Christmas is celebrated on December 25th each year in honor of Jesus Christ’s birth. Even though it is based on Christianity, but it is now a popular celebration in the majority of the countries in the world.
Christmas in France
In many places in France, Christmas does not start on December 25th, or even the 24th. It starts on December 6th, which is St. Nicholas day, when children already start to receive sweets and gifts. The houses are decorated with Christmas lights throughout the month, and children prefer to do the countdown with a 24-day advent calendar, with small windows that have candies in them. On the 24th, Christmas Eve, instead of the classical stockings, they put polished shoes in front of the chimney. If Père Noel (Santa) comes, their shoes will be filled with sweets. A popular park in France where Christmas is celebrated is in the Jardin des Plantes.
Christmas in Italy
In Italian, Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, is known as ‘Babbo Natale’. In many families, gifts are not exchanged on Christmas day, but rather on January 6th of the next year, which is the Day of Epiphany.
Christmas in Germany
In most places, the Christmas lights and tree are decorated starting from the beginning of December. However, in Germany, the Christmas tree is usually only set up and decorated on Christmas Eve, and the festivals in the country start on the same day. At lunchtime, the stores close, preparing for Christmas break. December 26th is often known as boxing day, and it is an official public holiday in Germany.
Christmas in England
Most people start celebrating Christmas in mid-November, which is earlier than other places. Some houses set up donation spots, so visitors can place a donation for an aid to local charities. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th, and Boxing Day is also the holiday.
Christmas in Norway
The Norwegian Santa Claus is called ‘Julenisse’, and Christmas is called ‘Jul’. This makes Merry Christmas in Norwegian God Jul.
Christmas in Iceland
In Iceland, their Santa Claus is called ‘Juletide Lads’. Instead of stockings beside the chimney, they put their shoes on the windowsill. Christmas starts on Christmas Eve, families gather together for family dinner, and many visits midnight mass.
Christmas in Portugal
In Portugal, Christmas is also celebrated on Christmas Eve. Many families put up a native scene (presepio), the scene where baby Jesus is added to the crib after the family attends the midnight mass. Instead of showing their shoes for Santa, they place them for baby Jesus instead. None of the gifts are kept but rather exchanged amongst each other. In some towns, there are community gatherings and fires around churches, wishing each other ‘Feliz Natal’. In the city of Lisbon, there is an artificial green tree known for its heavily sparkling lights.
Christmas in Philippines
In the Philippines, there is a special tradition apart from the Christmas tree, to put up Christmas lanterns. These lanterns are called ‘parol’, and they are star shaped, somewhat similar to the star of Bethlehem, made of paper and sometimes bamboo.
Christmas in Singapore
In Singapore, Christmas isn’t as celebrated, as the ratio is 1:4 in celebrating Christmas. However, it is very commercialized, with Christmas lights on buildings, trees, etc. These stunning decorations can be seen until December 26th in all the parks.
Christmas in Australia
From the start of December, there is the tradition of Christmas picnics, where Christmas carols are sung on the beach, because it is the southern hemisphere.
Christmas in Brazil
In front of the Brazilian churches, there is often the ‘presepio’, the crib. ‘Papai Noel’ or Santa Claus travels all the way from Greenland to Brazil to give children gifts. In Rio de Janeiro, the floating Christmas tree was said to be the largest Christmas tree in the world. In Brazilian, Merry Christmas is ‘Bom Natal’ or ‘Boas Festes’.
Christmas in South Africa
On Christmas day, the families gather together at the ‘braai’, a South-African BBQ. Many people visit the Christmas mass, and put up trees, however mostly artificial. Sometimes shopping centers are decorated with Christmas trees or lights, and at other times, it is decorated with African crafts made by the local designers.
Written by The Nine Eves
The Anonymous Helpers (TAH)
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