Christmas Around the World

CHRISTMAS - AROUND THE WORLD

Poll

What is your favorite part of Christmas/the Winter holiday?

• Decorating the Christmas tree

• Opening presents

• Spending time with family and friends

• The food/treats!

• I don't have to attend school for two weeks!

Christmas is celebrated by millions of Christians and non-Christians around the world every 25th of December.

For Christians, it is the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Among all the festivals in the world, Christmas is very popular and is celebrated by billions of people around the world.

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Christmas

Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, hanging wreaths, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

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Christmas

From watching Christmas movies to building gingerbread houses, Christmas traditions are as diverse as the families who celebrate. 

So, how did some American customs become so popular? Here is the history of a few that help to make the season bright:

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Christmas

Let’s start with one of the most famous symbols: the Christmas tree.
A long time ago, people in Europe used evergreen trees in winter to remind them of life and hope during the cold, dark months. Over time, this tradition became part of Christmas.
Families decorate trees with lights, ornaments, and sometimes a star or angel on top. The star represents the Star of Bethlehem, and the angel represents the angel from the Christmas story

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Christmas Trees

The tradition of sending Christmas cards started in England in the 1840s.

The first Christmas card was made in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He wanted people to have a simple way to send holiday greetings to friends and family. He asked an artist to help him design a card that showed a family celebrating Christmas, along with the message “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” The card became popular, and soon many people began creating and sending their own Christmas cards.

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Christmas Cards

Another fun tradition is leaving out cookies and milk for Santa Claus.
This comes from older customs of offering food to visitors to show kindness and hospitality. Since Santa delivers presents to millions of homes, children began leaving cookies to thank him for his hard work.
The idea became especially popular after pictures of Santa with milk and cookies appeared in the 1930s.

Christmas Cookies

Another well-known Christmas tradition is hanging Christmas stockings.
A Christmas stocking is a large, decorated sock that is usually hung by the fireplace, on a wall, or near the Christmas tree. Children hang stockings on Christmas Eve so that they can fill them with small gifts, candy, or treats.

This tradition comes from old stories and legends. One popular story tells of a kind man named St. Nicholas who secretly helped a family in need. According to the legend, he dropped gold coins down their chimney, and the coins landed in the stockings that were hanging by the fire to dry.
People liked this story so much that they began hanging stockings in hopes of receiving small surprises too.

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Christmas Stockings

Christmas wreaths originally symbolized Jesus’ crown of thorns. In addition, the colors red, green, and gold became the traditional Christmas colors. Red represents the blood of Christ, green symbolizes life, and gold stands for light and royalty. The circular shape of the wreath symbolizes eternal life and God's endless love because a circle has no beginning or end.

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Christmas Wreaths

Poll

Would you rather have a Christmas tree that is 20 feet tall but covered only in lights OR have a tiny 2 foot tree covered in hundreds of unique ornaments

• I would rather have a tiny 2 foot tree covered in hundreds of unique ornaments.
• I would rather have a 20 foot tree with only lights.

Poll

Would you rather eat only Christmas cookies for dessert all month OR drink only hot chocolate?

• eat only Christmas cookies for dessert all month

• drink only hot chocolate all month

Poll

Would you rather get a stocking full of candy OR one big wrapped present?

• a stocking full of candy

• get one big wrapped present

Poll

Would you rather decorate a Christmas wreath OR a gingerbread house?

• Decorate a Christmas Wreath

• Decorate a Gingerbread House

Poll

Would you rather send Christmas cards to everyone you know OR hang up Christmas wreaths in every room of your house?

• Send Christmas cards to everyone I know

• Hang up Christmas wreaths in every room of my house

Poll

Would You Rather - Have a pet penguin or a pet polar bear?

• Pet Penguin

• Pet Polar Bear

Poll

Would You Rather - Live where it is always cold or Live where it is always hot?

• Live where its always cold

• Live where it is always hot

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When most English-speakers think of Christmas, they think of the customs and traditions like Christmas trees, evergreen wreaths, Santa Claus, mistletoe, and more. 

However, Mexican Christmas traditions are very different from the holiday celebrations in the USA. Christmas in Mexico is influenced by Spanish as well as indigenous culture.

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Christmas in Mexico

Christianity arrived in Mexico when conquistadors arrived for the God, Glory, and Gold. The conquistadors brought along Spanish Catholic priests to spread Catholicism. With the priests and Catholicism came the celebration of Christian holidays, including Christmas.

Christmas in Mexico

Here is how people in Mexico celebrate Christmas:
Las Posadas: Starting on December 16th, people participate in a nine-night celebration called Las Posadas.
It’s like a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to find shelter before baby Jesus was born. Families and neighbors walk in a procession, singing songs and carrying candles. They knock on doors asking for "posada" (shelter), and on the last night, there’s a big celebration with food, music, and piñatas!

Christmas in Mexico

In its most traditional form, the pinata has seven points, which represent the seven deadly sins. 

Its vessel represents Satan, which looks attractive and symbolizes the temptation to fall into these sins

The stick represents the Christian faith.

The candies inside represent the riches of the kingdom of heaven

Pinatas!

Food: Delicious food is a big part of Christmas! People enjoy tamales, pozole, and sweet treats like buñuelos and hot chocolate.

Christmas Eve: The biggest celebration happens on Christmas Eve, called Nochebuena. Families go to church for a special service, called Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass), and then have a big dinner together.

Christmas in Mexico

A Mexican legend tells the story of a poor girl named Pepita who wanted to give a gift to baby Jesus during a Christmas Eve service but had no money for a present. Inspired by her cousin, she gathered weeds from the roadside. When she placed them at the church altar, they miraculously bloomed into vibrant red flowers, which were later called "Flores de Nochebuena" (Flowers of the Holy Night).

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Three Kings' Day: Christmas celebrations in Mexico don’t end on December 25th! On January 6th, people celebrate Día de los Reyes (Three Kings' Day) to remember the wise men who visited baby Jesus. Children often receive gifts, and families eat a special cake called Rosca de Reyes.

What Does the Rosca Symbolize?

The shape of the rosca is round or oval, like a crown, to represent the crowns of the Three Kings who visited baby Jesus. The decorations on top of the bread, like dried fruit, look like the jewels on a crown.

Inside the bread, there is a tiny plastic figure that represents baby Jesus.

When people eat the rosca, everyone cuts a slice. If your piece has the baby Jesus inside, it’s your job to host a party on February 2nd (Candlemas Day) and make or bring tamales!

El Día de los Reyes

Poll

Which Christmas tradition sounds more fun to you?

• Breaking a piñata filled with candy during Las Posadas

• Finding the baby Jesus in a Rosca de Reyes and hosting a tamale party

Poll

If you could join one Mexican Christmas celebration, which would you choose?

• Singing carols and walking in a Las Posadas procession

• Watching a lively pastorela (a Christmas play about shepherds visiting baby Jesus)

Poll

Would you rather make tamales from scratch every time you crave them, or never eat tamales again?

• make tamales from scratch

• never eat tamales again

Poll

Which Christmas treat would you rather enjoy?

• Sweet and colorful Rosca de Reyes

• Warm and chocolatey champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate)

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

Christmas in Iceland is a unique and magical time. Instead of one Santa Claus, children are visited by 13 characters called the Yule Lads.

The Yule Lads come one at a time during the 13 nights before Christmas. Each night, a different Yule Lad comes down from the mountains.
Children leave a shoe out, and if they’ve been good, they receive a small gift. If not, they might get a potato instead!

The Yule Lads are known for being playful and mischievous, and they have funny names like Spoon-Licker, Door-Slammer, and Sausage-Snatcher.

Christmas in Iceland

Grýla is the mother of the Yule Lads. She is a massive, ugly, and terrifying creature who lives in the mountains of Iceland.

Grýla is notorious for her bad temper and her greed. She is said to have an appetite for children, particularly those who have misbehaved during the year. According to the legend, Grýla comes down from the mountains at Christmas time to search for naughty children. She is known to kidnap them, carry them back to her cave, and cook them in a big pot to eat them.

Who is Grýla?

The Christmas Cat

Grýla also has a pet Christmas Cat, known as the Jólakötturinn (Christmas Cat). Jólakötturinn is a giant, scary cat that roams the countryside. According to the story, the cat will eat anyone who hasn’t received new clothes by Christmas Eve! This tradition encourages people to finish making or giving warm clothes for the winter.
Grýla’s legend continues to be a fascinating and spooky part of Iceland’s Christmas traditions, adding a bit of magic (and a little fear!) to the holiday season.

Christmas in Iceland

Christmas in Iceland isn’t just about spooky stories and trolls. It’s also a cozy and joyful time.

During winter, Iceland has very little daylight, so people decorate their homes and towns with lots of Christmas lights to make everything brighter.

Families enjoy traditional holiday foods like smoked lamb, roasted pork, and a crispy flatbread called laufabrauð, which is decorated with beautiful patterns. Many people also drink jólaöl, a sweet holiday drink made from malt and orange soda.

On Christmas Eve, families often give each other books and spend the evening reading and enjoying chocolate.

Christmas in Iceland

Poll

What would you rather try during Christmas in Iceland?

• Crispy patterned flatbread

• drink made of malt and orange soda

Poll

Would You Rather: Face the mischievous Yule Lads sneaking into your home OR Try to avoid the Jólakötturinn (Christmas Cat) by wearing new clothes?

• Face the Yule Lads

• Avoid the Christmas Cat

Poll

Which Yule Lad would you rather have visit your house?

• Spoon-Licker, who takes your spoons to lick food off them

• Sausage-Snatcher, who steals sausages hanging in the kitchen

• Door-Slammer, who loves making noise by slamming doors at night

Lesson: Christmas Around the World

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Christmas celebrations in Italy start on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Many Italians go to church for the Messa di Mezzanotte (Midnight Mass). Afterward, families gather for a big dinner, which often includes several fish dishes, as many Italians don’t eat meat on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Day, families enjoy a large meal together. Traditional foods can include pasta, roast meats, and lots of desserts like panettone (a sweet, fruit-filled bread) and pandoro (another type of sweet bread). Italians also enjoy a dessert called torrone, which is a nougat made of almonds and honey.

Christmas in Italy

​torrone

One of the most important Christmas traditions in Italy is the presepe, or nativity scene. Many families set up elaborate nativity displays at home, and in some cities like Naples, there are famous outdoor displays. These scenes show the birth of Jesus, often with many detailed figures of shepherds, animals, and angels.

Christmas in Italy

On January 6th, Italy celebrates the Epiphany, which marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. According to tradition, an old woman called La Befana brings gifts to children on the night of January 5th. If children are good, they receive sweets and presents, but if they're naughty, they might get a lump of coal.

La Befana (Epiphany)

According to the tale, the Three Wise Men were traveling to find baby Jesus and stopped at La Befana's house to ask for directions. They invited her to come with them, but she was too busy cleaning her home and said no, she had too much housework to do.

Later, La Befana realized she had made a mistake and tried to find the Wise Men and baby Jesus. She brought a bag of gifts to give to Jesus, but she couldn’t find him. Since then, she flies on her broom every year on the night of January 5th, delivering presents and sweets to good children—and sometimes a lump of coal to those who were naughty—hoping to find baby Jesus along the way.

Legend of La Befana

Poll

What Would You Want La Befana to Bring You?

• A bag full of your favorite candies and chocolates

• Art supplies to create something amazing

• A surprise gift—who knows what it could be?

• A magical book that tells stories from all over the world

• A fun puzzle or game to play with friends

Poll

Would You Rather see an Arctic Fox or an Artic Hare?

• An Arctic Fox

• An Arctic Hare

The Christmas season in Germany starts with Advent, the four weeks before Christmas. Many families use an Advent wreath (Adventskranz) with four candles, lighting one each Sunday. Kids also get Advent calendars filled with chocolates or little gifts, counting down the days until Christmas!

Christmas in Germany

On the night of December 5th, children leave their shoes or boots by the door. St. Nicholas (Sankt Nikolaus) visits during the night and fills them with sweets, nuts, and small gifts if they’ve been good. Naughty kids might get a stick instead! This is separate from Christmas, which is celebrated later.

St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag)

Germany is well known for their beautiful gingerbread houses and gingerbread men. In fact, Gingerbread houses originally came from Germany. They became popular in the 1800s after the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel was published by the Brothers Grimm. In the story, two children find a magical house made of sweets and gingerbread in the woods. Inspired by this tale, bakers began making real gingerbread houses during the Christmas season.

The Story Behind Gingerbread Houses

Poll

Would You Rather live in a gingerbread house with a sneaky witch or in a cold, empty cottage with no food?

• Live in a gingerbread house with the sneaky witch

• Live in a cold, empty cottage with no food

CHRISTMAS IN RUSSIA

Christmas in Russia is a little different from what you might be used to.
When It’s Celebrated: In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. That’s because the Russian Orthodox Church follows a calendar called the Julian calendar, which is slightly different from the one most of the world uses.

Some Russian Christians follow a tradition of fasting before Christmas. They avoid certain foods, like meat and dairy, during a period called the Nativity Fast, which lasts 40 days. On Christmas Eve, people eat a simple meal that often includes a dish called "kutya", made with wheat, honey, and poppy seeds.

Christmas: Russia

In Russia, Santa Claus isn’t the one who brings gifts. Instead, there’s Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). They wear long, beautiful robes and bring gifts to children on New Year's Eve, not Christmas.

Nesting dolls are a popular Christmas gift in Russia. Russian nesting dolls, called Matryoshka dolls, are wooden dolls that fit inside each other. You open one, and inside is another smaller doll, and then another, and another, until you get to the tiniest one!

Christmas: Russia

CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE

Many French families start celebrating Christmas during Advent, the weeks leading up to Christmas. They might use an Advent calendar to count down the days, opening a little window or door each day to find a treat.

French homes are decorated with nativity scenes (called "crèches") showing the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and other figures.

Towns and cities sparkle with lights and decorations, especially in big cities like Paris, where the Champs-Élysées is famous for its glowing trees and festive markets

Christmas: France

In France, children look forward to a visit from Père Noël, or Father Christmas. Instead of hanging stockings, children leave their shoes by the fireplace. Père Noël fills them with gifts and treats.

On December 6th, children also celebrate Saint Nicholas Day. Saint Nicholas brings treats to well-behaved children.

He has a companion called Père Fouettard. Père Fouettard is a scary character who carries a stick or whip. His job is to remind naughty children to behave better.

Christmas: France

Le Réveillon (Christmas Eve Feast)

This is a long and fancy dinner that happens on Christmas Eve, often after midnight mass. Families gather to enjoy delicious dishes like:

Foie gras (a special pâté), oysters or seafood, roast turkey or goose, and for dessert, the famous Bûche de Noël, a cake shaped like a Yule log!.

Christmas: France

Poll

Would You Rather - Spend Christmas Eve visiting homes to check if kids are good or bad, or spend the night helping Saint Nicholas deliver presents to the well-behaved children

• Visit homes to check if kids are good or bad

• Help deliver presents

Poll

Would You Rather - Have Christmas Eve dinner last until midnight, with everyone talking, eating, and celebrating, or eat early and relax the whole night before opening presents?

• Have dinner last until midnight with everyone celebrating

• Eat Early and relax the whole night

CHRISTMAS IN SWEDEN

One special tradition in Sweden is Saint Lucia Day. It is a celebration of light during the dark winter.

A girl dressed as Lucia wears a white dress, a red sash, and a crown of candles. She leads other children who sing songs and carry candles. They also bring treats and coffee to their families.

This tradition comes from Saint Lucia. She was a kind young woman who helped people in need. Long ago, Christians had to hide, so Lucia brought them food at night. She wore candles on her head to light the way.

That is why Lucia is shown wearing white and a crown of candles.

Saint Lucia Day (December 13th)

Swedish homes are decorated for Christmas with:

Straw ornaments shaped like stars, animals, and other figures. Julbock: A goat made of straw, representing an old Swedish tradition. Some people put a small Julbock under their Christmas tree or in their home. Lights and stars in windows to brighten up the long, dark winter days.

Many families also put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with candles, ornaments, and garlands.
Christmas Eve is the main day for celebrating. Families gather for a big feast called Julbord, which includes traditional Swedish dishes like:

Ham (Julskinka), Herring and salmon, and Rice pudding (Risgrynsgröt) with a hidden almond—whoever finds it might get a wish or good luck!

After the meal, people open gifts and spend time together.

Christmas: Sweden

Swedish children look forward to a visit from Tomte, a little gnome-like figure who brings presents. Sometimes, Tomte is accompanied by a Julbock (Christmas goat).

Tomte is said to live in the forest and watches over families, making sure they’ve been good all year! People set out a bowl of porridge, or oatmeal, for him. 

Tomte (Swedish Santa Claus)

Poll

Would You Rather - Have magical powers to help animals and bring good luck, or fly with reindeer and deliver presents to every home?

• Have magical powers to help animals

• fly with reindeer and deliver presents

CHRISTMAS IN JAPAN

Christmas in Japan is a bit different from how it's celebrated in many countries, but it’s still a fun and festive time of year! While Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan and many people don’t celebrate it for religious reasons, there are some unique and exciting traditions. Here’s how people in Japan celebrate Christmas:
In Japan, Christmas Eve is often seen as a romantic day, kind of like Valentine’s Day. Couples go out to fancy restaurants, enjoy romantic walks, or give each other gifts. It’s common for young couples to have a special dinner and spend time together.

Christmas: Japan

Unlike in many countries where people might have a big Christmas dinner with turkey or ham, in Japan, fried chicken is the special Christmas meal! Many families from KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), a tradition that started after a successful marketing campaign by KFC in the 1970s. Now, eating fried chicken on Christmas is a popular tradition.

Christmas: Japan

Poll

Would You Rather - Only be able to eat McDonald’s for the rest of your life, or only be able to eat Chick-fil-A forever?

• McDonald’s!

• Chick-fil-A!

Poll

Would You Rather - Go to Taco Bell and eat all the tacos you want, or visit Pizza Hut and eat as much pizza as you can?

• Taco Bell!

• Pizza Hut!

Poll

Would You Rather - Always get a free meal at Burger King, but it’s always cold, or pay full price at Whataburger, but always get it hot and fresh?

• Free Meal at Burger King!

• Full Price at Whataburger!

Poll

Would You Rather - Only eat McFlurries for dessert, or only eat Frostys for dessert?

• McFlurries!

• Frostys!

CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA

In Austria, the Advent season starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is called Advent Sunday. It’s a time for waiting and preparing for Christmas.
Christmas markets are a huge tradition in Austria. In cities like Vienna and Salzburg, you’ll find Christkindlmarkts, which are festive outdoor markets filled with Christmas decorations, lights, and delicious treats.

You can buy handmade ornaments, gingerbread cookies, and hot drinks like hot chocolate.

Christmas: Austria

In Austria, the big celebration happens on Christmas Eve, which is called Heiligabend (Holy Evening).

Families typically have a big dinner together, and it’s traditional to eat dishes like roast goose, sauerkraut, and potatoes. For dessert, they might enjoy vanilla kipferl (vanilla crescent cookies) or Sachertorte, a famous Austrian chocolate cake.

After dinner, families gather around the Christmas tree, which is often decorated with real candles, and exchange gifts.

Christmas: Austria

On December 6th, Austrians celebrate St. Nicholas Day. St. Nicholas is a kind and generous saint who is believed to bring gifts to children.

On the night of December 5th, children clean their shoes and leave them out. If they’ve been good, St. Nicholas will fill them with candy, nuts, or small gifts.

But, there’s also Krampus, a scary creature who accompanies St. Nicholas. Krampus’s job is to punish naughty children who have misbehaved during the year. Here are some of the things Krampus is said to do:

Carry naughty children away: In some versions of the story, Krampus takes bad kids away in a basket or sack, sometimes to his lair where they are scared into being good. Leave coal or sticks: Krampus might leave coal or hit children with his birch rod as a warning for their bad behavior. While Krampus is pretty terrifying, in some places, he’s actually become a fun part of Christmas celebrations, with Krampus festivals, costumes, and even Krampus-themed events.

Christmas: Austria

Some Austrians believe in the Christkind, a magical child who brings presents to children on Christmas Eve.

The Christkind is usually depicted as a young angel-like figure, often with golden hair and a crown. It is said that the Christkind flies through the windows to deliver gifts, so children leave their rooms for a little while, and when they come back, the presents are there!

Christmas: Austria

Poll

Would You Rather - Be chased by a giant werewolf on a full moon night, or be hunted by a vampire who only comes out at night?

• Chased by a werewolf

• Hunted by a Vampire

Poll

Would You Rather - Face a giant Kraken from the deep ocean, or fight a huge Sasquatch in the woods?

• Face a Giant Kraken

• Fight a Sasquatch

Poll

Would You Rather - Travel in a magical, spooky, flying carriage pulled by black cats, or ride on a broomstick with a witch through the night sky

• Travel in a carriage pulled by black cats

• Ride on a broomstick with a witch

Poll

Would You Rather - Spend a night trapped in a haunted house with creepy noises and shadows, or explore an abandoned graveyard with fog and glowing eyes

• Be trapped in a Haunted House

• Explore abandoned Graveyard