Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Christmas in the United States

In its Christmas celebrations, the United States of America incorporates aspects from other cultures. The Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany, while parades originated in Latin America, Carols originated in England and Australia, and Santa Claus originated in Europe. Apart from the general Christmas celebrations of feasting, caroling, decorating, and gift-giving, each American household has its own Christmas celebrations. Even within the United States, traditions differ from one region to the next. For example, in Washington, DC, there is a centerpiece ceremony with the lighting of the tree on the Ellipse. There is one large tree (which represents the country) and several lesser trees here (standing for other states). Caroling is a prominent part of Christmas in New Orleans, with thousands of people flocking to Jackson Square each year for a large group/community caroling around gigantic bonfires erected along the Mississippi River. On Christmas, St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States, has the entire city decked up in white lights. On Christmas, only white lights are permitted. However, many Americans enjoy visiting Hollywood, California to see the annual Parade of Stars, while others enjoy attending Christmas concerts or caroling events in and around their cities.

In France, Christmas is celebrated

Happy Holidays! For the curious, that is French for "Merry Christmas." Christmas is celebrated in France as Noel, while Father Christmas is known as Père Noel. Red ribbons and candles are used to decorate Christmas trees. Christmas trees are also adorned with lights. People go together to eat steak and drink fine wine. The French children leave their shoes and boots beside the fireplace for Santa to fill with Christmas presents. Almost every family also puts up a Nativity scene at home during the Christmas season.

In Spain, Christmas is celebrated.

Happy Holidays! For the Spanish-speaking populace, that's 'Merry Christmas.' In spirit and celebration, Christmas in Spain is basically Christian. Because Virgin Mary is the country's patron saint, Spain celebrates a religious Christmas. The feast of the Immaculate Conception falls on December 8, and Christmas officially begins on that day. Every year, the Spanish celebrate Christmas with a ceremony known as 'los Seises,' or the 'dance of six,' in front of Seville's Gothic cathedral.

Portugal's Christmas

Christmas in Portugal is very similar to Christmas in Spain. Whatever gifts Father Christmas sends the kids are kept near the fireplace in shoes or at the base of the Christmas evergreen. The Portuguese have a special Christmas feast of dried and salted codfish and cooked potatoes at midnight on Christmas Eve. They also hold a 'consoada' breakfast early on Christmas morning, where chairs are left empty at the table for the 'alminhas a penar,' or'souls of the dead.' This is derived from the ancient practice of leaving seeds to deceased ancestors in the hopes of receiving a more abundant harvest. So many wonderful celebrations! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year's celebration!

Christmas in the United Kingdom

Christmas stockings are said to have originated in England. Father Christmas is said to have once dropped several gold coins while descending a chimney, and the monies landed on one stocking that was hanging out to dry. Since then, the tradition of hanging stockings on Christmas has gained traction, and today's children make it a point to hang their stockings for Santa Claus to fill with sweets. Pantomime is also a common Christmas ritual in several areas. And, of course, wishing "Merry Christmas" and exchanging gifts is a tradition in England.

Germany's Christmas

The German St. Nicholas Day celebration, which takes place on December 6, is similar to the English Christmas traditions. Apart from exchanging 'Froehliche Weihnachten' or 'Merry Christmas' greetings, Christmas customs and traditions differ from region to region in Germany. St. Nicholas Day is essentially a day for children to enjoy themselves and be spoiled with gifts. Following then, the actual Christmas gift-giving begins on Christmas Eve night. Gifts are traditionally kept under the Christmas tree, and the Christmas feast usually includes a traditional roast goose. On Christmas, the Weihnachtsmann (a doppelganger of St. Nicholas) gives gifts, which are often accompanied by the Christkind (a fairy child often like baby Jesus).