Not Just Christmas: A look at Christmas around the world

Tradition has always been important. It evolves as the years, decades, and centuries pass, but still serves as a guide for everyday life. Traditions vary based on geography and religion. For instance, not all people celebrate Christmas on December 25. With the holiday season (too) quickly approaching, we took a look around the world to see how difficult cultures celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas. Christians hold an end-of-year celebration to commemorate the birth of Jesus (even though there is no proof he was born on this day). This holiday is particularly popular, with many families getting together to share gifts and a meal. Some adorn their houses with lights and decorations, and most have a Christmas tree hiding somewhere in their house. Don’t forget the gift-giving, which many businesses bank on to boost their sales at the end of the year. Living in New England, it’s a challenge to imagine Christmas Day being warm enough to spend on the beach – although the holiday falls in the summer months in Australia and New Zealand (the fast-spreading tradition of “Christmas in July.”) This leads to beach parties with fresh seafood on the barbie, friendly games of cricket, and the pipedream singing of “White Christmas.” There could be some surfing Santa sightings along the waves. Singapore has its own beach traditions, complete with a countdown party, fireworks, and festive restaurant menus. They also have mind-blowing light displays throughout the season. Japan is new to celebrating Christmas, as it isn’t a national holiday at this time. Families use this day to order a feast, which they usually do in advance. The finger-licking good feast comes from none other than KFC. With chicken in hand, this is a time to spread joy and cheer. Krampus is definitely one of the cooler traditions of the season. Good ole’ St. Nick rewards the well-behaved kids of Austria and Bavaria, while Krampus takes care of the naughty list. The half-man, halfgoat hybrid beats the misbehaved with branches and sticks. Some are rumored to have been eaten or dragged to Hell. Today people dress in costume and parade around the streets, scaring the local kids (regardless of which list they are on). People in Poland start the festivities with a bit of sharing. On Christmas Eve, families begin by sharing the Oplatek, a paper-thin square wafer decorated with a Nativity scene. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and shares a greeting. Children in England still hang their stockings with care, but not by the fireplace. Instead, they leave their stockings at the foot of their beds to wake up to a sweet surprise. Iceland is a kid’s dream, celebrating 13 days before Christmas where they get presents from 13 different Santas (also known as Yule Lads). Each Yule Lad gives different quantities of gifts. Children place their shoes on the windowsill for small gifts. Hopefully, they all behaved, or else they’ll end up with rotten potatoes in their Crocs. Many people in America also add their own spin to Christmas traditions. Each family does things a little differently. Some open gifts the night before, while others wait for “Santa” to make his rounds on Christmas Eve. The day can be hectic, trying to hit as many families as possible, leaving them exhausted by the time they finally get home. Families with young kids can use that as an excuse to make everyone come to them, which cuts down on the commute, but adds to the cooking and cleaning. Then there are those with no families or related traditions, who try to keep the day as normal as possible. There is no wrong way to celebrate (or not celebrate). Christmas time can be joyous, hectic and depressing all at once. The important thing is to show as much empathy and understanding to others, knowing that not everyone does things the same way. It’s those differences that keep the world exciting. ••