Christmas around the world

We all appreciate how we are celebrating Christmas, without even knowing that none of us are doing it the same way. The truth is, it can get extremely different from all around the world.

It’s important to keep in mind that the purpose of Christmas has become commercial in every aspect. As a matter of fact : Coca-cola contributed to the red Santa Claus as we know nowadays.

We found some countries whose Christmas is very similar to our.

Germany

After having commemorated St Nicolas, they are preparing Christmas during the month of december with huge Christmas markets, advent calendar…

It changes a bit on the 24th because this is the only moment when they are decorating the Christmas tree and installing the nativity scene. Finally, they are having a dinner according to the traditions of the localisation. Then, the gifts are offered by the « Christkind », a little girl dressed in white.

Australia

Enjoying the ambiance brought by the lights, they are decorating Christmas trees and putting illuminations all around the town and in their houses. Then, on the 25th, they exchange gifts and cook a turkey for the dinner.

As this country allows them to, and because the 25th of december is a public holiday, a lot of people are going to the beach, mostly to the beach of Bondi where 40,000 people are gathering that day.

But there are very different ways to celebrate Christmas, as the following countries show us.

Great Britain

Bristish’s customs are special, while we give some biscuit and a glass of milk to Santa Claus, they prefer offering a carrot and a glass of Sherry before Christmas day.

In the 25th of december they all received a sock full of tiny presents. We realize that they love eating chocolate in shape of orange, the famous Terry’s Chocolate. Before the Christmas meal on the 24th of december, children love singing carols to everyone and ask for treats.

But if you are in England for Christmas time don’t forget to watch on tv the speech of the queen at lunch time. You also have to wait the 26 th of december to discover your presents. This day you can also appreciate a delicious meal with some turkey, pigs in blankets, ham cooked in coke.

Spain

Christmas is always about sharing, loving and giving.

Even if the same values are expressed in Spain, Christmas start officially the 22nd of december with the traditionnal « navidad ». There is also a huge raffle seen by everyone, a lot of family bet to earn this incredible amount of money. This is a very old tradition.

During the night they will eat typical dishes like turkey, bass, roast lamb, they also all drink some wine. They don’t forget after the meal to go at midnight at the cockerel mas.

The 25th of december, children don’t have all their presents because they have to wait for the three kings, but once again it’s a great opportunity to be all together and to share a great meal. The three kings are celebrated on the 6th january, and at this special period, childrens received finally their presents. Those three kings are like Santa Claus for us. They congratulate the good kids, and punish the bad one by offering them coal.

Food on fleek

No matter where you celebrate Christmas, we are sure and we hope that you are greeted with excellend food. Food specialties for Christmas all around the world are so varied and they all seem worth it. Take a look at this map :

Source : http://www.allianceabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/christmas-infographic.png