Christmas Traditions Around the World
According to the US Census Bureau, the world population has surpassed 6.5 billion, approximately one third of which is of the Christian faith.  This makes Christmas one of the most widely celebrated events spanning seven continents and touching billions of people each and every year.
In the United States, "Black Friday," one of the busiest shopping days of the year, marks the initiation of the Christmas season, accompanied by a plethora of sparkling lights, Santa Claus figures, candy canes, gingerbread houses, and reindeer. However, go anywhere else in the world and you will find that there are many more traditions that people enjoy. In Sweden you'll see Christmas trees decked in candles, Swedish flags, and gnomes. In India, they won't use pine or fir trees, but rather banana or mango trees. Sometimes, December 25th will be nothing more than time spent with family. Instead, gifts are exchanged early in December 6th (St. Nicholas Day) or in January 6th through 13th (Epiphany).
Whether or not you are very religious, one of the things that makes Christmas so important to all who celebrate it, is the sense of tradition that it evokes. Each country, each state, and each family have their favorite things that make Christmas meaningful to them. This guide takes a sneak peek into some of the most popular Christmas traditions that have been adapted into people's lives all around the world.
Popular North American Traditions
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Christmas Gifts
Gift giving, a central part of Christmas, may have originated with the gifts of the three kings. However, only in the late 1800s did it take full effect. |
Christmas Cards
It all begin in Britain in the mid-1800s when the Penny Post postal service was created and delivering cards became popular because it was cheap and simple. For the whole story, visit Emotionscards.com. |
Christmas Trees
Thank the Germans for bringing these lovely smelling pines and firs into our lives. And the ornaments? It started with the Brits, but the lights are thanks to Martin Luther for placing candles on trees in the 16th century. |
Christmas Stockings
St. Nicholas, in efforts to spread good will to the needy discreetly climbed up to a girl's chimney one night to drop a bag of money down it. A girl's stocking, which was drying by the fire caught the purse and voila! (More from Howstuffworks.com) |
Australia
Caribbean
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Jamaica
Because of the heat, eggnog doesn't go over so well in Jamaica. Instead they have what's called, Sorrel, a spicy rum drink made with sorrel, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. |
Puerto Rico
Ham is a close second, but nothing comes close to the whole roast pig called lechón asado in Puerto Rico. Follow it with tembleque, a coconut pudding. |
Trinidad and Tobago
Play some parang or parang soca (traditional Trinidadian Christmas music) this holiday and be whisked away to Trinidad and Tobago. Serve it up with rum cake. |
Grenada
Grab your masks because it's time for Carnival -- in Carriacou, an island off Grenada, and in Guyana. See the guide to this year's Carriacou Regatta for more details. |
Central America
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Nativity Scenes
These are very popular throughout Central America and can be seen in homes and public spaces. |
Fireworks
El Salvador is famous for throwing big parties and Christmas is no exception. Nicaragua also celebrates with fireworks. |
Piñatas
In Mexico, it's not uncommon to find kids battling it out over the candy spilled from a piñata. |
Poinsettias
This popular plant that Americans decorate with actually originates in Mexico and was used by the Incas as a medicinal plant. |
East Asia
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Paper Lanterns
In China, the traditional "trees of light" are decorating with paper lanterns and paper ornaments. |
Oranges
Strategically decorate the tables with oranges -- a fruit thought to bring good luck and wealth. |
Origami Swan
These little birds of peace are exchanged amongst children in Japan and are a very popular tree ornament. |
Europe
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France
The French version of the yule log, le Bûche Noël, is a tasty dessert that consists of cake rolled around a creamy filling. Flavors vary from chocolate to coffee to rum. |
Spain
Turrón is a Spanish sweet made with almonds and toffee. However, there are many variations consisting of praline, chocolate, and other tasty items. |
Belgium
In Belgium, people parade around on December 6th, the day of St. Nicholas with gigantic bishop's miters and blow horns and ring bells. |
Italy
Befana, the ugly witch shown, takes Santa's place and brings children their gifts on the Epiphany (Jan. 6). Panettone, a Milanese cake with candied fruits, is also traditional. |
Germany
They are known for their impressive gingerbread houses, Christmas trees, and marzipan. Cribs for the baby Jesus are often used as decorations. |
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Norway
The Norwegians claim to be the inventors of the Yule Log. It was originally meant to be an offering to the spirits and sometimes burns for days at a time. |
Finland
The Fins all go out on Christmas to pay respect to the dead late afternoon to place candles on the graves in the cemetery. On Christmas Eve, families often go to the sauna. |
Netherlands
Like in many Scandinavian countries, a shoe is left out on the doorstep with hay or carrots in it for St. Nick's horse. This occurs Dec. 5th, St. Nicolas Eve. |
England
The traditions in England are much the same as in the US. However, they celebrate Boxing Day (Dec. 26) by giving little boxes of gifts or money to service people, such as mailmen, garbage man, etc. |
Iceland
In Iceland, there is not just one Santa, but 13. Candle snatcher and door slammer are just a few of the catchy names of these little devils that pester people from the 12th until Christmas Day. |
Middle East- In Lebanon, chick pea seeds are planted about a month or two before Christmas. Once sprouted, they are used as "hay" in a manger scene.
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