Christmas traditions around the world

CAIRO – 23 December 2017: The most known version of Christmas celebrations is the family sitting around the tree opening presents on Christmas morning, but that’s one shade of the hundreds happening around the world that show how diverse the occasion of Christmas can be. It’s a part of hundreds of cultures and each incorporates a bit of its own traditions into the occasion.

Philippines


2012 Giant Lantern Festival via CC/Ramon Velasquez

The Giant Lantern Festival is held every year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in San Fernando, what’s known as the “Christmas capital of the Philippines.” It’s a competition of which village, of the eleven taking part, can build the largest, most intricate and beautiful lantern. Originally, the lanterns were simple and about half a meter in diameter, but over the years they’ve grown to be up to six meters in diameter. They’re also lit up with multicolored bulbs, giving a kaleidoscopic effect.

Austria


Krampus via CC/Luca Lorenzi

In Austria, there’s the somewhat unexpected tradition of a man dressed as a demon-like creature roaming the streets and frightening the children. This is Krampus – St Nicholas’ evil counterpart. While Father Christmas rewards the nice children, Krampus punishes the naughty ones.

Venezuela


Christmas Eve in the Church of Jalpaiguri. Via CC/Sandipanraha

In Caracas, Venezuela, the residents have an odd tradition of roller skating to church on Christmas eve. The roads are closed off to cars for safety, so people can get to church on their blades. And then they head home for a Christmas dinner of tamales.

Toronto


Fireworks at City Hall via CC/Ben Roffelsen

The Cavalcade of Lights is a Toronto tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season. The Toronto Square and Christmas tree are lit with over 300,000 LED lights and fireworks are set off that light up the whole square.

Iceland


Four children reading the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss. Via CC/scbailey

In Iceland, the third most literate country in the world, people exchange books on Christmas eve and spend the evening reading the books they received. The tradition is called Jolabokaflod, or “The Christmas Book Flood.”

Japan


KFC meal. Via CC/Aero777

In Japan, the traditional Christmas dinner is Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). It’s such a popular tradition that you have to reserve ahead of time in order to guarantee your Christmas dinner. Often times, it’s couples who want to follow this tradition because holidays in Japan are more romantic than religious.

Australia


Garden party. Via CC/Zorba the Geek

Australia being in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is usually right in the middle of summer. That means it’s hot and rather than cozying up in front of a fire, Australians break out the barbeque and the swimming suits. It’s an outdoor celebration down under.