Christmas Traditions In Other Countries

Christmas is truly a world-wide celebration. You may wonder what Christmas traditions around the world may look like - are Nativity scenes common elsewhere? How about holiday lights? And trees? Here is a quick round-up of some of the most interesting Christmas traditions around the world!

• Armenia: Christmas is celebrated by many on January 6
• Belgium: Just as in the US, life-like Nativity scenes are common in yards and gardens
• Costa Rica: Tropical flowers make for gorgeous decorations in this Central American country.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: Christmas is celebrated more as a festival rather than as a commercial, gift-giving event. Churches are known for their hours-long Nativity plays.
• Greece: Children go from house to house singing ‘kalanda’ or carols. They are rewarded with small treats and gifts.
• Hong Kong: Christmas is just part of a weeks-long winterfest celebration
• Iraq: Christmas service ends with the congregation passing the ‘touch of peace’ from one individual to the next until each person has been reached.
• Italy: This is where outdoor Nativity scenes started with St. Francis of Assisi, so Nativity scenes are common here, just as in Belgium and the United States and many other places
• Mexico: Plays that focus upon the part of the Christmas story related to Mary and Joseph finding an inn are an integral part of the holiday celebration. These are called ‘posadas.’
• Poland: The Polish are known for their honey cake making during the advent and Christmas season. These cakes are called pierniki and can be made in many shapes.
• Sweden: This country is known for their St. Lucia ceremony. Before dawn on December 13, the youngest daughter from each family puts on a white robe and red sash. She wears an evergreen crown. The day’s festivities include serving her parents coffee and ‘Lucia buns.’ Other children help, too!
• United States: Many hang a Christmas pickle ornament on the tree. Whoever finds it first will have the best luck in the upcoming year.

Christmas Traditions Around the World and Back

While Christmas traditions in other countries may seem foreign or odd, no matter your heritage, or whether you plan to include any worldly celebrations in your home, it is truly beautiful to know the reach of Jesus and the Christmas story.

Whether you are celebrating Christmas traditions from around the world, or your native country, St. Patrick’s Guild has a fantastic selection of faith-based gifts to help you celebrate this holy holiday season. Check out our selection or contact us today.