It’s the most wonderful time of year. We are, of course, talking about Christmas celebrations! Whilst, in the UK, we have our own traditions – did you know that Christmas is celebrated quite differently around the world? Each country has its own customs, and, believe it or not, some nations simply don’t celebrate it at all!
Join us as we go globetrotting with Christmas traditions around the world, for you to educate your child on – and maybe even adopt into your very own seasonal schedule!
Christmas In Australia
G’day mate and Merry Christmas! Christmas in Australia actually takes place during the summer, and for children, this usually marks the start of their summer holidays.
Father Christmas or Santa, as he’s also known, visits children on Christmas Eve. Children will leave out their sacks and stockings to be filled with presents, while they’ll also leave Santa some cake and a beer, as well as some carrots for the reindeer!
Popular traditions see presents exchanged between families on Christmas Day. On While, on Boxing Day, most people head to the beach with friends to have another barbecue – and make the most of the incredible weather.
Christmas In Japan
Meri Kurisumasu (or めりーくりすます) from Japan! Believe it or not, but December 25th isn’t a national holiday – although schools have usually broken up by then. Many of the Japanese Christmas customs have come from America.
In Japan, there are two gift bearers – Santa-San ( サンタさん、サンタクロース) which translates as ‘Mr Santa’ , and Hoteiosho, who is the Japanese god of good fortune. The latter isn’t directly related to Christmas but is part of the Buddhist culture.
The Japanese New Year is when the big celebrations take place, and this is more like a ‘traditional’ Christmas. Known as ‘o shogatsu;’ the festivities take place between January 31st and January 4th.
Christmas In South Africa
Another nation with Christmas celebrations during the summertime, the schools are closed for the holidays, as South Africans greet each other with “Geseënde Kersfees”.
In South Africa, Father Christmas is known as ‘Sinterklaas’ or ‘Kersvader’ – paying homage to the country’s Dutch roots. Families will enjoy Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve, before children hang up their stockings, ready to be filled with gifts.
As well as the carol singing on Christmas Eve, many people will go to a church service on Christmas morning. As the season is all about coming together, most families and friends will dine outside. Finishing the festivities with camping, hiking or even swimming. Boxing Day is also a national holiday.
Christmas In Spain
Depending on the region in Spain you’re from, you could be wishing ‘Feliz Navidad’; ‘Bon Nadal’; ‘Bo Nadal’; ‘Feliz Nadal’ or even ‘Eguberri’! Not only are languages across the country different, but some of the traditions also vary.
In the Basque country, a magical figure called Olentzero will deliver presents on Christmas Eve – he resembles a Basque farmer. However, most children will write their Christmas wish lists to the Three Kings, who deliver gifts ahead of Epiphany.
While some children will open presents on Christmas Day, January 5th is when children leave their shoes on their windowsills, balconies or under their Christmas trees for the Three Kings to fill with gifts. Children will leave the Three Kings a glass of cognac, a satsuma and some walnuts. As well as a bucket of water for the camels, that bring the Kings to their homes. Naughty children will receive a sugary substance that resembles coal.
So, now you’ve got this wreath of knowledge under your belt, the next step is to get your child involved!
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