As the time ticks closer and closer to the holidays and what is known as the “greatest time of the year”; it’s nearly impossible to avoid the different kinds of traditions that different families, religions, and even countries celebrate Christmas. There is so much difference and diversity in the traditions that it’s hard to go unnoticed.
- United States
The United States tradition and way(s) to celebrate Christmas are quite popular and well known. It can start from decorating the Christmas tree with your family – decorating the tree with lights and ornaments. Along with setting up the tree and decorating it, it’s also a known tradition to have stockings up on the chimney in the house. Stockings are hung up for Santa to fill with smaller gifts, rather than big and more important gifts going under the tree. And to help get people into the festive mood, some neighbourhoods like to have decorations outside of houses, and have outdoor light displays. It is also very common for Americans to unwrap presents, be with family, and exchange gifts with one another on Christmas Morning (December 24th). And accompanied with that, are traditional meals served on Christmas Day, such as turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, pies, with festive desserts.
- United Kingdom
Although the United States and the United Kingdom are 2 very different places, they have a lot of similarities – more than most realize. People in the United Kingdom celebrate the holiday in many different ways, such as having Christmas crackers, which are paper tubes that are pulled apart at dinner with small gifts inside. On Christmas day, there are a variety of broadcasting shows on the TV for families to watch and enjoy; such as the Queen/King of the United Kingdom giving their famous Christmas speech, a lot of different comedic theatrical performances, and much more! They have classic holiday desserts as well, and they also have a day called “Boxing Day”. This day is celebrated on December 26th, and is known as a day dedicated to shopping and sporting events.
- Germany
Germany participates in a lot of different things to celebrate the holiday. For starters, they have advent calendars and wreaths to count down from December 1st-December 24th to Christmas with candies, treats, and small gifts. Germany is also very popular for its Christmas markets. They appear in late November until Christmas Eve, provide popular treats such as gluhwein (mulled wine), lebkuchen (gingerbread), bratwurst (roasted nuts), and much more! Along with the known tradition of having a Christmas tree up during Christmas time, the tradition actually started in Germany. Although, they’re put up a lot later than most people in America put them up, sometimes as late as December 24th. Along with the Christmas tree being put up late, most of the decorations on the tree include real candies or lights, such as straw ornaments and wood figures.
- Mexico
Mexico has a variety of different traditions that are very popular to celebrate Christmas. They have a holiday known as “Los Posadas” from December 16th to December 24th. It’s used for processions reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Following along, the country also uses Pinatas – colorful star shaped pinatas that are filled with candy at parties and or celebrations. And as most countries do, Mexicans also have a main celebration to feast. It’s known as Nochebeuna (Christmas Eve), with Tamales and ponche navideno; traditional festive food and drinks in the country. And as the United Kingdom had different broadcasts and plays during Christmas Day, Mexico does as well! They have different kinds of plays, known as “Pastorelas”. It is a theatrical play that depicts a shepherd’s journey to see Jesus.
- Italy
Italy is different from the other countries covered above. It is not just one day to celebrate the Christmas season, Italians celebrate it for nearly a month straight. They officially start the Christmas season on December 8th, with families putting up Christmas trees and nativity scenes. On Christmas Eve, they have a big feasting meal just like every other country. It is called “Feast of the Seven Fishes”. It is a seafood-based Christmas Eve meal that most families feast on. Following along with traditional sweets and desserts, known as “panettone” and “pandoro”, which are known as traditional sweet breads in Italy. Italians also celebrate “La Messa di Mezzanotte”, also called “Midnight Mass”. It’s one of the most important religious traditions of Christmas. It is a Catholic religious service that’s held late on Christmas Eve, usually starting or close to midnight. It celebrates the birth of Jesus, marking the beginning of Christmas Day. And on January 6th in the new year, there is a kind witch, known as “La Befana”, who brings and delivers gifts to children in Italy.
Everyone celebrates Christmas differently and has their own unique traditions! There is so much difference, diversity, and celebrations that help each country make their own traditions unique.
