12 Days of Christmas: Traditions Around the World
The Christmas season is a time for holiday cheer, large dinners, lots of presents and time with family, but traditions vary among different countries. Here are some of the coolest Christmas traditions around the world outside of the United States.
- France
In France, children put their shoes in front of the chimney in the hope that Father Christmas, also known as Pere Noel, will fill them with sweets.
- Mexico
At midnight on Christmas Eve, families gather together to open presents rather than on Christmas morning. They also celebrate by eating a traditional dish of tamales and a bread known as Rosca de Reyes decorated with candied fruit with a small figurine of Christ inside.
- The Philippines
Christmas lanterns, called parol, are sold to celebrate the Christmas season. They are shaped like a star in remembrance of the star of Bethlehem.
- Italy
Gifts are exchanged on Jan. 6, which is known as the Day of Epiphany. Christmas markets are erected selling knick-knacks, Christmas snacks, fruits and festive foods.
- Japan
The celebration of Christmas is a fairly new thing in Japan as there aren’t many Christians living there. Most see it as a time to spread happiness rather than anything religious. Fried chicken and strawberry shortcake are traditionally eaten on Christmas Day.
- Kenya
Fake snow decorates towns and storefronts, along with paper chains, fake pine needles and ribbons. After church services on Christmas Eve, large parties start that last until early the next morning. Traditional Christmas meals include sheep, goat or chicken.
- Sweden
An important day of celebration in Sweden is St. Lucia’s Day on Dec. 13. Young girls wear red sashes and crowns adorned with lingonberry branches that represent new beginnings. Traditional Christmas meals always include cold fish
- Australia
Children grow up hearing tales of Santa giving his reindeer a break when arriving in the land down under and using kangaroos instead. The Christmas season occurs in the summer months here, so people spend their time on beaches barbequing seafood and building sandcastles. It is a tradition for families to put out beer for Santa, as well!
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