Christmas is a wonderful winter holiday that adults and children look forward to. This holiday comes to us in the light of the stars, the singing of the church choir and the sounds of children's voices. Heaven and earth glorify the birth of Jesus, and everyone's hearts are filled with goodness and joy. Find out more about how Christmas is celebrated around the world

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As Christmas approaches, the festive atmosphere is palpable - fairs are organized all over the world, Christmas trees decorate the streets, and light illumination creates a magnificent light landscape. Initially, Christmas traditions and customs emerged over many centuries in different parts of the world. In 145 countries, Christmas is recognized as a key public and religious holiday. People consider Christmas to be a family holiday, coming together to share a crimson Christmas meal. Each country has its own traditions and customs that add uniqueness to the festive mood.

Christmas traditions in Australia

In Australia, where Christmas comes in the summer, holiday traditions are different from those in the Northern Hemisphere. Since December in Australia is the middle of summer, many people choose to celebrate Christmas outdoors.

On Christmas Eve, Australians create a unique atmosphere by laying out blankets in front of their homes and organizing merry carols. The main celebration takes place on the beach, where they light up the grill and cook delicious dishes. Exchanging gifts, playing croquet and beach games are part of the tradition, and swimming in the ocean makes the holiday even brighter. The traditional Christmas dinner, with cold seafood, turkey, salads and a dessert of sour cream, pomegranate and strawberries, adds a festive charm to the Christmas festivities.

Picnics and outdoor barbecues are popular, where families and friends gather around the grill. Traditional dishes include seafood, which is light and refreshing on hot days. Christmas carols and concerts are also quite common in Australia, which are held outdoors or in amphitheaters. One of the characteristic Australian traditions is "Santa Claus on a sleigh" pulled by kangaroos or even koalas adapted to the local environment. It is also worth noting that some trees here leave their leaves, as December is the time of their full bloom.

Christmas traditions in the USA

In the United States, Christmas traditions are filled with the warmth of family gatherings and a festive atmosphere. At the beginning of December, cities are decorated with huge Christmas trees, sparkling lights and colored garlands. Families gather together to prepare Christmas dishes such as traditional turkey, roast rabbit or hot apple liquor. Exchanging gifts and unwrapping Christmas presents is an important part of the celebration.

Children believe in the magic of Christmas by calling St. Nicholas and imagining him arriving in a sleigh. This image of Santa Claus was created by the Coca-Cola Company, which first used a smiling man in a red outfit to advertise its drinks in 1930. Christmas in the United States is celebrated in a variety of ways, taking into account the diversity of cultures and traditions. You can see Christmas trees with an angel on top, decorated with toys and garlands, as well as lavish holiday dinners and gift exchanges. Christmas songs fill the atmosphere from houses to cars, creating a unique festive mood.

It is also popular to organize Christmas concerts and visit friends and neighbors to exchange wishes. Particular attention is paid to Christmas street decorations, and some areas are famous for their unique Christmas parades and festivals.

Christmas holidays in the UK

The UK celebrates Christmas in a traditional and unique way, filling the holidays with a special English flavor. One of the traditions is exchanging Christmas cards and making your own Christmas decorations for the Christmas tree.

The British pay special attention to Christmas dinner, where traditional dishes include turkey or other meat dish, crudité sauce, potato dumplings and vegetables. An important part of the meal is the Christmas pudding, which is usually poured over hot brandy and set on fire. This special dessert must contain 13 ingredients that symbolize Jesus Christ and His Apostles.

Christmas morning begins with the opening of gifts under the Christmas tree. Another popular tradition is watching Christmas movies and shows on television. On Christmas, it is important not to forget about attending church services. Traditionally, Christmas carols are sung at this time, which delight the ears of the local population.

Children in Britain do not look for their gifts under the Christmas tree, but in decorated socks by the fireplace or bed. Interestingly, they throw their letters to St. Nicholas into the fireplace, believing that the smoke will take them to heaven.

Before Christmas, children organize carols and performances, and the atmosphere is similar to Ukrainian nativity scenes. A festive dinner in Britain is roast turkey with cranberry juice, Christmas pudding, and a sugar cake hard as a rock. The British give the poinsettia flower to their loved ones, calling it the Star of Bethlehem.

Christmas in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Christmas is marked by special traditions and a festive mood. One of the unique Dutch traditions is the celebration of St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas), which takes place on December 6. The Sinterklaas arrives at a ship from Spain and distributes gifts to children. This holiday is accompanied by parades, enchanting performances, and large public events.

The holiday countdown in Holland begins on December 6, when St. Nicholas brings gifts and hay for his white horse. The Dutch leave their boots for the generous St. Nicholas, and the first day of Christmas is celebrated by lighting the lights on the Christmas tree.

After the church service, the Dutch sit down to a table decorated with white, green and red flowers. The festive dinner includes game, hare, turkey or duck. Bread is a must, and a variety of puddings are a sweet dessert. An important part of the Christmas holiday in the Netherlands is the creation of "Kerststol" or Christmas kangaroo, a special form of bread with fruits and nuts. It is consumed during Christmas lunch or on Christmas morning. After the meal, the Dutch go out caroling and reading stories about Christmas, impressing with the atmosphere of festive cheer.

Traditionally, the Dutch scatter their homes with candles and light bulbs, creating impressive light installations. The fairs, where you can buy Christmas gifts and food, are also very popular.

Christmas traditions in Ireland

The Irish celebrate St. Stephen's Day (December 26) with parades and festivals. However, Christmas Day remains the main day of celebration. People attend church services, and homes are decorated with ivy branches and bridges. Children are given gifts from the Advent calendar, where each December day hides a chocolate treat. Fragrant pancakes, cakes, pates of chopped meat and unique puddings appear on the festive table.

In different regions, there is a custom of placing candles on the window to symbolize the light of the Holy Family and help for travelers. Children arrange a bed for St. Nicholas, hanging socks or pillowcases where he can hide gifts.

The traditional Irish Christmas dinner includes roast turkey or goose, baked poultry, roast potatoes, ham and for dessert a sumptuous pudding with rum sauce or sour cream, as well as fried sausages and potatoes. In the afternoon, people usually visit relatives and friends, exchanging gifts and Christmas greetings. 

Caroling is an important part of the celebration, with the Irish singing traditional Christmas songs and some organizing games and dancing in the streets. In addition, an important tradition is visiting the spring of St. Brid and the ritual of making a Christmas cake, which hides an object symbolizing happiness.

Christmas celebrations in Spain

In Spain, Christmas is celebrated with traditional rituals and fun festive events. The celebration begins with the Month of St. Nicholas (Dia de San Nicolas) on December 6, when children receive gifts from St. Nicholas.

After dinner, the service begins. The Christmas tree and nativity scene become an important part of the festive decor. Gifts for children are given on January 6, the day of the Three Kings. Spaniards believe that the Magi arrive at camels, so children leave water and food for these animals. The polite children find empty vessels and lots of gifts in their shoes. And for the naughty ones, the Kings leave "coal", which is a special, edible coal made of sugar.

The main focus is on Christmas Eve celebrations. Families gather for a communal dinner consisting of traditional Spanish dishes such as "turron" (almond nougat), "mazapan" (marzipan) and "polvorones" (powdered cakes). A large part of the table is the roscon de reyes, a royal cake decorated with dried fruit and symbolizing a crown.

The most important day is Christmas Day (Nochebuena), when families come together for a festive dinner. In the afternoon, the final city church service takes place.

Traditionally, enchanting fireworks are launched in Spain, and the streets are full of festive parades and entertainment. People also organize a parade of gifts (Cabalgata de Reyes), where three wise men distribute gifts to children.

Christmas traditions in Canada

In Canada, Christmas is celebrated with unique traditions that combine elements of culture and European customs. One of the most popular traditions is the lighting of Christmas lights and decorating streets and houses.

Divided into English and French parts, the country is united in the Christmas spirit. In the French part, special attention is paid to the Holy Supper. At midnight, before the Liturgy, a manger is placed under the Christmas tree in each house. After the service, the family gathers at the festive table, the main dish is a meat pie, and for dessert - a chocolate cake. Children look for gifts in big socks.

The English part of Canada celebrates on December 25. In the morning, they receive gifts and go to lunch. When they return, they have a festive dinner, where they usually have baked turkey, ox meat and pudding. Thus, Christmas traditions in Canada combine various cultural influences and create a unique holiday spirit.

Families come together for a festive meal, where they traditionally serve individualized versions of Christmas dishes such as turkey or goose, mashed potatoes and fried treats. Butter tarts and nanaimo bars, traditional Canadian desserts, are an important part of the festive table.

The Christmas market in Canada is a place for shopping, attractions and meeting Santa Claus. Much attention is paid to charity events such as fundraising and helping those in need at this time of year.

One of the special Canadian traditions is the "humble Santa". This is a collective action where a group of anonymous benefactors randomly selects families and sends them gifts, helping those who may need additional support.

Christmas in Mexico

In Mexico, Christmas celebrations are colorful and traditional. The main element is the Posada, which takes place from December 16 to 24. It is a celebration honoring Mary and Joseph in their search for refuge. People walk through the streets singing carols and have fun parties with food and drinks.

In the festive, atmospheric nativity scene, the main roles are played by characters dressed as St. Mary and St. Joseph. They travel from house to house, blessing and asking for a place to stay for tired travelers. A special celebration begins in the afternoon of December 25, when children open their gifts. Sweet bread shared by family members becomes a symbol of unity and goodwill. In some families, additional gifts for children are brought on January 6, the Day of the Three Kings, completing the festive period with merry achievements.

Traditional Mexican dishes such as "tamales" (sausages wrapped in a coat of corn leaves), "bacalao" (salted cod), and "ponche" (a hot fruit drink) are usually on the Christmas table. Another tradition is the preparation of the rosca de reyes, a royal cupcake in which a figurine of the Divine Child is hidden. The one who finds the figurine has to organize a "Día de la Candelaria" celebration in February and prepare tamales for friends and family.

Another important tradition is "Las Posadas," imitating the journey of Mary and Joseph as they sought refuge. It is nine nights of caroling and festive rituals, culminating in a big celebration on Christmas Eve.

Mexico also celebrates the "Día de Los Santos Inocentes" (Day of the Innocent Saints) on December 28, when people make jokes and prank each other, similar to April Fools' Day in the West.

Christmas celebrations in Germany

In Germany, Christmas is associated with numerous traditions and rituals that give the holiday a special flavor. One of the key traditions is the Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt), which begins in early December in many cities. Here you can buy a variety of Christmas gifts, handicrafts, and delicacies, as well as enjoy hot mulled wine and traditional German cuisine.

Decorating houses and streets is another important tradition. Christmas labels, wreaths, garlands and large Christmas trees make cities look cozy and festive. On Christmas Day, Germans traditionally gather with their families for a special festive dinner. The main course may include cabbage roll, potatoes, sausages, and, of course, the traditional Christmas pudding, the Stollen.

Particular attention is paid to the Christmas Eve party (Heiliger Abend), when families gather around a festively decorated Christmas tree, unwrap gifts and exchange wishes. Another important tradition is the visit of "Christophe" or St. Nicholas, who brings gifts to children in special boots placed under the window.

Christmas traditions in France

Christmas in France is a holiday wrapped in sophisticated charm and tradition. It is a day when families gather around a festive table, and the main dish is often turkey. The French, paying homage to their gastronomic culture, celebrate Christmas in restaurants. The traditional dessert, the "Christmas log", and cakes with raisins and almonds make the festive table unsurpassed. For the French, the most valuable gift under the tree is gourmet chocolate, which completes this festive experience.

One of the key traditions is the "Réveillon de Noël" or Christmas dinner, which takes place on the night of December 24-25. It is a large festive feast during which families get together and enjoy a long and elaborate meal. Dishes may include seafood, duck, turkey, French wines, and gourmet desserts.

Another important tradition is decorating cities and towns with a festive atmosphere. Large, elegant shop windows and bright street decorations make cities look impressive and atmospheric.

The French Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël) are also popular places for holiday shopping and enjoying a variety of food and drink. Here you can buy handicrafts, gifts and enjoy hot mulled wine.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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