‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what else screams Christmas than events, parties, and get-togethers all over the world? As we’re going on our vacays this winter season, it’ll be super handy to get ahead on the Christmas customs from wherever we’re celebrating. Today, we’ll be looking over the different Christmas traditions all over the globe.
Mexico:
In Mexico, Christmas isn’t celebrated on just one day; rather, there are special events from December to January! On December 12th, Dia de la Virgin de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe), fireworks and parades light up the sky near the Basilica of Guadalupe. On Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos (Day of the Three Kings), celebrated on January 6th, Christians celebrate the three wise men who gifted gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Infant Jesus. Children wake up early to find what presents the Three Kings have left them, before gathering for a large family dinner! A treat well known on this special day is the Rosca de Reyes, a bread with a hole in the middle, hiding the figure of an infant inside. Mexico is known to be one of the most Christian countries in the world, and their celebrations certainly reflect this!
Sweden:
Up in the snowy hills of Scandinavia, the Swedes take their Christmas traditions very seriously as well. December 13th represents Saint Lucia Day, where men, women, and children wear white gowns, carry candles, and sing songs to celebrate Saint Lucia, the bearer of light. A special treat on this day is the lussekatter, a sweet saffron bun! On Christmas Eve, Swedes gather around a buffet-style julbord to eat ham, pickled herring, and beetroots. Sweden’s very own Santa, Julltomten, will also join their Christmas parties, handing out presents to any children who’ve been good this year. Despite their moody weather most of the year, Swedes definitely make the Christmas season jolly!
Croatia:
Down near the Adriatic coast, Croats too celebrate Christmas with a spin. December 6th brings Sveti Nikola (Saint Nicholas Day), where children wake up early to check their boots on the windowsill. This might sound odd at first, though they do this to see if Saint Nicholas has filled their boots with candy, showing they were good that year. If they were naughty, however, they’ll find that the evil Krampus has filled their boots with a šiba (a small stick)! On Christmas Day, after a morning of mass, a typical Croatian get-together will consist of sarma (cabbage rolls), and pršut (prosciutto), as well as lots of beer! On January 6th, Bogojavljenje (Epiphany Day) is celebrated, where boys go from house to house singing songs and bringing gifts for their neighbours. Overall, Croatia has a variety of Christmas traditions dating back centuries, varying all over the country!
While Christmas is certainly worldwide, we all have our own distinct traditions. From wherever you’re celebrating Christmas, it’s important to remember that the spirit of the season unites us all. However, as we celebrate the holiday, it’s critical to remember its roots and real meaning.