We remember being kids and counting down the days to Christmas. We excitedly wrote our letters to Santa the moment the calendar hit December. On drives home, we saw Christmas decorations lighting up all the houses. After a long month of waiting (and trying to hunt for clues about our gift), Christmas Eve arrived. That night, we each left cookies and carrots out for Santa and his reindeers.
Christmas morning, we woke up our entire families bright and early. Ripped paper flew in the air as we tore through presents. Looking back, Christmas was always a time of joy and warmth. The Christmas magic may have been different for everyone; however, we believe that it truly is a special time. Around the world, the spark of Christmas lights up the lives of millions every year.
Netherlands
Unlike in the United States where children receive presents from Santa on Christmas Day, according to the BBC, children in the Netherlands receive their gifts on the evening of December 5 or, as they know it, Sinterklaas Eve. Sinterklaas is the equivalent of Santa Claus for the Dutch. Sinterklaas is depicted as traveling on a white horse named Amerigo while wearing red bishop robes. In preparation for his arrival, children put carrots outside in shoes as a snack for his horse.
Spain
Christmas starts early—on December 8—in Spain, as this is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, as stated by Time Magazine. Specifically, in the region of Catalonia, there is also a celebration of the beating of the Christmas log. The children will cover the happy looking log named Tió de Nadal and “feed” it until the night of Christmas Eve, during which they sing songs while beating the log with a stick. Then, they take off the blanket to reveal the gifts that Tió de Nadal has pooped out. However, children typically open their main gifts on January 6, which is the Feast of the Three Kings.
Austria
Advent is an important part of Christmas in Austria. Candles are lit in an Adventkranz (Advent wreath) on Sundays leading to Christmas.
“At the Christkindlmarkt…booths sell Christmas candies and cookies, and inviting cafés offer a cozy hot chocolate and strudel break,” Rick Steve, a renowned travel writer, said.
Furthermore, Krampusnacht, celebrated on December 5, marks the beginning of Krampus’ visits. The banging of loud instruments and his frightening, ram-like looks scare the kids into being good. The following days, St. Nicolas parades down streets while handing candy out to the children. While this patron saint is almost the complete opposite of Krampus, they work together to foster goodness. On Christmas Eve, families often attend Christmas masses, where familiar carols, like Silent Night, fill the space.
Ethiopia
With the majority of Ethiopian Christians being Orthodox, Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Christmas day, known as Ganna, is a day of religious importance. It is preceded by Tsome Nebiyat, or the Fasting of the Prophets, where for 43 days, many Ethiopians abstain from eating meat, fat, eggs or dairy. The morning of Ganna, mass is held in the morning with attendees dressed in all white. A game like field hockey, Ye Genna Chewata, is held in rural towns. This game, according to the Ethiopian News Agency, originated from the shepherds’ hearing of Jesus’ birth and throwing their staff in the air for joy.
Japan
The BBC estimates that about 3.6 million families in Japan celebrate Christmas with KFC. Orders need to be placed weeks in advance, and long lines wrap around the block. At Christmas parties, fried chicken is an ideal gift for the host. On the other hand, couples usually go on romantic dinner dates on Christmas. While these traditions seem unusual, it all started with a need for Christmas turkey—and fried chicken was the perfect substitute. The popularity of this idea continued to grow and now even includes a Colonel Sanders dressed in a satin Santa suit. Chicken may be what a Japanese Christmas is known for, but in reality, it is just a tasty addition to their main focus of family bonding.
Across the world, each country has their many different ways of celebrating Christmas. In fact, Christmas looks a little different in every household. But no matter what your customs may be, Christmas will always be a universal time of celebration, joy, and quality time with family.
