Global Christmas Celebration

Around the world, Christmas is celebrated in many different ways, and sometimes we don’t realise that there are other traditions outside of our own. Now you can learn about the ways in which countries all over the globe celebrate Christmas in their own unique way.

England

In England, if you are Catholic, it is traditional to go to mass every week leading up to Christmas, on Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning. For Christmas dinner a big roast is prepared, along with pigs in blankets and sprouts. For dessert, they eat mince pies and Christmas cake (a fruit cake made with alcohol and topped with marzipan and icing). On Christmas Day, families usually watch the Queen’s speech, play some board games and often have a nap after lunch or dinner, because everyone has eaten so much!

Australia

Australia has their Christmas during summer, which means that because the temperature is higher, the food eaten is quite different. On Christmas Day, the snacks include chips and dip, mini frankfurts, and prawns with orange sauce. The main meal is based on cold meats such as ham, pork and turkey; accompanied by salad, coleslaw and potato salad. Some families will also have barbecued food like sausages, steak and onions. The desserts include pavlova (meringue and fruit), strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce, trifle, and chocolate pudding. Usually, presents will be opened earlier in the morning so that there is more time to enjoy the day. Playing cricket, sitting outside eating, drinking and talking, and swimming in the pool are all activities that Australian’s love to do on Christmas.

Germany

In Germany, the Christmas tree is very important as it originated there. On Christmas Eve, the tree is put up and decorated by the mother, and the children in the house are not allowed to see the tree until it is finished. It is decorated with tinsel, ornaments, candy, nuts and lights. Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are celebrated with big dinners. The main meal can include suckling pig or goose with other foods, including white sausage, Reisbrei (cinnamon rice porridge) and Christstollen (long bread loaves stuffed with nuts and dried fruit). Singing and music is also a big part of German Christmases. “Stille Nacht” is the most popular Christmas carol, and homes often have a set of silver bells that ring throughout the Christmas season.

China

China only has a small Christian population, and therefore Christmas isn’t as big of a holiday there. It is often only celebrated in major cities like Shanghai or Beijing. The Chinese celebrate Christmas by decorating their house with beautiful paper lanterns. Most Christmas trees are made of plastic, and in China they decorate these with colorful paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns. They call Santa Claus ‘Sheng Dan Lao Ren’ which means ‘Christmas Old Man’.

Spain

In Spain, Christmas is celebrated over a number of days, leading up to the New Year. The main Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve before a midnight mass. This usually consists of turkey stuffed with mushroom truffles and is called ‘Pavo Trufado de Navidad’. December 28th is ‘Day of the Innocent Saints’ and is similar to April Fool’s day in the UK, where people try to trick each other with jokes and silly stories. The most important day of the Spanish Christmas celebrations is ‘Epiphany’ or ‘King’s Day’, celebrated on January 6th. This celebrated when the Three Wise Kings brought gifts to Jesus. Children put out their shoes on windowsills or under the Christmas trees on Epiphany Eve to receive their presents.

Poland

In Poland, Christmas Eve is usually a day of fasting. Christmas trees are decorated with long silver or gold chains, glass balls, lights and a star on top. Straw is usually put on the floor of the dining room or on the table to remind families that Jesus was born in the stable. Kissing under the mistletoe is also a very popular tradition. Nativity scenes are often seen on display, and children perform Nativity plays. ‘Merry Christmas’ in Polish is ‘Wesołych Świąt’!

Hopefully you have now learnt about different celebrations in other countries. Looking at other traditions makes you realise how Christmas celebrations are different in every country. You never know, you might find that some of these traditions are celebrated in your own family!