Christmas Around The World
Join us as we explore the heartwarming customs, delicious foods, and spirited festivities that make Christmas special in every corner of the world. Together, let’s celebrate the season of love, light, and togetherness!
A Cozy Danish Jul
In Denmark, the word “hygge” takes center stage. Picture snow-covered streets, candlelit windows, and families gathered around a roaring fire. The Danes celebrate Jul with cozy feasts of roast pork, red cabbage, and a creamy dessert called risalamande—complete with a hidden almond for good luck. On Christmas Eve, children eagerly await Julemanden (Santa Claus) and his Nisse helpers, mischievous elves who love to stir up playful trouble.
A Sparkling Start in the Philippines
Imagine an ocean of glowing lanterns lighting up the night sky. In the Philippines, Christmas isn’t just a day—it’s a season that begins in September! At the heart of their celebrations is the Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve, and the vibrant Giant Lantern Festival. Families gather to admire intricate, star-shaped parols, symbolizing hope and the guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem.
Australian Beachside Barbecues
While many of us associate Christmas with snowy landscapes, Australians embrace a sun-soaked celebration. With temperatures soaring, families flock to the beach for festive barbecues, indulging in seafood, pavlova, and a refreshing dip in the ocean. Yet, even in the blazing heat, the spirit of Christmas remains timeless, with carol services and spectacular light displays lighting up the summer night.
Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads
Iceland’s Christmas folklore is as enchanting as its wintery landscapes. Instead of one Santa Claus, Icelandic children are visited by the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who leave small gifts—or potatoes!—depending on whether they’ve been naughty or nice. The fun begins 13 days before Christmas, with each Lad bringing a unique blend of mischief and cheer.
Mexican Posadas and Piñatas
In Mexico, Christmas is a community affair. From December 16th to 24th, neighborhoods come alive with Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Families host lively gatherings with traditional foods like tamales and ponche, a warm fruit punch. The festivities crescendo with children breaking brightly colored piñatas, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Germany’s Enchanting Christmas Markets
Step into a fairytale as we explore Germany’s Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets). Picture cobblestone streets lined with wooden stalls twinkling under festive lights. These markets, from Nuremberg to Dresden, overflow with handcrafted ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and the irresistible aroma of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread (Lebkuchen). For many families, these markets are the heart of Advent, a time to shop, sip, and savor the season’s magic.
Ukraine’s Sparkling Spider Webs
In Ukraine, Christmas trees often sparkle with more than just tinsel and lights. According to folklore, a poor widow’s family awoke one Christmas morning to find their tree covered in glistening spider webs, transformed into silver and gold by the morning sun. To this day, Ukrainians decorate their trees with delicate spider ornaments as symbols of good luck and prosperity.