Christmas is a special time to spend with family and friends. Common festivities usually include gift giving and receiving, eating lots of delicious food, and sometimes exciting parties. But have you ever wondered what Christmas looks like in other cultures? Let’s journey across the globe to discover some exciting traditions that may be new to you, while at the same time uncover some of the similarities we share with each other throughout the planet.
Let’s begin our trip!
Latin America
Growing up as a Cuban American in Florida, I always felt fortunate, since my family usually celebrated both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As a significant portion of the United States celebrates on Christmas Day, on the contrary, a lot of Latin America celebrates on Christmas Eve. Since I was child, Christmas Eve was also known as Nochebuena, which translates from Spanish to “good night.” Nochebuena is a chance to enjoy time with family and open presents. The night also revolves around a hearty meal of mojo roasted pork, yuca (a starchy potato like carb), black beans and rice, and flan.
Paired with the tradition of Nochabuena is the celebration of Midnight Mass; also known as La Misa de Gallo, which translates to “the rooster’s mass.” Since Latin America is predominantly Catholic, many attend church with their families to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Some also view the broadcast mass at the Vatican from the comfort of their living rooms.
Another fun tradition is that of Parrandas in Puerto Rico. The concept of the parranda is essentially a traveling party of singing, drinking, and food that shows up uninvited to the homes of friends and family. The party continues from house to house from late night until the break of day.
Europe
Making our way to Sweden, we’re immersed in some unique Christmas traditions — where the entire country stops whatever it is they’re doing at 3 pm on Christmas Eve to watch their favorite Disney character, Donald Duck, star in a Christmas special, which has been broadcasted every year since 1960. The holiday special is labeled Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul, or Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas. The cartoon is preceded with a Julbord (Christmas table), which is an extensive lunch that includes ham, pickled herring, meatballs, cold cuts, cured salmon, and so many other delicious delicacies.
One more captivating Christmas tradition from Sweden is that of the Gävle Christmas Goat. Located about two hours north of Stockholm is the small city of Gävle, in which every Christmas, the city erects a giant straw goat in one of their central squares. Since its inception in 1966, the goat has been the target of arsonists and vandals. There was even a plot to kidnap the goat and transport it to Stockholm with the help of a helicopter, although this scheme was foiled by the police. Luckily, the goat has been unharmed since 2021.
Christmas markets are a widely popular event for locals and tourists. Most of the major European cities host these exciting markets, where you can find delicious holiday foods, hot drinks, and unique gifts for your loved ones. Germany usually takes the title of throwing the best Christmas markets, with Cologne presumably being the best one.
In Iceland, they celebrate the Christmas tradition Jólabókaflóð, or “Christmas Book Flood.” In what sounds like the perfect cozy night, Jólabókaflóð involves giving and receiving books with friends and family. The festive gathering is paired with sipping warm drinks, such as cocoa, and eating delicious goodies.
Asia
In most countries around the Asian continent, Christmas is celebrated more as a commercial holiday that has been imported from the western world, with the focus mostly on enjoying time with friends and family. One sign of the commercial influence of Christmas is how it is now a common tradition to have Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner in Japan. KFC has even jumped on the success of this tradition, since December 24th is usually their busiest day in the country.
The image of the Christmas tree is synonymous with the holiday. In the US, Christmas trees are usually firs, spruces, or pines. But in India, these trees are not very common. So, instead they make do with what they have, and it’s customary to decorate either mango or banana trees for those who celebrate the holiday.
Africa
Although Kwanzaa has Africa roots, it is mainly a holiday that is celebrated strictly in the United States. However, in Uganda, Christmas has a different name, Sekukkulu, but is also celebrated on December 25. Sekukkulu reflects some of the same traditions that can be found elsewhere, such as singing carols, going to church, and decorating with lights. Like other holidays throughout the world, a large meal is the centerpiece of the celebration; and for Christmas in Uganda, it is called Nyama Choma. This meal consists of a barbeque, which usually features goat, sheep, beef, or chicken. The meats are usually accompanied by rice and chapati flat bread.
Hopping over to Liberia, the figure of Santa Claus is replaced by that of Old Man Bayka, or “Old Man Beggar.” This character is associated with the “dancing devils,” a spiritual entity that is shrouded in mystery. Instead of giving presents, Old Man Bayka ventures from door to door, asking for gifts for himself.
Australia
Our last stop takes us down under to the continent of Australia. Here, everything is flipped around, due to being placed in the southern hemisphere. While Christmas generates images of snow-covered fields and chilly nights, summer is in full swing in Australia. So, the Christmastime activities are a bit different and instead include outdoor fun, such as trips to the beach, swimming, surfing, and playing cricket. With a history of being a British colony, British traditions are reflected in Australia’s Christmas traditions, as seen with Christmas crackers, a small, wrapped gift that snaps when pulled apart.
We end our adventure here. Hopefully we have introduced you to a tradition that you would want to adopt in your own Christmas schedule. Here’s to wishing you a very merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Wanna learn more about Jólabókaflóð? Check out our article Everything You Need to Know About the Christmas Book Flood!
Feeling that holiday anxiety? Check out our bookshelf Stress Busters: Books That Banish Your Worries!
