Christmas is one of the world’s biggest holidays, with over 2 billion people in over 160 countries celebrating faith, traditions, and togetherness each year. While the festive spirit unites us, the ways people celebrate vary from culture to culture. As we wind down for the holidays, let’s look at what makes Christmas special in some other countries across the globe.
Christmas In South America
Christmas in South America is always a family-centered celebration with many Catholic traditions. The holiday season usually begins with “novenas”—a nine-day series of prayers and gatherings leading up to Christmas Eve. Many homes have nativity scenes, and many cities celebrate with fireworks every year.
Specifically, Christmas in Argentina is warm-weathered considering the country is in the southern hemisphere. Families gather on Christmas Eve for a late-night feast that lasts the entire evening. They typically begin their meal around 10-11 pm. Once the clock hits midnight, everyone has a toast with wine as they enjoy gift exchanges and more fireworks. These midnight celebrations are always huge events. As Gabriel Valfre, an Argentine local, states, “At my home, there will be more than 50 people, including many family and friends.”
Christmas in Argentina also includes a few more differences and more religious focus as most of the country is Catholic. Many families participate in midnight mass many nights leading up to Christmas Day called La Misa De Gallo. Additionally, Argentineans enjoy asado (grilled meats) and sweets like alfajores and dulce de leche during Christmas time. The last major difference is that instead of waiting up for Santa Claus, the children are excited for Papa Noel to bring them their gifts.
Christmas In East Asia
Considering that Christianity is not a prominent religion in Asia, some may find it odd that many Asian countries celebrate Christmas. However, the holiday is still celebrated in most countries. Whether for the religious aspect in the Philippines and certain parts of South Korea or simply for the commercial festivities in places like Japan and Vietnam, Christmas is still a special holiday in the East.
Specifically, Christmas in Japan is all about festive cheer. Many families and couples exchange gifts and enjoy big dinners as a way to celebrate the end of the year. Many of the meals include fried chicken—stemming from the KFC marketing campaign originating after the first KFC was opened in Japan. Many families also enjoy the kurisumasu keeki which is a light sponge cake with whipped icing and fresh strawberries on top and in layers. This cake symbolizes prosperity and joy.
Christmas in Vietnam is similar to Christmas in Japan as it is a growing commercial holiday. Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country. However, in urban areas like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, Christmas has become an increasingly popular holiday. Many families and businesses enjoy decorating their houses and buildings with lights, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes. Christmas in Vietnam puts more emphasis on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day as the night includes celebrations with food, parades, and caroling. In Ho Chi Minh City, people ride motorbikes through the streets to enjoy the energy of the city during Christmas. Some foods that are enjoyed during Christmas in Vietnam include bûche de Noël (Yule log cake inspired by French colonial influences), bánh xèo and spring rolls.
Christmas in many East Asian countries reflects a blend of Western Traditions and Eastern cultures. The holiday’s festivities have made it a joyful time for people of all beliefs, with a focus on togetherness, celebration, and joy.
Christmas In Europe
Europe is home to some of the oldest and most cherished Christmas traditions in the world. Many European Christmas Celebrations begin with Advent—a time of preparation and reflection leading up to December 25. Churches across the continent hold special services such as midnight mass which is key for many Catholic families. The large majority of Europe is Christian meaning that Christmas is a religiously recognized holiday in every European country.
Specifically, Christmas in Slovakia is a very peaceful, spiritual, and family-oriented holiday. Similar to many other European countries, Christmas in Slovakia begins with Advent. Christmas in Slovakia is celebrated mainly on the 24th instead of the 25th as it is a night when families eat dinner together. A traditional Slovak Christmas dinner is comprised of sauerkraut soup, fried carp, and potato salad. After dinner, an adult quietly sneaks into the living room to place presents under the Christmas tree and rings a bell to signal that the gifts have arrived. When the children hear the bell, they run to the tree to try to see Baby Jesus (Santa Claus in the US) delivering the presents. Families will also open gifts on the 24th. Another significant part of Christmas in Slovakia is the Christmas Markets. These are common meeting places for friends to shop and enjoy weekend activities. Slovaks also celebrate a few other Christmas-related holidays such as Saint Nicholas Day on December 6 and Three Kings Day on January 6.
Christmas may look different around the world, but its spirit of joy, togetherness, and tradition remains the same. No matter the customs or culture, the holiday season brings people together to celebrate love, family, and hope.
