmas morning. Christmas supper, without Lenten restrictions, does not have as many traditions connected
with it as Sviata Vechera. The old tradition in Ukraine of giving gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day, December
19, has generally been replaced by the Christmas date and it is the Father Frost who visits all the children in a
sleigh pulled by only three reindeer. (In Western Ukraine the St. Nicholas Day is marked there on December 6.)
Northern Europe
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In much of Northern Europe Christmas is celebrated on December 24 and is referred to as Jul (see Yule), while
December 25 is a relaxed day for visiting relatives. "Yule" may come from the Norse word hweol, jól, meaning
wheel, and Old English géol. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and
then away from the earth.
Denmark
Main article: Jul (Denmark)
Traditional DanishChristmas dinner

Danes celebrate on December 24, which is referred to as Juleaften (literally "Yule evening").[83] An evening meal
with the family consists of either roast pork, roast duck or roast goose and eaten with potatoes, plenty of gravy,
and red cabbage or finely chopped kale boiled in butter. Also caramelized potatoes is an important part of the
Dane's Christmas dinner. For dessert rice pudding is traditionally served – composed largely of whipped cream
and accompanied by lashings of black cherry sauce. The rice pudding also contains chopped peeled almonds,
and a single whole peeled almond. Whoever finds the whole almond will have good luck for the coming year,
and the lucky finder is entitled to a small gift, Mandelgave. After the meal is complete, the family gathers around
the Christmas tree and sings Christmas songs and hymns while holding hands and dancing in circles, and may
even tour the house, still holding hands and singing. When the singing is complete, traditions vary. In some
traditions, the family will select one child to hand out the presents. All children take turns handing out presents in
other traditions. Alternatively "Santa Claus", the Julemanden, will appear at the door in full costume with a large
sack of presents over his shoulder. He will then distribute the presents, with the assistance of any children
present, to their recipients. He should be offered suitable drink to keep him warm and cheerful on his onward
journey, but do not expect loquacity – utterances are normally limited to loud and hearty laughs. Meanwhile, the
presents are opened and this is followed by more snacks, candy, chips and, sometimes, a traditional Christmas
drink called Gløgg.
The Danish are somewhat famous for their Julefrokost, literally meaning "Christmas lunch", which includes
various traditional Danish dishes, potentially accompanied by beer and Snaps. These Julefrokoster are popular
and held within families, as well as by companies and other social groups. They would traditionally have taken
place leading up to Christmas, but due to time constraints and stress during the Christmas month they are
nowadays commonly held during November and January as well. The family Julefrokoster however are normally
held on Christmas Day and/or The Second day of Christmas (December 26).

Advent calendar

Another more recent Danish tradition is the concept of television Julekalendere, special Christmas-themed,
advent calendar-type television programmes with a daily episode shown on each of the first 24 days of
December, thus culminating on Juleaften. Several television stations produce their own, most, but not all of
which are targeted at child viewers. Some of the television advent calendars become extremely popular and go
on to be reprised in subsequent years.[84]
In Denmark, Santa Claus is known as Julemanden (literally "the Yule Man") and is said to arrive in a sleigh
drawn by reindeer, with presents for the children. He is assisted with his Yuletide chores by elves known as
julenisser (or simply nisser), who are traditionally believed to live in attics, barns or similar places. In some
traditions, to maintain the favour and protection of these nisser, children leave out saucers of milk or rice
pudding or other treats for them and are delighted to find the food gone on Christmas morning.
Estonia

Christmas Santas

In the weeks preceding Christmas or jõulud, children place a slipper in their windows and receive a piece of
candy or some other sweets from visiting elves (päkapikud). Estonians celebrate Christmas on December 24,
which is referred to as jõululaupäev ("Christmas Saturday")[clarification needed] and is by act of Parliament a public
holiday in Estonia. Each year on this day, the President of Estonia declares the Christmas Peace and attends a
Christmas service. The tradition was initiated by the order of Queen Christina of Sweden in the 17th century.
Estonian children are visited by jõuluvana ("Santa Claus") on Christmas Eve, and must sing songs or recite
Christmas poems before receiving their gifts.
The evening meal typically includes pork with sauerkraut or Estonian sauerkraut (mulgikapsad), baked potatoes,
white and blood sausage, potato salad with red beet, and pāté. For dessert, Estonians eat gingerbread
(piparkoogid) and marzipan. The most highly regarded drinks during this time have been beer and mulled wine
or glögi and hõõgvein ("glowing wine"). Estonians leave the leftover food from Christmas dinner on the table
overnight, in hopes that the spirits of family, friends, and loved ones will visit and also have something to eat. It is
also customary to visit graveyards and leave candles for the deceased.
December 25 or jõulupüha is a relaxed day for visiting relatives.
Finland
Main article: Christmas in Finland

Christmas presents and a tree in Finland

Christmas ham
Christmas is an extensively prepared celebration centering on the family and home, although it has a religious
dimension also. The Christmas season starts from December or even in late November, when shops began
advertising potential Christmas gifts. Christmas decorations and songs become more prominent as Christmas
nears, and children count days to Christmas with Advent calendars. Schools and some other places have the
day before Christmas Eve (aatonaatto, December 23) as a holiday, but at the latest on the Christmas Eve
(jouluaatto, December 24), shops close early and stay closed until December 26. The main Christmas festivities
are held on Christmas Eve on December 24, while Christmas Day (joulupäivä) and the following day
(Tapaninpäivä, "St. Stephen's Day") are mandatory public holidays in Finland[85] Schools continue holidays up to
the New Year.
The Declaration of Christmas Peace has been a tradition in Finland from the Middle Ages every year, except in
1939 due to the Winter War. It is a custom in many towns and cities. The most famous one of these declarations
is on the Old Great Square of Turku, the former capital of Finland, at noon on Christmas Eve. It is broadcast on
Finnish radio (since 1935) and television, and nowadays also in some foreign countries. The declaration
ceremony begins with the hymn Jumala ompi linnamme (Martin Luther's A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) by a
band of the Finnish Navy and a male choir and continues with the Declaration of Christmas Peace read from a
parchment roll, in both Finnish and Swedish, the country's two official languages:
Tomorrow, God willing, is the most gracious feast of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, and therefore a
general Christmas peace is hereby declared, and all persons are directed to observe this holiday with
due reverence and otherwise quietly and peacefully to conduct themselves, for whosoever breaks this
peace and disturbs the Christmas holiday by any unlawful or improper conduct shall be liable, under
aggravating circumstances, to whatever penalty is prescribed by law and decree for each particular
offence or misdemeanour. Finally, all citizens are wished a joyous Christmas holiday.
The ceremony ends with trumpets playing the Finnish national anthem Maamme and Porilaisten marssi, with
the crowd usually singing when the band plays Maamme. Recently, there is also a declaration of Christmas
peace for forest animals in many cities and municipalities, so there is no hunting during Christmas.

It is traditional in Finland to bring candles to the graves of loved ones on Christmas Eve and All Saints Day.

Finnish people clean their homes well before Christmas and prepare special treats for the festive season. A
sheaf of grain, nuts and seeds are tied on a pole, which is placed in the garden for the birds to feed on.
Spruce trees are cut or bought from a market and taken to homes on or a few days before Christmas Eve
and are decorated. Candles are lit on the Christmas tree, which is traditionally decorated using apples and
other fruit, candies, paper flags, cotton and tinsel, in addition to Christmas ornaments such as stars or
baubles. Actual candles are no longer used, being replaced by incandescent or LED lamps. A star
symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem is placed at the top of the tree. Just before the Christmas festivities begin,
people usually take a Christmas sauna. The tradition is very old; unlike on normal days, when one would go
to the sauna in the evening, on Christmas Eve it is done before sunset. This tradition is based on a pre-20th
century belief that the spirits of the dead return and have a sauna at the usual sauna hours.[85]
Afterwards, they dress up in clean clothes for the Christmas dinner or joulupöytä, which is usually served
between 5pm and 7pm, or traditionally with the appearance of the first star in the sky. The most traditional
dish of the Finnish Christmas dinner is probably Christmas Ham, roast suckling pig or a roasted fresh ham,
but some may prefer alternatives like turkey. Several sorts of casseroles, like rutabaga, carrot and potato
casserole are traditional, and are almost always exclusively served on Christmas. Other traditional
Christmas dishes include boiled codfish (soaked beforehand in a lye solution for a week to soften it) served
snowy white and fluffy, pickled herring and vegetables. Prune jam pastries, plum or mixed fruit soup, rice
porridge with cinnamon, sugar and cold milk, and sweets like chocolate are popular desserts. Christmas
gifts are usually exchanged after Christmas Eve dinner.[86] Children do not hang up stockings in Finland
but Joulupukki visits the household, maybe with a tonttu to help him distribute the presents.
Christmas Day services begin early at six in the morning and people visit families and reunions are arranged
on this day.
Boxing Day, or tapaninpäivä (St. Stephen's Day) is traditionally set aside for driving around the village
(tapaninajot), to counterbalance the solemn and family-oriented part of Christmas.
Iceland
Main article: Jól (Iceland)

The Christmas or Yule (Jól in Icelandic)[87] celebration in Iceland starts four Sundays before Christmas
proper, which begins on December 24 (Advent) and ends thirteen days later on January 6. Traditionally, one
candle is lit each Sunday until four candles are lit on the 24th. At 6:00 pm Church bells ring to start the
Christmas celebration. The religiously observant and/or traditional Icelanders will attend mass at this time
while the secular Icelanders will begin their holiday meal immediately. After the meal is finished, they open
gifts and spend the evening together. In Iceland people over the Yule holidays most often eat Most popular
dishes are smoked lamb, ptarmigan and turkey. Pork is also very popular.
Thirteen days before December 24 the Yule Lads children will leave their shoes by the window so that the
Yule Lads can leave small gifts in their shoes.[87] The Yule Lads are the sons of two trolls living in the
Icelandic mountains. Each of the Yule Lads is known for a different kind of mischief (for example slamming
doors, stealing meat, stealing milk or eating the candles). The Yule Lads traditionally wear early Icelandic
wool clothing but are now known for the more recognizable red and white suit.
Each home typically sets up a Christmas tree indoors in the living room with most decorating it on December
11. In addition to the decorations, presents are put underneath the tree. It is also a tradition in many homes
to boil skate on the 23rd. The day is called Saint Thorlak Mass (Þorláksmessa).
During the holiday season, it is traditional for families to work together to bake small cookies to serve or give
to guests. Most common are thin gingerbread cookies which are decorated in many different colors of glaze.
Many families also follow the tradition of making Laufabrauð (Leafbread), which is a flat thin bread that is cut
out using a special tool and folding technique.
The end of year is divided between two days – the Old Year's Day (Gamlársdagur) and the New Year's Day
(Nýársdagur). At the night of the former and morning of the latter Icelanders shoot up fireworks blowing the
old year away and welcoming the new one.
Thirteen days after the 24th Icelanders say goodbye to the Yule Lads and other mystical creatures such as
elves and trolls. There are bonfires held throughout the country while the elves, Yule Lads, and Icelanders
dance together before saying goodbye until the next Christmas.[87]
Norway
Main article: Jul (Norway)

Christmas tree with a candle

Christmas gifts
The major day of celebration in Norway, as in most of Northern Europe, is December 24. Although it is
legally a regular workday until 16:00,[88] most stores close early. Church bells chime in the Christmas holiday
between 17:00 and 18:00. In some families the Christmas story from Luke 2 will be read from the old family
Bible. The main Christmas meal is served in the evening. Common main dishes include pork rib, "pinnekjøtt"
(pieces of lamb rib steamed on a grid of birch wood). Many people also eat "lutefisk" or fresh, poached cod.
Rice porridge is also popular (but most commonly served as an early lunch rather than for the main
Christmas dinner), an almond is often hidden in the porridge, and the person who finds it wins a treat or
small gift. In some parts of Norway it is common to place porridge outside (in a barn, outhouse or even in the
forest) to please "Nissen". In many families, where the parents grew up with different traditions, two different
main dishes are served to please everyone. If children are present (and they have behaved well the last
year), "Julenissen" (Santa Claus) pays a visit, otherwise gifts are stored under the Christmas tree.[88]
For a lot of Norwegians, especially families, television is an important part of the earlier hours of Christmas
Eve. Many Norwegians do not feel the Christmas spirit until they have watched the Czech-German fairy
tale Three Nuts for Cinderella(Norwegian title: Tre nøtter til Askepott), the Disney Christmas cavalcade From
All of Us to All of You[89] the Norwegian fairytale movie Reisen til Julestjernen or the comedy sketch Dinner
for One. Attending one of the many stage productions of Putti Plutti Pott and Santa's Beard is also a very
popular tradition.
December 25 is a very quiet and relaxed day. Church services are well attended. The old tradition of a very
early morning service before breakfast has been replaced in most areas by a service in the later morning.
Afterward many families get together for a large festive meal.[88]
December 26 is also a day of many festivities. Cinemas, night clubs and bars are full, and there are lots of
private gatherings and parties, where all kinds of traditional Christmas cookies and sweets are enjoyed.
Fatty, tasty dinners are also part of it. The time between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve is called romjul.
During this time children in some parts of Norway dress up as "nisser" and go "Julebukk" – "Christmas goat"
– in their neighbourhoods and sing Christmas carols to receive treats, much the same way as in the
American Halloween. January 6 (13th day of Christmas) is commonly regarded as the end of Christmas,
while some end Christmas on the 20th day, and some even at Candlemas.
Sweden
Main article: Jul (Sweden)

Traditional julbord, or Christmas table

Saint Lucy's Day 2006

Christmas market with Christmas tree in Stockholm

Julbock, a giant Christmas goat at the Gävle town market, Sweden

The pre-Christian holiday of Yule, or jól, was the most important holiday in Scandinavia and Northern
Europe.[90] Originally the observance of the winter solstice, and the rebirth of the sun, it brought about many
practices that remain in the Adventand Christmas celebrations today. The Yule season was a time for
feasting, drinking, gift-giving, and gatherings, but also the season of awareness and fear of the forces of the
dark. Swedish Christmas celebrations begin with the first of Advent. Saint Lucy's Day (locally known
as Luciadagen) which is the first major Christmas celebration before Christmas itself. The eldest daughter
arising early and wearing her Lucy garb of white robe, red sash, and a wire crown covered with
whortleberry-twigs with nine lighted candles fastened in it awakens the family, singing "Santa Lucia", serving
them coffee and saffron buns (St. Lucia buns), thus ushering in the Christmas season.[91]
Schools elect a Lucia and her maids among the students and a national Lucia is elected on national
television from regional winners. The regional Lucias will visit shopping malls, old people's homes and
churches, singing and handing out pepparkakor gingerbread cookies.
Boys take part in the procession as well, playing different roles associated with Christmas. Some may be
dressed in the same kind of white robe, but with a cone-shaped hat decorated with golden stars,
called stjärngossar (star boys); some may be dressed up as "tomtenissar", carrying lanterns; and some may
be dressed up as gingerbread men. They participate in the singing and also have a song or two of their own,
usually Staffan Stalledräng, which tells the story about Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, caring for his
five horses. Electric candles and glowing stars are placed in almost every window in the month of December
in Sweden. Although December 25 (juldagen) is a Swedish public holiday, December 24 is the day when
Santa Claus Jultomte (or simply Tomte) brings the presents. Although not a public holiday, Christmas Eve is
a de factoholiday in the sense that most workplaces are closed, and those who work, for instance in shops
or care homes, get extra wages as a compensation. (See also: Public holidays in Sweden for further
explanation of this concept.)
The Jultomte was originally a small invisible Christmas house gnome or dwarf from the Nordic mythology,
who watched over the house and its inhabitants. An old superstition still calls for feeding the Tomte on
Christmas Eve with a small bowl of porridge. If a bowl of porridge is not laid out for him somewhere in or
outside the house, he will bring bad luck to everyone in the house the next year. The modern "Tomten",
nowadays is a version of Santa Claus in red cloth and white beard, except that he doesn't enter the house
through the chimney, but knocks on the door and asks "finns det några snälla barn här?" ("are there any
nice children here?")
Christmas is, as everywhere else, an occasion celebrated with food.[92] Almost all Swedish families celebrate
on December 24 with a Christmas table, called Christmas smörgåsbord (julbord), a display of several
Christmas food items. Almost all julbord has Christmas ham, (julskinka) accompanied by other Christmas
dishes, such as small meatballs, pickled herring, spareribs, small hot dogs, lutfisk, pork sausage,
salmon, Janssons frestelse (potato casserole with anchovy), and rice pudding. The Christmas julbord is
served with julmust and beverage like mulled wine, Christmas beer or snaps. A Scandinavian speciality is
the glögg (mulled and spiced wine with almonds and raisins), which is served hot in small cups. The different
dishes of the julbord may vary throughout Sweden, from South to North. Businesses traditionally invite their
employees to a julbord dinner or lunch the weeks before Christmas, and people go out privately to
restaurants which also customarily offer julbord during December.
Examples of candies and treats associated with Christmas are marzipan, toffee, knäck (quite similar to
butterscotch), nuts and fruits: figs, chocolate, dates and oranges decorated with cloves.
Television also plays a big role, many families watch the Disney Christmas special Kalle Anka och hans
vänner önskar God Jul[93] (From All of Us to All of You),[94] Karl Bertil Jonssons julafton (animated short), or a
re-run of the Svensson, Svenssonepisode God Jul! (Merry Christmas) on the TV channel SVT1.[95]
After the julbord on December 24, the presents are distributed, either by Jultomten or a family member, and
usually from a sack or from under the Christmas tree where they have been lying all day or for several days.

Around Christmas people hang oranges decorated with cloves in the window or place it on the table.

Many Swedes still adhere to the tradition that each present should have a rhyme written on the wrapping
paper, to hint at the contents without revealing them.[96]
In older days a yule goat was an alternative to Jultomten, nowadays it is used as an ornament, ranging from
sizes of 10 cm to huge constructions like the giant straw Christmas Gävle goat, famous for frequently being
vandalised or burnt down. If one has two families to celebrate Christmas with, it is common that one of the
families move their celebrations to Christmas Day or the day before Christmas Eve (commonly referred to
as little Christmas Eve).
After December 24, the Christmas celebrations have more or less come to an end. Some people attend
the julottan, an early morning church service on December 25. This particular service was the main service
of Christmas historically—nowadays, the Midnight Mass has become increasingly popular. Others attend a
simpler service called Christmas Prayer in the afternoon of Christmas Eve; however, many Swedes do not
attend church at all during Christmas as the country is very secular. Even so, most families do set up
a Julkrubba (Christmas Crib). On January 13 (locally known as knutdagen or tjugondag knut, English =
twentiethday Christmas), 20 days after Christmas, the Christmas celebrations come to an end and all
Christmas decorations are removed.[90]
Southern Europe
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia
Croatian wheat grass, planted on St. Lucy's, used for Christmas candles

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In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia, Christmas (Croatian: Božić, Slovene: Božič) is celebrated
mainly as a religious holiday. The festivities begin on Saint Nicholas's Day on December 6 (in Slovenia)
or St. Lucy's on December 13 depending on what region (in Croatia). St. Lucy or St. Nicholas brings children
presents, and St. Nicholas is said to be accompanied by Krampus who steals away the presents of bad
children. This "anti-Santa" is said to have one cloven hoof, a handful of heavy chains, and a sack on his
back to collect naughty children.[97] In Croatia on St. Lucy's, families will plant wheat seeds in a bowl of
shallow water, which will grow several inches by Christmas and are then tied together with a red, blue and
white ribbon called trobojnica'.
On Christmas Eve (Croatian: Badnjak, Slovene: Sveti večer (holy eve)), three candles representing
the Trinity are lit and placed in the middle of the wheat, the glow symbolizes the soul of each person. On this
day, the tree is decorated, the home is decked with greenery and the women already beginning to prepare
the Christmas meal. They also bake special types of bread: one is round inscribed with a cross on top
known as the cesnica, another is made with honey, nuts and dried fruit called the Christmas Eve Bread
(Croatian: Badnji Kruh, Slovene: Božični kruh). In many villages, straw (which symbolizes Christ's birth in the
manger) is spread around the floors of the home for the Christmas Eve dinner. As is customary with Catholic
people, meat is not consumed in Croatia, while in Slovenia it is. Instead of meat in Croatia and with other
food in Slovenia, salad and fish is served, many choosing to eat the Dalmatian specialty bakalar, dried cod
fish. The family then sprinkle holy water on their Yule log (badnjak) which they light and watch. In villages,
the badnjak is freshly cut that very morning by the father of the household while reciting traditional prayers.
At the end of the meal, a piece of the cesnicais cut and dipped in wine and used to sprinkle on the candles
to extinguish them, while reciting the Trinitarian formula ("In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. Amen").
Many families will go to a midnight mass on Christmas Eve and often another on Christmas Day. It is
common for Christmas presents to be placed under the tree, to suggest that the Angel or the Baby Jesus
(Mali Isus) leaves them there while others are attending midnight mass. Presents are opened after the
mass. Christmas is a day of celebrating with family; a large feast is prepared and traditional foods such as
stuffed cabbage, turkey, pot roast, pita and smoked meat are served, along with various desserts such
as fritule, potica (especially in Slovenia), strudel, and cookies.
Slovenes are also visited by another one of their trije dobri možje (three good guys), who bring presents in
December: Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus and Dedek Mraz ("Grandfather Frost"). Families mostly celebrate
New Year's Eve at home with extended family members, friends, and sometimes neighbours. Women
prepare cabbage sarma, which they will eat on January 1 to symbolize good fortune, and steak tartare,
which they eat on New Year's Eve on toast with butter. At midnight, people go outdoors to watch fireworks,
while Dedek Mraz leaves presents under the tree. Epiphany on January 6 marks the end of the Christmas
season.
Bulgaria

TZUM department store at Christmastime, Sofia, Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, Christmas (Bulgarian: Коледа, Koleda or more formally Рождество Христово, Rozhdestvo
Hristovo, "Nativity of Jesus") is celebrated on December 25 and is preceded by Christmas Eve (Бъдни
вечер, Badni vecher). Traditionally, Christmas Eve would be the climax of the Nativity Fast, and thus only an
odd number of lenten dishes are presented on that evening.[98] The table is usually not cleared after the
dinner and until the next morning, to leave some food for the holy spirits – a custom which probably comes
from pagan pre-Christian times. On that day, a Bulgarian budnik is set alight. On Christmas, however, meat
dishes are already allowed and are typically served.[99]
Among the Bulgarian Christmas traditions is koleduvane, which involves boy carolers (коледари, koledari)
visiting the neighbouring houses starting at midnight on Christmas Eve, wishing health, wealth and
happiness. Another custom is the baking of a traditional round loaf (пита, pita). The pita is broken into
pieces by the head of the family and a piece is given to each family member, a valuable possession, and a
piece for God. A coin is hidden inside the pita and whoever gets the coin, he or she will have luck, health,
and prosperity in the coming year.[100]
As in other countries, a Christmas tree is typically set up and the entire house is decorated. The local name
of Santa Claus is Dyado Koleda (Дядо Коледа, "Grandfather Christmas"), with Dyado Mraz (Дядо Мраз,
"Grandfather Frost") being a similar Russian-imported character lacking the Christian connotations and thus
popular during the Communist rule. However, it has been largely forgotten after 1989, when Dyado Koleda
again returned as the more popular figure.
Greece and Cyprus

Christmas tree at Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece

The festive period lasts from November 30 to January 6 (Epiphany) on the Greek calendar. December 25
and 26 is a public holiday in Greece. In Greek, Christmas is known as Christougena (Χριστούγεννα) and
people wish Merry Christmas to each other saying Kala Christougenna (Καλά Χριστούγεννα). Most families
set up Christmas trees and shops have decorations and lights. Presents are placed under the Christmas
tree and are opened on January 1, St Basil's Day. In Greek tradition, Basil's (of Caesarea) name was given
to Father Christmas and is supposed to visit children and give presents on January 1 (when Basil's memory
is celebrated), unlike other European traditions, where this person is Saint Nicholas and comes every
Christmas. Carol singing is another tradition on Christmas and New Year's Eve. The Christmas meal usually
includes lamb or pork and desserts such as kourabies (κουραμπιές) and melomakarona (μελομακάρονα).
Other Christmas and new year foods include 'Baklava' (sweet pastry), Kataifi (pastry), Theeples (a kind of
fried pastry).
Small honeycakes

Christmas Eve on December 24 and 23 housewives make the Christmas cake with a cross in the middle
and avgokouloures which are subsequently offered to the elderly and children. Children singing carols from
house to house either before or on Christmas Day. People go to church early the morning of Christmas on
December 25. Christmas morning after church there is the practice to become the "pork batches," served
with wine to open the appetite, and "thick," done by Eve, which is boiled pork with plenty of lemon that is left
to clot overnight. The pork-food is in the hallmark of Greek Christmas. In many Greek cities and ports
like Thessaloniki, Volos, Patra, the Greek Islands etc., it is decorated the traditional Christmas boat. And in
many central squares of the country a big Christmas tree, where many of the Christmas festivals take place.
Some of the Christmas Festivals in Greece are "Ρουγκατσάρια" Rugatsariα, where all the residents of the
city of Kastoria are delivered in a separate Dionysian revelry, with the accompaniment of folk melodies
bodies all traditional musical sounds of the area. This ancient habit, whose origin is lost in time.
In Mani there are beliefs about demonic and other supernatural beings, who come from the Twelve Days of
Christ as the Epiphany. These are the goblins and say that they are the descendants God Pan or Satyrs,
who jumped from the mythology in the Christian life.
Italy

Christmas decorations in Milan, Italy

Panettone in Italy
Pizzelle, Christmas waffles in a loose stack

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Italian Festa dell'Immacolata Concezione) on December 8 is
a national holiday in Italy. Christmas decorations, including the presepe (nativity scene),[101] as well as the
Christmas tree, are usually put up on this day. Some modern takes on this holiday involve them
hanging vultures to symbolize the cleaning of their spirits.
Saint Lucy's Day (Italian: Giorno di Santa Lucia) is celebrated as a Catholic holiday in Sicily and Northern
regions of Italy on the supposed Shortest day of the year which is December 13.[102] Saint Lucy is the patron
saint of the city of Syracuse better known as Santa Lucia as she is called in the traditional Neapolitan song.
Evening candlelight processions called the parade of light are conducted and are followed by the Feast of
St. Lucy. Sicilians pay tribute to a miracle performed by St Lucy during a famine in 1582. At that time, she
brought a flotilla of grain-bearing ships to starving Sicily, whose citizens cooked and ate the wheat without
taking time to grind it into flour. Thus, on St. Lucy's Day, Sicilians do not eat anything made with wheat flour.
Instead they eat cooked wheat called cuccìa.
Christmas is celebrated in Italy[103] in a similar fashion to other Western European countries, with a strong
emphasis given to the Christian meaning of the holiday and its celebration by the Catholic Church, also
reinforced by the still widespread tradition of setting up the presepe, a tradition initiated by Saint Francis of
Assisi. It is quite common to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve and practice the custom not to eat any
meat. The dinner traditionally consists of seafood, with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, followed by typical
Italian Christmas sweets, such as pandoro, panettone, torrone, panforte, struffoli, caggionetti,[104] Monte
Bianco or others, depending on the regional cuisine.[105] Christmas on the 25th is celebrated with a family
lunch, consisting of different types of meat dishes, cheese and local sweets.
The ancient Christmas festival called Ndocciata is celebrated on December 8 and Christmas Eve
in Agnone, Molise, with a parade of torches leading up to the "Bonfire of Brotherhood".[106]
On Christmas Eve, in the squares of many towns of the eastern Sicily, a big bonfire, U Zuccu, is lit to warm
the Baby Jesus.[107][unreliable source?]
Traditions regarding the exchanging of gifts vary from region to region, as this might take place either on
Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Presents for children are left underneath the Christmas tree either by
Santa Claus (called Babbo Natale) or, according to older traditions, by Baby Jesus himself.[108] In some
regions children receive gifts earlier (at St. Lucy's Day) or later (on Epiphany).
December 26, (St. Stephen's Day, in Italian Giorno di Santo Stefano), is also a public holiday in Italy.
Festivities extend to the end of the year and then to the Epiphany.
On January 6 (Epiphany, in Italian Epifania) decorations are usually taken down, and in some areas female
puppets are burned on a pire (called "falò"), to symbolize, along with the end of the Christmas period, the
death of the old year and the beginning of a new one.[109] While gifts are now given at Christmas by an
American style Santa Claus as well, Italy holds fast to its tradition of native gift-givers. On the eve of the
6th, la Befana, the good Epiphany witch, is thought to ride the night skies on broomstick, bringing good
children gifts and sweets, and bad ones charcoal or bags of ashes.[110] In other areas it is the Three Wise
Men who bring gifts, especially oranges symbolizing gold, and chocolate symbolizing their kisses to good
children. In some municipalities, most famously in Milan, the custom of the "Corteo dei Re Magi" (Three
Kings Procession) is elaboratedly celebrated with a parade welcoming the Wise Men, and the passing out of
sweets.[111] In other places, such as Treviso the day is celebrated with bonfires, the sparks of which are said
to predict the future of the new year.[109]
Malta
See also: Christmas Eve Procession

Christmas (Maltese: Il-Milied) in Malta is mostly secular, with a number of Christian-related themes.
Midnight Masses are popular amng the older generations, and Christmas processions take place on
Christmas Eve with a statue of the baby Jesus in towns and villages, led by the Society of Christian
Doctrine.
A public holiday in Malta, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25. Christmas lunch usually consists of
turkey served with potatoes and vegetables (Malta is a former British colony). The island has adopted other
popular secular customs and traditions such as the Christmas tree and Father Christmas.
Presents are normally generally exchanged either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. A local seasonal
food is the "Qaghaq ta' l-Ghasel" (Honey Ring). These Maltese Christmas sweets are eaten as a dessert
during the Christmas season but can also be purchased all year round. Christmas cribs are a popular and
are seen in most homes.
Another Christmas tradition is the planting of common vetch seeds in flat-bottomed pots. They are planted
around the beginning of December, normally placed on white cotton and watered every day whilst being
kept in the dark all the time. They are usually taken out just before Christmas, and resemble long white
spaghetti-like strands of leaves (since they would have grown in the dark).
Portugal

Christmas decorations in Braga

Christmas, an official holiday in Portugal, is widely celebrated and is associated with family gatherings.
People who have moved to the main cities, like Lisbon or Porto, or even those who have emigrated to other
countries, still travel to their home towns and villages to spend Christmas Eve with their families. After
the Missa do galo (Rooster's Mass) that celebrates the birth of Christ, families gather around the Consoada,
the late supper held on Christmas Eve. The traditional dish is bacalhau com todos (dried codfish boiled with
vegetables), although, in northern Portugal, the bacalhau is often replaced by octopus. The Christmas
dinner usually ends with fatias douradas (golden slices), filhoses and sonhos (dreams), all desserts based
on fried flour or fried bread. Another traditional cake is the king cake served on Epiphany. Nowadays,
although Santa Claus (Pai Natal) is more popular, in some regions people still believe that it is the Menino
Jesus (Baby Jesus) who brings presents to children.
Serbia and Montenegro

Serbian Orthodox Christmas bread

Main articles: Serbian Christmas traditions and Badnjak (Serbian)

In Serbia and Montenegro, Christmas (Serbian: Божић, Božić or more formally Рождество Христово,
Rozhdestvo Hristovo, "Nativity of Christ") is celebrated for three consecutive days, beginning with Christmas
Day. The Serbian Orthodox Churchuses the traditional Julian calendar, per which Christmas Day (December
25) falls on January 7. This day is called the first day of Christmas, and the following two are accordingly
called the second, and the third day of Christmas. During this festive time, one is to greet another person
with "Christ is Born," which should be responded to with "Truly He is Born." The Serbianname for Christmas
is Božić (Cyrillic: Божић, pronounced [boʒitɕ]), which means the young or little God.
This holiday surpasses all the others celebrated by Serbs, with respect to the diversity of applied folk
customs and rituals. These may vary from region to region, some of them having modern versions adapted
to the contemporary way of living. The ideal environment to carry them out fully is the traditional multi-
generation country household.
In the morning of Christmas Eve a young, straight oak tree is selected and felled by the head of the
household. A log is cut from it and is referred to as the badnjak. In the evening, the badnjak is
ceremoniously put on the domestic fire that burns on the house's fireplace called ognjište, whose hearth is
without a vertical surround. The burning of the badnjak is accompanied by prayers to God so that the
coming year may bring much happiness, love, luck, riches, and food. Since most houses today have
no ognjište on which to burn a badnjak, it is symbolically represented by several leaved oak twigs. For the
convenience of people who live in towns and cities, they can be bought at marketplaces or received in
churches.
The dinner on this day is festive, copious and diverse in foods, although it is prepared in accordance with the
rules of fasting. Groups of young people go from house to house of their village or neighbourhood,
congratulating each other, singing, and making performances; this continues through the next three days.
The Serbs also take a bundle of straw into the house and spread it over the floor, and then put walnuts on it.
Before the table is served for the Christmas Eve dinner, it is strewn with a thin layer of straw and covered
with a white cloth. The head of household makes the Sign of the Cross, lights a candle, and censes the
whole house. The family members sit down at the table, but before tucking in they all rise and a man or boy
among them says a prayer, or they together sing the Troparion of the Nativity.[112]After the dinner young
people visit their friends, a group of whom may gather at the house of one of them. Christmas and other
songs are sung, while the elderly narrate stories from the olden times.
On Christmas Day, the celebration is announced at dawn by church bells and by shooting. A big importance
is given to the first visit a family receives that day. People expect that it will summon prosperity and well-
being for their household in the ensuing year; this visit is often pre-arranged. Christmas dinner is the most
celebratory meal a family has during a year. A special, festive loaf of bread is baked for this occasion. The
main course is roast pork of a pig which they cook whole by rotating it impaled on a wooden spit close to an
open fire. Even though gift-giving is not necessarily a part of the tradition, a Santa Claus inspired character
called Božić Bata (translated as Christmas friend) sometimes takes his during gift giving, as Santa Claus is
more traditionally connected to New Years celebrations. Gift-giving is, nevertheless, connected with the
celebrations, being traditionally done on the three consecutive Sundays that immediately precede it.
Children, women, and men, respectively, are the set gift-givers on these three days.
Since the early 1990s, the Serbian Orthodox Church has, together with local communities, organized public
celebrations on Christmas Eve. The course of these celebrations can be typically divided into three parts:
the preparation, the ritual, and the festivity. The preparation consists of going and cutting down the tree to be
used as the badnjak, taking it to the church yard, and preparing drink and food for the assembled
parishioners. The ritual includes Vespers, placing the badnjak on the open fire built in the church yard,
blessing or consecrating the badnjak, and an appropriate program with songs and recitals. In some parishes
they build the fire on which to burn the badnjak not in the church yard but at some other suitable location in
their town or village. The festivity consists of getting together around the fire and socializing. Each particular
celebration, however, has its own specificities which reflect traditions of the local community, and other local
factors.
In Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia Christmas is celebrated on January 7. This is a result of their Eastern
Orthodox churches marking Christmas Day based on the Julian calendar, which is now 13 days behind the
internationally used Gregorian calendar.
Spain

Avinguda Portal de l'Àngel, at Christmas time, Barcelona, Spain

Christmas and St Stephen's Day are officially recognized holidays in Spain. In most of Spain, the Christmas
period, referred to as "Navidad", lasts from Christmas Eve referred to as "Nochebuena" or "the Good Night."
on December 24 to Epiphany on January 6. Many homes and most churches display a Nativity scene,
a Christmas tree, or both. The pesebre (nativity scene) is present in many homes, schools and stores. On
the 26th, Sant Esteve (Saint Stephen) is celebrated with a family gathering.
A large family dinner is celebrated on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and can last until 6 o'clock in the
morning. There is a wide variety of typical foods one might find on plates across Spain on this particular
night, and each region has its own distinct specialities. It is particularly common, however, to start the meal
with a seafood dish such as prawns or salmon, followed by a bowl of hot, homemade soup. The main meal
will commonly consist of roast lamb, or seafood, such as cod or shellfish. For dessert, there is quite a spread
of delicacies, among them are turrón, a dessert made of honey, egg and almonds that is Arabic in origin.
Special dishes and desserts include Mariscos y Pescado (shellfish and fish), marzipan, Pavo Trufado de
Navidad (turkey with truffles), and polvorones (shortbread made of almonds, flour and sugar).
Even though there is still the traditional Misa del Gallo at midnight, few Spaniards continue to follow the old
custom of attending.
Children usually receive one or two presents on Christmas Day (December 25), brought by "Papá Noel"
(Father Noel), which is a non-traditional imitation of the American Santa Claus, but in some regions there
are other more traditional characters, for example, the Olentzero in the Basque Country. There is a special
Christmas dance called the Jota which has been performed for centuries in Spain during Christmas.[113]
On December 31 (Nochevieja) there is also a large family feast. Some young people go out in "cotillón", a
very big feast in bars and pubs and the drink and dance until January 1 morning, when they have churros
with chocolate for breakfast. On January 5 a huge parade (La Cabalgata or cavalcade) welcomes the Three
Kings to the city. Children put their shoes in the window on January 5 in the hope that the Three Wise Men
will deliver them presents.[114]
Western Europe
France

Christmas decorations along the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France

Christmas in France (Noël on the French calendar)[115] is celebrated mainly in a religious manner, though
secular ways of celebrating the occasion also exist, such as Christmas decorations and carols. Children do
not hang Christmas stockings but put their shoes by the fireplace or under the Christmas tree so Père
Noël (Father Christmas or Santa Claus) can give them gifts (a practice also among French-speaking
Switzerland). Some families also attend midnight mass and decorate their homes with Nativity Scenes
depicting the birth of Jesus. Additional Santons (little saints) may be added in the nativity scenes.
In France and in other French-speaking areas (see French Canada), a long family dinner, called a réveillon,
is held on Christmas Eve.[116] The name of this dinner is based on the word réveil (meaning "waking"),
because participation involves staying awake until midnight and beyond. Réveillon is generally of an
exceptional or luxurious nature. Appetizers may include lobster, oysters, escargots or foie gras, etc. One
traditional dish is turkey with chestnuts. Réveillons in Quebec will often include some variety of tourtière.
Dessert may consist of a bûche de Noël. In Provence, the tradition of the 13 desserts is followed, almost
invariably including: pompe à l'huile (a flavoured bread), dates, etc. Quality wine is usually consumed at
such dinners, often with champagne or similar sparkling wines as a conclusion. Christmas carols may also
be sung.
United Kingdom
Christmas Tree and carolers at Trafalgar Square in London

In the United Kingdom Christmas decorations are put up in shops and town centres from early November.
Many towns and cities have a public event involving a local or regional celebrity to mark the switching on of
Christmas lights. Decorations in people's homes are commonly put up from early December, traditionally
including a Christmas tree, cards, and lights both inside and outside the home. Every year, Norway donates
a giant Christmas tree for the British to raise in Trafalgar Square as a thank you for helping during
the Second World War. Christmas carolers at Trafalgar Square in London sing around the tree on various
evenings up until Christmas Eve and Christmas decorations are traditionally left up until the evening of
January 5 (the night before Epiphany); it is considered bad luck to have Christmas decorations up after this
date. In practice, many Christmas traditions, such as the playing of Christmas music, largely stop after
Christmas Day.[117]
Mince pies are traditionally sold during the festive season and are a popular food for Christmas.[118] It is
common in many UK households for children and adults to put up advent calendars in their homes, which
may either contain chocolates or Christmas scenes behind their doors.[citation needed]
A common feature of the Christmas season is the Nativity play which is practiced in most primary and some
secondary schools across the UK. This practice is becoming less common, and Christmas pantomimes may
be performed instead.[citation needed] Midnight Mass is also celebrated by Anglicans, Catholics, and other
denominations, and services take place in nearly all Church of England parishes on Christmas Eve.[citation needed]
On Christmas Eve, presents are supposedly delivered in stockings[119] and under the Christmas tree
by Father Christmas, who previously had been something like The Ghost of Christmas Present in Charles
Dickens' A Christmas Carol (1843), but who has now become mainly conflated with Santa Claus. The two
names are now used interchangeably and are equally known to British people, though some distinctive
features still remain. Many families tell their children stories about Father Christmas and his reindeer. One
tradition is to put out a plate of carrots for the reindeer, and mince pies and sherry for Father Christmas to
help him on his way.
The majority of families open their presents on the morning of Christmas Day, the Royal family being a
notable exception, as they open their gifts on Christmas Eve, following German tradition introduced by
the Hanoverians. Queen Victoria as a child made note of it in her diary for Christmas Eve 1832; the
delighted 13-year-old princess wrote, "After dinner ... we then went into the drawing-room near the dining-
room ... There were two large round tables on which were placed two trees hung with lights and sugar
ornaments. All the presents being placed round the trees..".[120] Since the first commercial Christmas
card was produced in London in 1843, cards are sent in the weeks leading up to Christmas, many of which
contain the English festive greeting Merry Christmas.[121]
On Christmas Day, a public holiday in the United Kingdom, nearly the whole population has the day off to be
with their family and friends, so they can gather round for a traditional Christmas dinner, traditionally
comprising a turkey with cranberries, brussels sprouts, parsnips, Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes,
quite like the Sunday roast, and followed by a Christmas pudding.[122][123] During the meal, Christmas
crackers, containing toys, jokes, and a paper hat are pulled.[124] Attendance at a Christmas Day church
service has become less popular in modern times, with fewer than 3 million now attending a Christmas Day
Church of England service.[125] Watching the Queen's Speech on TV is a tradition that can be important in
many households on Christmas Day, typically averaging 7 million viewers and sometimes being the most
watched show of the day.[126]
Christmas lights on Regent Street, London

The Celebration of Boxing Day, on the day after Christmas Day, is a tradition practiced in the UK. It is
a bank holiday, and if it happens to fall on a weekend then a special Bank Holiday Monday will occur. Also,
depending on the day of the week, it is often a day when football matches are played in the professional
leagues and many people go to watch their team play.[citation needed]
Other traditions include carol singing – many carols are sung by children on people's doorsteps and by
professional choirs – and sending Christmas cards. In public, there are decorations and lights in most shops,
especially in town centres, and even in Indian and Chinese restaurants. Churches and cathedrals across the
country hold masses, with many people going to midnight mass or a service on Christmas morning. Even
though church attendance has been falling over the decades some people who do not go to church often
think it is still important to go at Christmas, so Church attendance increases. Most theatres have a tradition
of putting on a Christmas pantomime for children. The pantomime stories are traditionally based on popular
children's stories such as Little Red Riding Hood and Aladdin, rather than being directly concerned with
Christmas as such, although there is sometimes a link. Television is widely watched: for many television
channels, Christmas Day is the most important day of the year in terms of ratings.[citation needed]
Public transport and vital transport services are closed-down on Christmas day (December 25) and remain
closed for essential maintenance work until New Year.[127]The Christmas wind-down starts early, with last
trains running out of the major cities as early as 19:00 on December 24. Bus, night bus, and underground
services are also unavailable from about 21:00 hours.[128] Individual transport companies start make
announcement from as early as October,[127] and while one train operating company may choose to run no
trains on Boxing Day another may run a limited Saturday service but totally close major stations.[129][130]
In England, telling ghost stories, local legends, and other strange, bizarre, and fantastic "winter stories" (as
Charles Dickens – author of A Christmas Carol -termed them) is a centuries-old tradition, to which William
Shakespeare contributed with The Winter's Tale (1623) but which was well known even before
Shakespeare's time. (In contrast, the Ireland, Scotland, and the USA favor Halloween as a time for telling
ghostly tales.)[131][132] Colin Fleming details other contributors to this tradition in the Paris Review.[133]
Wales
Wales has a tradition of singing caneuon plygain which is done on the week before Christmas day.[134]
Scotland
Main article: Christmas in Scotland

Christmas fairground ride

Christmas in Scotland was traditionally observed very quietly, because the Church of Scotland –
a Presbyterian Church – for various reasons never placed much emphasis on the Christmas festival;
although in Catholic areas people would attend Midnight Mass or early morning Mass before going to
work.[135] This tradition derives from the Church of Scotland's origins including St Columba's monastic
tradition, under which every day is God's day and there is none more special than another. (Thus Good
Friday is not an official public holiday in Scotland.);[136][137] the Kirk and the state being closely linked in
Scotland during the Late Middle Ages and the Early Modern period. Christmas Day was commonly a normal
working day in Scotland until the 1960s, and even into the 1970s in some areas.[138] The New Year's Eve
festivity, Hogmanay, was by far the largest celebration in Scotland. The gift-giving, public holidays and
feasting associated with mid-winter were traditionally held between December 11 and January 6. However,
since the 1980s, the fading of the Church's influence and the increased influences from the rest of the UK
and elsewhere, Christmas and its related festivities are now nearly on a par with Hogmanay and "Ne'erday".
The capital city of Edinburgh now has a traditional German Christmas market from late November until
Christmas Eve and on the first Sunday in Advent a nativity scene is blessed by the Cardinal Archbishop in
the main square.[139] On Christmas Day, people sometimes make big bonfires and dance around them to the
playing of bagpipes. Bannock cakes made of oatmeal are traditionally eaten at Christmas.[135]
Ireland
Main article: Christmas in Ireland

Christmas market

Christmas high jinks, Omagh

Christmas market

Christmas in Ireland is the largest celebration on the calendar in Ireland and lasts from December 24 to
January 6, although many view December 8 as being the start of the season; and schools used to close on
this day, making it a traditional Christmas shopping time, this is no longer compulsory and many stay open.
Almost the entire workforce is finished by lunchtime on Christmas Eve, or often a few days beforehand.
Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day are public holidays, and many people do not return to work until after
New Year's Day. Irish people spend more and more money each year on celebrating Christmas. In 2006,
the total amount spent in Ireland to celebrate Christmas was €16 billion,[140] which averages at approximately
€4,000 for every single person in the country.
Church nativity scene

It is extremely popular on Christmas Eve to go for "the Christmas drink" in the local pub, where regular
punters are usually offered a Christmas drink. Many neighbours and friends attend each other's houses for
Christmas drinks and parties on the days leading up to and after Christmas Day. Although religious devotion
in Ireland today is considerably less than it used to be, there are huge attendances at religious services for
Christmas Day, with Midnight Mass a popular choice. Most families arrange for their deceased relatives to
be prayed for at these Masses as it is a time of remembering the dead in Ireland. It is traditional to decorate
graves at Christmas with a wreath made of holly and ivy. Even in the most undevout of homes in Ireland the
traditional crib takes centre stage along with the Christmas tree as part of the family's decorations. Some
people light candles to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. Therefore, it is usual to see a white
candle, or candle set, placed in several windows around people's homes. The candle was a way of saying
there was room for Jesus's parents in these homes even if there was none in Bethlehem.[141] It is traditional
to leave a mince pie and a bottle or a glass of Guinness for Santa Claus along with a carrot for Rudolph on
Christmas Eve.
Santa Claus, often known in Ireland simply as Santy or Daidí na Nollag in Irish, brings presents to children in
Ireland, which are opened on Christmas morning. Family and friends also give each other gifts at Christmas.
The traditional Christmas dinner consists of turkey or goose and ham with a selection of vegetables and a
variety of potatoes, as potatoes still act as a staple food in Ireland despite the popularisation of staples such
as rice and pasta. Dessert is a very rich selection of Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, and mince pies
with equally rich sauces such as brandy butter.
Christmas celebrations in Ireland finish with the celebration of Little Christmas also known as Oíche Nollaig
na mBan in Irish on January 6. This festival, which coincides with Epiphany, is also known as Women's
Christmas in Cork & Kerry.
Netherlands and Flanders
Christmas traditions in the Netherlands[142] are almost the same as the ones in Dutch speaking parts of
Belgium (Flanders). The Dutch recognize two days of Christmas as public holidays in the Netherlands,
calling December 25 Eerste Kerstdag ("first Christmas day") and December 26 Tweede Kerstdag ("second
Christmas day"). In families, it is customary to spend these days with either side of the family.
In Catholic parts of the country, it used to be common to attend Christmas Eve midnight mass; this custom is
upheld, but mostly by the elder generation and by fewer people every year. Christmas Eve is these days a
rather normal evening without any special gatherings or meals. On Christmas Day, throughout both Flanders
and the Netherlands elaborated meals are prepared by the host or together as a family. Also meals of which
every participant / guest is preparing one dish are very common. The week before Christmas is important to
the retail trade, because this is the biggest sales week in the country. Christmas songs are heard
everywhere. The cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven are the busiest cities in terms
of entertainment on Christmas Day. Many people do not exchange gifts on Christmas, since this is already
done during a separate holiday (Sinterklaas) a few weeks before Christmas. In Twente people will blow the
mid-winter horns around Christmas.
The Christmas season wraps up after the new year with Epiphany, or "Driekoningen". On January 6 children
especially in the north of the Netherlands dress up as the Three Wise Men and travel in groups of three
carrying lanterns, re-enacting the Epiphany and singing traditional songs for their hosts. In return they are
rewarded with cakes and sweets. This practice is less common south of the great rivers. In the south and
east of the Netherlands it is common practice to burn the Christmas trees of the community on a big pile on
January 6 to celebrate the end of Christmas and the start of the new year.
Oceania
See also: Christmas in Australia and New Zealand
Australia

The Christmas Belles performing at Melbourne Crown atrium[143][144]

In Australia, as with all of the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas occurs during the height of the summer
season. Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25–26) are recognized as national public holidays in
Australia, and workers are therefore entitled to a day off with pay.
The Australian traditions and decorations are quite similar to those of the United Kingdom and North
America, and similar wintry iconography is commonplace. This means a red fur-coated Santa Claus riding a
sleigh, carols such as Jingle Bells, and various snow-covered Christmas scenes on Christmas cards and
decorations appear in the middle of summer. As novelties, some Australian songwriters and authors have
occasionally depicted Santa in "Australian"-style clothing including an Akubra hat, with warm-weather
clothing and thongs, and riding in a ute pulled by kangaroos, (e.g. Six White Boomers by Rolf Harris) but
these depictions have not replaced mainstream iconography.

The December-flowering pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), an often-used Christmas symbol in New Zealand

New Zealand
Christmas Day and Boxing Day are both statutory holidays in New Zealand. While Boxing Day is a standard
statutory holiday, Christmas Day is one of the three-and-a-half days of the year where all but the most
essential businesses and services must close. Many of New Zealand's Christmas traditions are similar to
those of Australia in that they are a mix of United Kingdom traditions conducted in summer. New Zealand
celebrates Christmas with very little traditional northern hemisphere winter imagery, mixed with local
imagery. The pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), which produces large crimson flowers in December, is an
often used symbol for Christmas in New Zealand, and subsequently the pohutukawa has become known as
the New Zealand Christmas tree.[145]
For the Christmas gift-bringer's name, New Zealand uses a variety of names, from Father Christmas to Saint
Nick. However, as the country becomes more bilingual the Maori name Hana Koko (say Hah-nah- Kor-Kor)
is used much more. Hana Koko is not usually depicted in red, however- a green shirt, small black stubbies, a
mixed-race appearance and a cone-shaped hat decorated with pohutukawa blossoms. Traditionally people
eat a variety of cold foods, combined with a barbecue or Hāngi.[citation needed]
It’s no secret among friends and family that we’re nuts for Christmas traditions,
decorating our house from wall to wall and immersing ourselves in local
holiday celebrations.

In fact, it’s the one time of year that we simply refuse to travel.

But even we didn’t know much about how Christmas around the world is
celebrated until we began researching this story. Hope you’ll find these 75 fun
Christmas facts as fascinating as we did!
1. Origins of Christmas

2. Fun Christmas Traditions

3. Traditional Christmas Dinners

4. Traditional Christmas Songs
5. The Origins of Christmas Trees

6. Traditional Christmas Decorations

7. Weird Christmas Customs

8. Fun Christmas Facts

 ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS

The origins of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations

such as Deus Sol Invictus (observed Dec 25), the Kalends (Jan 1-5), and
Saturnalia (Dec 17-23). The Christian Church disapproved of these festivals
and co-opted the holidays by declaring Dec 25 as Jesus’ birthday.

Mistletoe was held sacred by the Norse, the Celtic Druids, and Native
American Indians, because it remains green and bears fruit during the winter
when other plants seem to die. Druids thought the plant had the power to cure
infertility and nervous diseases, and to ward off evil.

Long before there were Christmas trees, the pagans revered evergreens as
symbols of eternal life and rebirth.

Because of their pagan associations, holly, ivy, and other evergreen boughs
conventionally used for holiday home decoration were banned by the sixth-
century Christian Council of Braga.

Photo by
Jack Berry via CC 2.0

Pope Julius I, the bishop of Rome, originally proclaimed December 25 the

official celebration day for Jesus’ birthday back in 350 AD.
The city of Riga, Latvia holds the claim as home to history’s first decorated
Christmas tree, back in 1510.

The midwinter festival of Yule has been celebrated by the Germanic peoples
since at least the 4th century. Yule, which is also called Winter Solstice, is the
longest night of the year and the time of greatest darkness.

Some scholars believe the word yule means “revolution” or “wheel,”

symbolizing the cyclical return of the sun. King Haakon I of Norway
rescheduled the date of Yule to coincide with Christian celebrations held at the
time.

According to old English folk tales, the Devil died when Jesus was born. So
some towns developed a Christmas Eve tradition of ringing the church bells
near midnight to announce the Devil’s demise. In England this custom was
called tolling or ringing “the Devil’s knell.”

Scotland has historically made a much bigger deal of

celebrating Hogmanay (the last day of the year, a.k.a. New Year’s Eve) than
Christmas. In fact, the latter holiday was banned by the country’s Parliament
for more than 300 years, and was only made legal again in 1958. The Grinch
who Scrooged Scotland out of Christmas was 16th century minister John
Knox, leader of the Reformation and founder of the Presbyterian Church of
Scotland. He believed Christians should only celebrate holidays mentioned in
the Bible. So Christmas was strongly discouraged starting in 1583, and
officially prohibited by law in 1640.

READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate The New Year Around the World
 FUN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

“Find the pickle”– a pickle-shaped ornament hidden somewhere on the Xmas

tree, with the person who finds it getting an extra present– is a common
American Christmas tradition. But, though it’s mistakenly believed to be an old
German tradition, nobody seems to know how the Christmas Pickle tradition
started. One myth involves a Civil War soldier of Bavarian origin who’d been
imprisoned by the enemy: He begged the guard for one last pickle before he
died, and it gave him the will to carry on. Another myth involves St. Nicholas
rescuing two boys from a pickle barrel. But the truth is that the legend was
most likely started by retailers selling glass ornaments imported from
Germany. The town of Berrien Springs, Michigan holds a pickle festival every
year in December.

As you might imagine, Christmas in Hawaii is a decidedly tropical affair. Many

locals import their traditional firs and pines from the U.S. mainland, arriving
long before the holiday starts on the Xmas Tree Ship. Others get creative,
decorating palm trees with lights and ornaments and using outrigger canoes
and dolphins to resemble Santa’s sleigh and reindeer. Jolly old St. Nick and
his eyes wear aloha shirts instead of fur-trimmed suits. And of course the most
popular Christmas dinner is a community or family luau, complete with roast
pig and colorful Christmas leis.

In the Marshall Islands, people prepare for Christmas months in advance,

stockpiling gifts and dividing into jeptas, or teams, that hold song-and-dance
competitions on Christmas Day. They also build a piñata-like wojke containing
little presents (matches, money, soap) for God.

In Argentina, Christmas customs are a blend of American, European, and

Hispanic traditions. Their celebrations typically include the boots of Father
Christmas, red and white flowers, and putting cotton on Xmas trees to simulate
snow. But most family gatherings take place on Christmas Eve, with huge
feasts, gifts exchanged at midnight, and children going to sleep to the sound of
fireworks.

In Peru, December 24th, which is known as La Noche Buena (“the Good

Night”), is the main day for celebrations. After mass, families go home to feast,
open gifts, and toast each other at midnight. The most important decorations
are pesebre– Nativity scenes intricately carved from wood or stone. Gifts are
spread around the manger rather than a tree, and it’s considered lucky to be
the one chosen to put the figurine of baby Jesus into the manger on Christmas
Eve.

READ MORE: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Photo Gallery)

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In spite of Ethiopia’s Christian heritage, Christmas is not an important holiday
there. Most people actually call the holiday Ganna or Genna after a hockey-
like ball game played only once a year, on Christmas afternoon.

People in Iceland will often exchange books on Christmas Eve, then spend
the rest of the night reading them and eating chocolate. The tradition is part of
a season called Jolabokaflod, or “The Christmas Book Flood.” As a result,
Iceland publishes more books per capita then any other country selling most of
them between September and November.

Early illustrations of Santa Claus pictured him as a stern, commanding

disciplinarian holding a birch rod. The jolly old elf we know and love today was
created by artist Haddon Sundblom for a Coca-Cola ad.

Tom Smith invented Christmas Crackers around 1846. He was inspired by

the French habit of wrapping sugared almonds in twists of paper as gifts.
On Christmas Day, tradition allows Lebanese children to go up to any adult
and say, “Editi ‘aleik!” (“You have a gift for me!”). If the adult has a present to
spare, the kids add this to their Christmas morning haul.

Syrian children receive gifts from one of the wise men’s camels, purported to
be the youngest and smallest in the caravan, who fell down exhausted at the
end of the long journey to Bethlehem.

READ MORE: 50 Facts About the History of Santa Claus Around The
World

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNERS

Have you ever heard of King Cake, the popular dessert served in New Orleans
during Mardi Gras season? The Spanish have a similar tradition of serving a
sweet bread ring known as Roscón de Reyes on January 6, during
celebrations of Día de reyes (Kings’ Day), to commemorate the arrival of the 3
Wise Men. This Christmas cake is usually topped with crushed almonds,
candied fruits, and powdered sugar, and sometimes stuffed with whipped or
almond cream. There’s usually a baby Jesus figurine (or a dry fava bean to
represent him) stuffed inside the cake, and the lucky person who finds it gets
to buy the following year’s roscón.

Fruitcake originated in ancient Egypt, where it was considered essential for

the afterlife.

Roast turkey didn’t appear consistently on Christmas Day menus until 1851,
when it replaced roast swan as the favorite dish of Royal courts.

Winning the award for longest preparation time, Greenland’s traditional

Christmas dish, kiviak, takes a full seven months to prepare. It begins with
hollowing out a seal skin and stuffing it with 500 auks– a sea bird (feathers and
all)– to ferment. When the holiday rolls around, it’s served straight from the
seal.

Christmas pudding was originally more than just a tasty treat. Small items
such as coins (wealth) and buttons (bachelorhood) were put inside, and
supposedly foretold what the New Year would bring.

The candy cane’s origins can be traced back to Europe circa 1670, but it
didn’t appear in the U.S. until the 1800s. They were generally all white until the
1900s, when they took on a shape representing Jesus’ hook for shepherding
his lambs and colors representing purity (white) and Christ’s sacrifice (red).
There are 12 courses in the traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper, each
of them dedicated to one of Christ’s apostles.

In Ghana many people observe a traditional folk libation ritual at

Christmastime. In it, people drink from a cup and then pour some of its
contents on the ground as a symbolic offering to their ancestors.

Ghana’s
Fancy Dress Festival on Christmas Day. Photo by aripeskoe2 via CC 2.0

Christmas rituals in East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda are
much more religious and less commercial than our western holiday. The most
common gift is a new outfit to wear to church, and many people collect stones,
leaves, and other natural items as a birthday present for Jesus. Roasted goats
are often the center of the Christmas feast.

How’s this for a weird Christmas food? South Africa is home to some of the
world’s most unusual holiday food fare. Every December locals feast on a
seasonal delicacy– the deep-fried caterpillars of Emperor Moths!

Most people think of Japanese cuisine, which largely centers around seafood
and rice, as being relatively healthy. So it may come as a surprise to know that
family Christmas traditions in Japan include eating their big holiday meal at
fast food giant KFC!

READ MORE: Lebkuchen Recipe (German Gingerbread)

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS SONGS

“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” is one of the world’s oldest traditional

Christmas songs, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages. Originally
known as “In dulci jubilo” (“In sweet rejoicing”), the Medieval German and Latin
text is believed to have been written by Dominican friar Heinrich Seuse around
1328. The music dates back to at least 1400, but historians believe it may
have existed in Europe even earlier. J.S. Bach’s choral prelude and Robert
Pearsall’s 1837 translation helped to popularize the tune.

The English version of “Good Christian Men, Rejoice,” arranged by Anglican

priest John Mason Neale, is by far the most popular version of the song
today. Interestingly enough, though Neale founded the Anglican and Eastern
Churches Association, he’s most famous for composing lyrics for classic
Christmas songs. His other famous works include “Good King
Wenceslas” (which was set to the melody of a 13th century spring carol)
and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (which was translated from an ancient
advent hymn).

Some of the most beloved traditional Christmas carols came from countries
where English was not the primary language. “Fum, Fum, Fum” originated in
the Spanish region of Catalonia sometime in the late 16th or early 17th
century.

“Il est né, le divin enfant,” which has been recorded by everyone from
Plácido Domingo and The Chieftains to Annie Lennox, is a classic French
carol.

“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” originally written in Latin in the 17th century, has
been attributed to King John IV of Portugal.

“O Christmas Tree,” also known as “O Tannenbaum,” is based on a

traditional German folk song.

These aren’t the only Christmas classics that originated in other

cultures. “Deck the Halls” was originally a pagan Yuletide drinking song, with
the melody taken from a 16th century Welsh song (“Nos Galan”) and the “fa la
la” repetition possibly dating back to medieval ballads. The English lyrics (by
Scottish composer Thomas Oliphant) didn’t come along until 1862.

Our favorite Christmas song, “Carol of the Bells,” was based on a Ukrainian
folk chant, “Shchedryk” (known in English as “Little Swallow”). Composed by
Mykola Leontovych, it was originally sung on New Year’s Eve and tells the
story of a swallow flying into a house to sing of prosperity to come in the
Spring. The song was performed at Carnegie Hall by the Ukrainian National
Chorus in 1921, ultimately inspiring American composer Peter J. Wilhousky to
rewrite it as an English Christmas carol in 1936.

One of the most popular American songs in the world, “Jingle Bells” wasn’t
intended to be a Christmas carol at all. Composed in 1857 by James Lord
Pierpont, the tune was actually written for Thanksgiving, and was originally
called “One Horse Open Sleigh.” Although Pierpont was the organist and
music director at a Unitarian Church in Savannah (where his brother was the
minister), the song is decidedly secular. It was often used as a drinking song,
with revelers jingling the ice in their glasses as they sang.

READ MORE: 40 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving Around The World

 THE ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS TREES

According to legend, the first person to decorate a Christmas tree was

Protestant reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546). He was so moved by the
beauty of stars shining between branches of a fir tree, he brought one home
and decorated it with candles for his children.

Germans made the very first artificial Christmas trees, using dyed goose
feathers to look like needles of a pine or fir tree.

Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the U.S., became the first President to
put a Christmas tree in the White House. Teddy Roosevelt banned the
practice during his presidency, for environmental reasons.

The General Grant Tree in California’s King’s Canyon National Park was
proclaimed “the Nation’s Christmas Tree” by U.S President Calvin Coolidge
in 1926. The giant sequoia, which stands over 300 feet tall and estimated to be
over 1,600 years old, is the third largest tree in the world.

Native to Mexico, the poinsettia was originally cultivated by the Aztecs, who
called it Cuetlaxochitl (“flower which wilts”). The plant’s brilliant red color
symbolized purity for the Aztecs, and they often used the plant to reduce fever.

READ MORE: Real Xmas Trees Vs. Artificial: Which Is Better?

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

The Christmas tradition of hanging stockings allegedly began with three poor
sisters who couldn’t afford a marriage dowry. The wealthy Bishop Saint
Nicholas of Smyrna (modern-day Turkey) saved them from a life of prostitution
by sneaking down their chimney and filling their stockings with gold coins.

The tradition of tinsel, which was invented in Germany in 1610, is based on a

legend about spiders whose web turned into silver when they were spun in a
Christmas tree.
Spider webs are common Christmas tree decorations in Poland because,
according to legend, a spider wove a blanket for Baby Jesus. Many Polish
people consider spiders to be symbols of goodness and prosperity.

The Advent wreath began in Germany as a Lutheran tradition, but eventually

spread to other Christian denominations, including the Catholic and
Episcopalian Churches. The evergreen wreath traditionally has four candles
around its perimeter (designed to mark the four weeks before Christmas) and
a white candle in the center (to be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). It
may also be adorned with berries or pinecones. The weekly lighting of each
candle may be accompanied by prayer, Christmas carols, and/or snacks such
as stollen or mulled wine.

Round glass Christmas ornaments were inspired by the shape of apples.

Apples were the original Christmas ornaments, put on the tree to symbolize
the Garden of Eden.

In Greek culture, kissing under the mistletoe was considered an unspoken

promise to marry your mate.

Though only 2% of the nation’s population is Christian, Christmas is a national

holiday in India. Even non-Christians observe Christmas traditions such as
lighting oil lamps along the perimeter of the home’s courtyard or roof.
The idea for electric Christmas light displays was first introduced by Thomas
Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, in 1882. But it was American Ralph
Morris who invented the type of lights we use today, adapting the from lights
used in telephone switchboards in 1895.

One of Sweden’s more unique Christmas traditions is a Yule goat made of

straw, who is believed to help guard the Xmas tree. Straw is commonly used
for holiday decorations in Scandinavian homes, because it reminds them that
Jesus was born in a manger. But the Yule goat’s origins likely date back to
Germanic pagan traditions. In the Swedish city of Gävle, the community has
come together to build a 43-foot tall straw goat at the start of advent every
year since 1966. Unfortunately, pranksters burning the goat down has also
become a tradition: In 50+ years, the Gävle goat has only lasted through the
New Year a dozen times.

READ MORE: Countries that Don’t Celebrate Christmas

WEIRD CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS

The undisputed award for creepiest Christmas custom goes to Krampus,

which was popularized in the US by a 2015 horror-comedy film. In the folklore
of Central Europe, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon creature with a hideous
face, horns, fangs, and a long, pointed tongue. Where St. Nick rewards good
little girls and boys with gifts, legend in the Alpine countries holds that
Krampus comes to punish the naughty. Some versions suggest he’ll swat
them with birch branches, while others involve a sack for taking them to Hell.
He traditionally appears during festivals on Krampusnacht (December 5), the
night before the feast of St. Nicholas.

Bolivians celebrate Misa del Gallo (“Mass of the Rooster”) on Christmas Eve,
with people bringing roosters to midnight mass to symbolize the belief that a
rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Guatemala’s villages, local men in devil costumes appear on the streets

and chase children during rhe first week of Advent. The Devil’s reign ends on
December 7 with a folk ritual known as La Quema del Diablo (“The Burning of
the Devil”), where people pile objects they no longer want or need in front of
their houses, scatter firecrackers on top of the heap, and set fire to it.

In Catalonia, Spain, they have a uniquely bizarre holiday tradition known as

the Caga Tió, or pooping log. Kids will decorate a small log by adding
wooden legs, a face, clothing, and a Catalan hat. They’ll keep the log in their
home or school, feeding it small pieces of bread or fruit every day. On
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, they hit the Caga Tió with a stick while
singing a special song encouraging him to poop out plenty of sweets, such
as turrón (a popular nougat), for them.

In Estonia, people believed that the first visitor on Christmas, called the “first-
footer,” would determine the household’s luck. Dark-haired men were seen as
desirable first-footers, but women and fair-haired or red-headed men were
often deemed unlucky

READ MORE: Christmas in NYC: A Free Walking Tour

 By
drewleavy (Flickr) via CC BY-SA 2.0

“The Night of the Radishes” is one of the annual Christmas customs

in Oaxaca, Mexico. On December 23rd, competitors carve nativity scenes into
large radishes, which are proudly displayed at the Christmas market. Oaxaca
has land dedicated to cultivating special vegetables just for this event.

The Norwegian tradition of Julbukk, or “Christmas goat,” finds groups of

costumed people walking through their neighborhood on Christmas Day,
entertaining people with songs in exchange for treats. These groups will bring
a goat along or have someone impersonate a goat’s typically unruly behavior.
If two costumed goats meet, they’ll often engage in a play fight to entertain the
crowd.

According to Italian legend, a kind witch called “La Befana” flies around on her
broomstick on the night of January 5th, bringing gifts to worthy children and
lumps of coal to the naughty ones.

According to Greek legend, malicious goblins called “Kallikantzari” would

come up from their underground homes on December 25th, and would play
tricks on humans until the 6th of January. You could get rid of them by burning
logs or old shoes, or hanging sausages or sweetmeats in the chimney.
 FUN CHRISTMAS FACTS

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was invented by Montgomery Ward

copywriter Robert L. May in 1939, as a way to lure customers into the store.

Children in Brazil often receive gifts from the Magi on Three Kings Day, or
Epiphany, as well as from Papai Noel on Christmas Eve. With no use for
chimneys in the tropical climate, they believe Papai Noel enters via the front
door, and travels via helicopter rather than a reindeer-drawn sleigh.

Puritan Oliver Cromwell made Christmas illegal in England from 1647-1660,

claiming it was immoral to hold a celebration on one of the year’s holiest days.
In the Czech Republic, Santa doesn’t come on Christmas but on St. Nicholas
Eve, which is December 5. That night, Czech children are excited to watch for
Svatý Mikuláš (as he’s known in the local language) to show up. He normally
arrives accompanied by one or more angels and one or more devils. He asks
the kids if they’ve been good all year and also asks them to sing a song or
recite a poem, then gives them a basket of presents, often containing
chocolate and fruit. If they’ve been naughty, the devil might give them a lump
of coal. As in the Netherlands and other European countries, St Nicholas’ Day
is a separate holiday from Christmas.

by Phil
and Pam Gradwell via CC 2.0

Christmas cards, which originated in England, were first sent in the 1840s.

It takes Christmas trees around 15 years to grow to 6-8 feet. There are
approximately 30-35 million Christmas trees grown annually.

In Costa Rica, the Christmas flower is the orchid.

Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas an official holiday, in 1836. It
wasn’t declare a national holiday in the United States until 1870.
In Austria, farmers traditionally chalk the initials of the Three Wise Men on the
archway above stable doors.

George Frederick Handel’s timeless Christmas classic, “The Messiah”, was

first performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742.

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia leads the world in exporting three
things: lobster, wild blueberries, and Christmas trees.

Dez Moroz photo by Sergeev Pavel – via CC

In January of 2003, after a decree of authorization by President Hosni

Mubarak, Christmas was observed as a national holiday in Egypt. This
marked the first time in the nation’s modern history that a Christian holy day
was formally recognized by the Egyptian government.

Russia was never really big on Christmas customs during the Soviet era.
Nowadays, their version of Santa Claus is known as Ded Moroz (Grandfather
Frost). He delivers presents to children a midnight on New Year’s Eve with the
help of his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden.–Bret Love