Worldwide Christmas Traditions

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Christmas all over the world has got to be one of the most renowned Holidays. Each country has a unique and belief in celebrating worldwide Christmas traditions. Discover and be amazed at how some of the countries observe their international Christmas traditions and the history behind it. Please share in the comments how you celebrate Christmas, I’m curious!

Worldwide Christmas Traditions

Sweden

In Sweden, St. Lucia Day is considered as the start of their international Christmas traditions. The customary way of celebrating it is that the eldest daughter of the family will wake up early to awaken the other members of the family. The oldest daughter usually wears a long and white gown together with a headwear made up of twigs with lighted candles.

During St.Lucia Day people tend to utilize light more than the usual since the essence of celebrating Lucia day is about light. But unfortunately, there is a little clue to the existence of St. Lucia as most of the records about her have been lost in time. The legend says that St. Lucia lost her eyesight after he was tortured due to her Christian beliefs.

Finland 

Every Christmas Eve, Finns tend to visit saunas. The entire family will also gather and listen to the nationwide radio broadcast of “Peace of Christmas”. It is also customary to visit the graveyard of the departed ones to celebrate the Holiday Season with them. This is how they celebrate their worldwide Christmas traditions. 

Greece

Most people in Greece believe in the existence of the goblins “kallikantzeri”. According to the story, the goblins will appear on the 12 days of Christmas to cause mischief and chaos. Unlike most of the international Christmas traditions, the exchanging of gifts is usually done on the 1st day of January or also known as the St. Basil’s Day.

Canada 

Canada seems to follow the same Christmas tradition of North America except the Eskimos. They have a winter festival, which they named sinck tuck wherein they dance and exchange gifts.

Ukraine

In Ukraine, people traditionally prepare a 12-course meal. The youngest member of the family will watch on the window to wait for the appearance of the evening star. The evening star serves as their signal that the celebration of their worldwide Christmas traditions can start. 

Australia 

Australia celebrates international Christmas traditions during the summer season. Throughout this time temperature can hit as high as a hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, it is not surprising for the Australians to celebrate the Christmas on the beach. You can also normally see a family doing an outdoor barbecue.

France

The French call Christmas Noel. The term Noel was derived from the phrase “Les Bonnes Nouvelles” which can literally be translated to “the good news” that generally refers to the gospel of the church. In the southern part of France, people tend to burn up logs from Christmas Eve up to New Year. This is based on the old worldwide Christmas traditions wherein the farmers will utilize part of the logs for good luck and for a good harvest in the years to come.

About

Outdoor Lifestyle Blogger Lisa JoyDellaVita

Lisa is a Blogger for more than a decade now, sharing her adventures exploring the world on JoyDellaVita, as well as excursions into the culinary world, sustainable choices, how to live a healthy active lifestyle but overall, how to enjoy a life full of joys.