For as many of my 19 years as I can remember, my Christmas morning has involved a very particular set of traditions. I knew Christmas festivities would vary hugely around the world, so I thought it would be interesting to ask some friends who go to Uni in all different corners of the world a few questions. I asked about the weather, Christmas morning customs and about festive foods.
Elly, 19- Queensland University of Technology, Studying Nursing and Psychology
“In Australia, we never get any snow. I would love to have a white Christmas, but I’d have to go abroad for that, for sure. I wake up at 6am to open presents with my siblings. We have a really huge large fake tree which we decorate sometime in December whilst listening to music.
At the Christmas table there is seafood, roast chicken, potato salad and other fresh salads. It’s pavlova for dessert. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a pavlova. Our main family Christmas tradition is going to the beach on Christmas Eve and having a sunset picnic.”
My one word to describe Christmas: “Memorable”
Sassi- 19- Maastricht University, Studying European Law
“Although I study in the Netherlands, I live in Germany where it snows almost every year. I wake up early because there is so much to do, like wrap presents and help prepare food. We actually get our presents on ‘Heiligenstadt Abend’ (Holt Evening) which is on December 24th. My family always have a real tree which we decorate together every year. Our family Christmas breakfast involves Plätzchen, which are a type of Christmas cookie.
In Germany, the main Christmas meal is in the evening and involves Klöße (dumplings), goose and red cabbage.”
My one word to describe Christmas: “Weihnachtsmarkt”
Paulina,19- Kolding International Business Academy, Studying Business
“Even though I study in Denmark, I am from Poland, where there is usually some snow. Christmas Eve is our main day of celebration, so I have to get up early to help prepare. On 25th, our Christmas breakfast is usually “racuchy”. These are polish pancakes served with apple.
My family always buys the biggest real Christmas tree we can find, which is beautifully decorated. My favourite Christmas traditions are listening to festive music, decorating gingerbread cookies and going to the historical part of Warsaw. I prefer to give presents than receive them and often we only give gifts to the children anyway.”
My one word to describe Christmas: “Family”
Ella, 18- University of Otago, Studying Health Science
“I live on New Zealand’s North island but study a long way from home on the South Island. Because it’s the middle of summer, it’s usually around 30 degrees at home, so there’s no sign of snow.
I wake up at around 7am when the sun is already warm. We always have to wait until after breakfast to open presents. Christmas lunch involves Roast lamb, a glazed ham, new potatoes, heaps of fresh salads, often freshly caught local seafood and fresh bread.
My family and I always play backyard beach cricket and walk to the beach together for a swim.”
My one word to describe Christmas: “Family”
Amelia, 20- University of Toronto, Studying Political Science
“I study abroad in Canada, but my home is in the US where there is usually at least a light dusting snow. When I was younger, I used to wake up super early at around 4am, but now it’s usually a more acceptable time of around 8am. After waking, my brother and I go downstairs and check what’s in our stockings. We then wait until our parents wake up and have a festive breakfast of spiced coffee and cinnamon buns in the living room where a large tree stands. One of my favourite things is giving a gift that the person really likes.”
My one word to describe Christmas: “Calm!”