Christmas is celebrated across the globe, and every country adds its unique traditions, flavors, and customs to the holiday. From the festive lights of Europe to the sun-soaked beaches of Australia, Christmas traditions vary widely, but the essence of the holiday remains the same: love, joy, and togetherness.

This year, embrace the beauty of global Christmas traditions by exploring customs from different cultures. You may even find inspiration for your own celebrations!

Why Celebrate Christmas Globally?

1. Cultural Appreciation: Discover the diverse ways in which people from all corners of the world celebrate the season.
2. Shared Joy: While traditions may differ, the underlying message of love and joy unites us all.
3. New Traditions: Learn about new customs that can add unique flair to your own holiday celebrations.

Popular Global Christmas Traditions

Step 1: Learn About Different Customs

• Germany: The tradition of the Advent Calendar is deeply ingrained in German Christmas celebrations, often filled with chocolates or small gifts.
• Mexico: In Mexico, Las Posadas is a traditional reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, complete with singing and festive processions.
• Japan: In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as a time for spreading joy and sharing a festive meal—usually KFC chicken, which has become a quirky national tradition.
• Sweden: The Julbord is a Christmas smorgasbord in Sweden, featuring traditional dishes like pickled herring, ham, and Swedish meatballs.

Step 2: Embrace Global Foods

• Italy: Celebrate La Vigilia, the Italian tradition of a festive Christmas Eve dinner featuring multiple courses of seafood.
• Brazil: Enjoy panettone, the Italian-origin Christmas bread, a staple during the Brazilian holiday season.
• Philippines: The Simbang Gabi is a series of early morning masses followed by delicious breakfasts, with bibingka (rice cakes) being a festive favorite.

Step 3: Adopt Unique Traditions

• Norway: Inspired by the Norwegian tradition of hiding a Christmas pickle ornament on the tree, have a “pickle hunt” on Christmas morning.
• Finland: Finnish Christmas includes a visit to the sauna before Christmas dinner, a custom believed to purify the body and spirit.

Benefits of Exploring Global Traditions

• Fosters Inclusion: Embracing diverse traditions celebrates the beauty of different cultures.
• Adds Fun and Uniqueness: These traditions add variety and excitement to your Christmas celebrations.
• Creates New Memories: Learning new customs as a family creates fresh, meaningful experiences.

A World of Christmas Wonders

Christmas is a global holiday, and embracing diverse traditions allows us to see the many beautiful ways this season is celebrated. Whether you’re cooking international dishes, incorporating new rituals into your festivities, or learning about different cultural customs, there’s a wealth of joy to be found in celebrating Christmas across the world.