A Look At Christmas & New Year Traditions Around The World
The magic of the festive season is felt all around the world. Although a number of countries don't celebrate Christmas, a large majority do celebrate New Year.
Even though the holidays are similarly labelled across the globe, the festivities that comprise the exciting time are anything but similar. Whereas one country will decorate their artificial Christmas tree with shiny ornaments, another will use fake spider webs. Additionally, some countries celebrate on Christmas Eve, but others reserve the festivities for Christmas Day.
The same can be said about New Year's Eve. Do you usher in the New Year by eating 12 grapes within 12 seconds? Spain does! Do you toss appliances from windows to make the year start as brightly as possible? Be careful if spending the festive period in South Africa, because that's how they do it!
Are you interested in learning more about the traditions surrounding Christmas and New Year's around the world? Continue reading to discover some of the different customs that exist.
New Zealand
Although the Christmas and New Year holidays fall during the summer months in New Zealand, much of the holiday imagery still includes snow and warm clothing. However, most residents spend this time in the sun and sand!
Christmas
As mentioned above, Christmas in New Zealand falls during the summer months. This timing means that instead of a white Christmas, residents are applying sunscreen and wearing swimsuits! Despite that, many go all out on their decorations and create expansive displays on the exterior of their homes. Due to the warm weather, many people walk house to house in the evening to see the beautiful decor.
The biggest celebration during the holiday happens at lunch on Christmas Day. This time is when families come together to celebrate with one another. A large meal is prepared that includes the summer fruits that are in season in New Zealand. The dinner will also include cooler temperature foods like eel, salad, and other seafood.
Although not much is played on television during the holiday season due to it being summer, there is a law that no advertisements can be broadcast on Christmas Day. With many shows on a summer break, the bulk of the programming will be in reruns or popular Christmas movies.
New Year's
Due to the warm summer temperatures, a lot of celebrations for New Year take place on the many beaches that New Zealand offers. It is there that you will find music festivals and concerts, as well as big campouts. At times these can last up to two or three days.
Like most other celebrations across the world, there are plenty of fireworks shot off to celebrate the beginning of a year. Many locals participate in a pub crawl, going from bar to bar until closing time. Others host a house party for a group of family and friends to celebrate together.
Another fun option people take advantage of is a dinner time cruise that extends past midnight, allowing those on the boat to witness the many firework displays in the area from one central location.
A fun fact - due to the time difference, New Zealand is one of the first countries to see the New Year!
Philippines
The festive season is a big deal in the Philippines. Filipinos tend to decorate in large amounts, prepare lavish meals, and partake in numerous festivities. Although New Year is also celebrated across the country, the traditions are not as over the top as Christmas.
Christmas
Are you the type that wants to put up your realistic Christmas tree well before the holiday? Filipinos likely have you beat, as they are known to start playing traditional Christmas songs as early as 1st September.
The first round of festivities starts with Simbang Gabi from 16th-24th December. During this time, Filipinos attend morning or evening mass each day. They attend Midnight Mass on the 24th of December to celebrate Christmas Eve, followed by a late dinner. During this time, many re-enact the journey of Mary and Joseph as they sought a place to birth baby Jesus.
On 25th December, Christmas Day, families gather together to celebrate the occasion. Throughout the day, Filipinos attend several mass services. They also visit family members to pay respects, often receiving money in return. The Christmas holiday ends on 6th January, Three Kings Day.
New Year's
While Filipinos go all out for the Christmas holiday, the New Year’s events are more low-key. Each celebration has traditional Filipino food, including 12 round fruits that are all different to commemorate the 12 months of the year.
When midnight strikes, the towns and villages light up with large displays of fireworks. Many people bang pots and pans to scare off evil spirits for the year ahead. Additionally, many leave all doors open when midnight strikes to usher in good fortune. This action doesn't just include bedroom doors and the front door; it even brings in cupboard doors, drawers, and windows!
Iceland
Both the Christmas and New Year's holidays are celebrated joyously in Iceland, so much so that tourists often fly to the country to celebrate the New Year in Iceland rather than their own home country!
Christmas
The celebration of Christmas in Iceland takes place over 26 days. The festivities begin on 11th December with the visit of the first "Yule Lad" (Iceland has 13 Father Christmas figures!) and ends on 6th January when the last Yule Lad returns home. Each lad has a distinct characteristic, such as slamming doors loudly or stealing candles. One of them even steals sausages!
The Yule Lads bring a gift with each visit, something to play with, wear, or sweet to eat if you are good, and potatoes if you are bad. They leave these trinkets in a shoe that is left on the windowsill. One of the gifts is bound to be socks. If you do not receive them, you risk the chance of being eaten by the cat of the Yule Lad's parents, known as Christmas Cat.
Although some Icelandic citizens put their Christmas tree decorations up on the first Sunday in December, many wait until 23rd December. On Christmas Eve, the celebrations begin at 6:00 PM with a sizable home-cooked meal shared with family. After the feast, many exchange gifts and then head off to Midnight Mass. Christmas Day also has a family focus, with many stopping to pay their respects to family members throughout the day.
Many traditional treats are incorporated into the holiday season, including:
- Sara
- Laufabrauð
- Smoked Lamb
- Gravlax
- Smoked Salmon
- Rye Bread
- Ptarmigan
- Herring
- Reindeer
- Goose
- Turkey
New Year's
In Iceland, celebrating New Year is an experience like no other, and many people fly in for the occasion. When the clock strikes midnight, fireworks sound off for many hours, signalling that a brand new year has arrived.
For most of the country, the festivities start with a large meal in the company of friends and family. Following that, many congregate outdoors to enjoy bonfires in the snow while dressed in boots and sparkly clothing.
After being outdoors for a while, people move indoors to watch traditional television shows before coming back outdoors to light off fireworks at midnight. Afterwards, people move on to house parties or bars to complete the holiday.
Sweden
Although Christmas and New Year's in Sweden replicate the scenes depicted in many children's books, some key differences make their celebrations unique.
Christmas
The celebration starts on the first Sunday in December with the first Advent candle lighting. A candle will be lit each Sunday until Christmas, concluding with all four candles being burned simultaneously. Special Christmas treats are prepared and eaten in honour of the season.
Following the first Advent, St. Lucia Day is celebrated (on 13th December). This day is considered a festival of lights and is done in honour of St. Lucia, a young girl killed for helping persecuted Christians by bringing them food. She was known for carrying a candle on her head to leave her hands free for carrying food.
In honour of St. Lucia, young girls dress in white with a crown of candles on their heads and a red sash. They will often deliver cookies to sick children in the hospital, much like how St. Lucia provided food.
Most companies and businesses close for over a week during the holidays, giving their employees plenty of time to visit family and friends. The biggest celebration is on 24th December, when family members exchange gifts and enjoy a large meal together. In Sweden, many people traditionally have decorated their Christmas trees with real candles and fruit. As the years have gone by, many have switched to paper ornaments or imported designs.
Although Father Christmas visits children in Sweden, he does not come overnight between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Instead, he comes during the afternoon of Christmas Eve, as many people go to church on Christmas Day morning.
The Christmas season ends in Sweden on 13th January, which is St. Knut's Day.
New Year's
Although Sweden celebrates New Year's much like other areas around the world, there are a few differences. For one, churches often ring their bells as the clock strikes midnight. Additionally, a large feast amongst friends will trigger the start of the evening. Friends and family will gather together and watch live music on TV and a classic Swedish movie entitled "Dinner for One".
One of the most anticipated moments of New Year's Eve for those in Sweden is the reading of Tennyson's "Ring Out, Wild Bells". This poem is often recited by famous musicians and actors and acts as a moment of reflection as one year ends and another begins.
France
For those in France, the holidays of Christmas and New Year are centred around family, friends and food. The focus is on quality time with one another, with great meals thrown in!
Christmas
The celebration of Christmas in France starts at the beginning of December. On 6th December, St. Nicholas arrives, often with a donkey in tow. St. Nicholas distributes gifts to the children. Although this is not celebrated in all areas of France, it is a tradition that many follow.
On 25th December, children are treated to a visit from Père Noël (Father Christmas) and Père Fouettard, who was once an evil butcher who was rumoured to pickle children. As his punishment, he is resigned to follow around the much better intentioned Père Noël to help deliver gifts to the children.
The French do not put up their decorations until a few days before the Christmas holiday. It is only then that they will put up their extensive nativity scenes and Christmas trees in preparation for their large Christmas Eve feast with family and close friends.
Although many households incorporate French cuisine into their main meal, others have opted for turkey or roast goose as the centrepiece to the festivities. The traditional dessert is the Yule log cake that represents past customs of burning a Yule log to the tune of songs and prayer.
New Year's
While most of the world calls the day New Year's Eve, those in France refer to the day as La Saint-Sylvestre. The name change comes from the fact that 31st December celebrates the feast day of Saint Sylvestre, who is responsible for bringing Christianity in as the Roman Empire's official religion.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in France begin with a large meal in honour of Saint Sylvestre that brings prosperity and good luck to all. The evening winds down with a kiss under the mistletoe at midnight, which is not a Christmas tradition but a New Year one in France.
On New Year's Day, the French celebrate with another large meal to welcome in the year. They also exchange small gifts and inform one another of their New Year's resolutions.
Poland
Both Christmas and New Year's are significant events in Poland, with many different customs and traditions taking place to mark the occasions.
Christmas
Celebrating Christmas in Poland is one of the most picturesque sights you will see. The whole country takes elaborate steps to decorate for the holiday, bringing out overstuffed bushy Christmas trees both to homes and public places, as well as lights. However, it is a strict Polish custom not to put trees in the family room of homes until Christmas Eve.
The days leading up to Christmas include the celebration of the day of Saint Nicholas, which falls on 6th December. On that day, a small gift is left for children. The gift will be something nice for those who have been good or a lump of coal or twig for those who have been bad.
The most prominent elements of the Christmas holiday fall on Christmas Eve. Not only is the tree placed in the family room on this day, but once the first star comes up in the sky (which is associated with the star of Bethlehem), the festivities begin. A big meal with traditional foods is served, reserving an empty plate for the Lord at the table.
Before eating, those around the table will share in the breaking of a Christmas wafer, known as opłatek. Each person takes a bite of the wafer to signal their unity with Christ. Following this long-standing tradition, guests delight in the meatless meal that includes 12 separate dishes, one for each apostle.
After the meal, guests exchange gifts and part ways to attend Midnight Mass. Although Santa Claus is known in Poland (as Saint Nicholas), that doesn't mean that he is the gift giver in every household.
There are actually several different givers that are known in Poland. Whereas Saint Nicholas may come to one child's house, one of the following may come to the next child's:
- Gwiazdor (Starman) - Starman is an older man dressed as a bishop who walks door to door by walking. However, if children are bad, he also brings with him a birch switch.
- The Little Angel - Similar to Starman, but delivers presents at the sight of the first star in the sky.
- Christkind (Baby Jesus) - In some parts of Poland, it is believed that baby Jesus delivers gifts to the children.
- Grandfather Frost - During the Russian domination of Poland, Grandfather Frost was created to have a non-religious entity associated with the gift-giving of the holiday.
All gifts are distributed on Christmas Eve according to Polish customs. The holiday wraps up on 6th January with Three Kings Day, which Polish people call Epiphany or the baptism of Jesus.
New Year's
While gift-giving is central to the Polish Christmas festivities, it is common for some on New Year. Although this tradition has decreased over the years, many still observe the act and brandish loved ones and friends with gifts to commemorate the occasion.
Do not be alarmed if you are at a gathering in Poland for New Year and smell something a bit fishy! In Poland, it is commonplace to have a carp's scale in your wallet from Christmas dinner to ensure good fortune in the New Year. Additionally, in relation to money, the Polish will make every attempt possible to pay off any existing debts owed to others in preparation for the New Year. It is a strong belief that you should not go forward into another year with the previous year's obligations.
To celebrate the arrival of a New Year, there are festive parties and celebrations, many of which will include a variety of alcohol. People stock their refrigerators and pantries but will not clean their homes, as they want to be sure to keep their happiness intact. Cleaning may cause them to sweep or vacuum up what happiness resides in their home before the year starts.
Barbados
Although Barbados celebrates Christmas and New Year, they also participate in the Chinese New Year. With its Caribbean location, many unique elements lend to its delightful festivities.
Christmas
Like many countries, the focus of the Christmas holiday is on the family. It is with this expectation that many gather together to share in a communal meal that is sure to include these three traditional dishes:
- Ham
- Jug Jug
- Great Cake
Jug Jug is a throwback to the Scottish roots that Barbados has. It mimics haggis and includes peas, flour, salted meat and herbs.
Great Cake is a traditional dessert in Barbados that includes many types of liquor and local fruits like cherries, raisins, prunes, and currants. Many add royal icing to the top of the cake for extra sweetness.
Gatherings both inside and out of the church are frequent around the Christmas holiday. Most have a variety of parties with different family groups and friends. Additionally, people attend church services on Christmas Eve (Midnight Mass) or Christmas morning. Some even attend both sessions!
Although there is a presence of Father Christmas (called Fadda Christmas), it is in a much different capacity than other countries without much emphasis on gifts. The most significant component of Christmas Day is the celebration in Queen’s Park, where everyone meets up with family and friends to recognise the day.
New Year's
New Year in Barbados looks like most other countries, except they have the joys of sunshine and sandy beaches. The festivities resemble much of what New Zealand offers, although most commonly on a smaller level. Many plan parties at their homes or in community establishments. Every year there are several firework displays to introduce the dawn of a New Year.
Like many celebrations, food is a significant component of the holiday. People prepare meals or dine at excellent restaurants. Seafood is a popular entree for many due to the warm weather in Barbados. A unique component of Barbados is that many stay up long enough to catch the New Year's first sunrise.
United States
Although the UK Christmas and New Year traditions are not too dissimilar, most of the United States experiences cooler temperatures during the holidays. The picturesque image of snow falling, fireplaces roaring and warm coats and mittens are what we expect to see during this season.
Christmas
The Christmas holiday primarily takes place on 24th and 25th December. However, some festivities take place before then. Offices and businesses often close for the 24th and all day on the 25th, allowing families to celebrate together without work interference.
Christmas decorations for the holiday season are made up of a magical display centred around the Christmas tree. You will see Christmas tree lights, Christmas garlands, Christmas wreaths and ornaments among the branches. The ornaments often symbolise important occasions in life (marriage, the birth of a child, buying a home) or fun memories (vacations, a child's favourite cartoon character, handmade art).
Children leave cookies and milk before going to bed on Christmas Eve. These treats are intended for Santa Claus, who enjoys the snack while delivering gifts. At times, children will leave carrots for Santa's reindeer as well.
Early on Christmas morning, families will awaken to open gifts from Santa and each other. Kris Kringle (another name for Santa Claus) will fill stockings with small trinkets as well. The rest of the day will be filled with celebration and a large meal, typically ham or turkey shared with friends and family.
Depending on religious preference, some may attend a church service on Christmas Eve (often called Midnight Mass or a candlelight service) or Christmas Day. A nativity scene is frequently displayed as part of the holiday decor to speak to the meaning of Christmas.
New Year's
After the excitement of Christmas, Americans get ready to usher in the New Year in a big way. While you see a large crowd in New York City's Times Square for the annual ball drop, most people enjoy the evening with friends and family, either in each other's homes or at publicly organised events.
As the clock strikes midnight, people kiss their significant others to celebrate the arrival of a New Year. Party poppers will erupt and people pour champagne to toast to new beginnings.
Many Americans draft New Year's resolutions where they determine what they will accomplish over the next year. Resolutions typically revolve around self-improvement or positive habit change.
Mexico
Catholicism is one of the prominent religions in Mexico, and with that comes the Christmas holiday. There are components of both the Christmas and New Year holidays that are unique due to the Mexican and indigenous culture that shaped them.
Christmas
Celebrating the Christmas holiday in Mexico is more than just a one or two-day event. Many festivities take place throughout the entire month of December and into January.
Starting on 12th December is Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, which includes a trek by many Mexicans to Mexico City. There will be a large congregation at the Basilica de Guadalupe to visit the Virgin Mary and later in the day there are parades and fireworks of celebration.
Between 16th and 24th December, many groups replicate Mary and Joseph's journey to the manger. Along the way, children stop at homes while singing the Las Posadas song and ask to be let in. The procession ends with a large meal and party at the home of one of the group members.
Christmas trees are not a common sight in Mexico. Instead, families decorate with elaborate nativity scenes that they add to each day. You will also see many poinsettias in homes and around the country, known as Flores de Nochebuena.
Mexico has a strong focus on their cultural traditions surrounding the Christmas holiday. Therefore, there is not a great show of gifts or Father Christmas. Most celebrate the holiday by attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and incorporate gifts on 6th January, which is ‘Three Kings' Day (Dia de Reyes).
The Christmas festivities wrap up on the Dia de la Candelaria, where people take their Christ figurines to the church to receive appropriate blessings bestowed upon them. Families follow up this activity with another traditional feast.
New Year's
Many Mexicans go to great lengths to secure good luck in the New Year. Of all of the different traditions that they participate in, some of the most popular includes:
- Lentils: Individuals incorporate these in different ways, whether it be in a meal or just a handful in their pocket.
- Coloured underwear: Different colours guarantee good fortune, wealth, dignity, or happiness.
- Eating late: Dinner on New Year's Eve will often be quite late into the evening.
- Fireworks: In true celebration, many areas of Mexico will celebrate with fireworks
- Burning bad thoughts: As a way to bring forward only the goodness in your life, many write down the unfavourable events of the past year on paper and burn them.
- Sweep out the bad: As an addition to the above tradition, many sweep their home late on New Year's Eve to move the bad energy away.
Celebrate the festive season with those you love
There are many similarities among Christmas traditions around the world but there are many unique aspects that are integral to the celebrations as well.
Christmas is a magical season and the amount of excitement that fills the air during these times is strongly felt. Everyone looks forward to the extended time they have to spend with family and friends, and a big part of this is putting up traditional Christmas decorations including twinkling Christmas lights or even Nutcracker soldiers to really make the home feel festive during the holiday season.
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