Unwrapping the World’s Christmas Traditions: A Festive Guide
Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world. While festivities might look different from place to place, there’s no denying the magic and joy that this holiday brings. And even if we can’t travel abroad this year to experience different customs and traditions firsthand, there are still plenty of ways to explore the world while staying cozy and safe at home.
For instance, did you know that in Japan, Christmas Eve is considered a romantic holiday for couples? It’s not a national holiday, but it’s still an occasion for exchanging gifts and enjoying a nice dinner together. In the streets, you might see Christmas lights and decorations, but you’re just as likely to hear J-pop songs playing instead of classic carols.
In the Philippines, Christmas is a massive affair that starts as early as September. Yes, September! It’s when the country’s long Christmas season officially begins, and you’ll start to hear Christmas music being played on the radio, see parols (star-shaped lanterns) being hung in windows, and witness the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine early morning masses leading up to Christmas Eve.
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But perhaps one of the most unique Christmas traditions in the world comes from Iceland. There, the 13 Yule Lads (mischievous Santa-like figures) are believed to visit children in the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each night, children leave a shoe on their windowsill, and if they’ve been good, they’ll receive a small gift from the Yule Lad who visited them that night.
These are just a few examples of the diverse and fascinating ways that people around the world celebrate Christmas. And while we might not be able to physically travel to experience them ourselves this year, there are still ways to immerse ourselves in these cultures and traditions from home.
Thanks to the internet, we can easily access virtual tours of Christmas markets in Germany, Belgium, and other European countries. We can watch online performances of traditional holiday songs and dances from Mexico, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries. And we can even take cooking classes to learn how to make authentic holiday dishes from places like Italy and France.
But if you really want to go all out, you could try creating your very own multicultural Christmas celebration at home. Ask your friends or family members to share their own Christmas traditions with you and try incorporating them into your own festivities. Maybe you’ll make a batch of hot chocolate following a Mexican recipe, or play a game of Yule Lad bingo. The possibilities are endless, and by honoring these diverse customs and cultures, you’ll be spreading even more holiday cheer and goodwill.
Of course, it’s always important to remember that while Christmas is undoubtedly a joyful time, it can also be difficult for those who are missing loved ones, struggling financially, or dealing with mental health issues. Especially this year, when so many people have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to prioritize compassion, empathy, and kindness towards ourselves and others.
So as we approach the end of a year that has been challenging, to say the least, let’s remember to connect with each other, to listen and learn from each other, and to celebrate the beautiful diversity of our world. Whether we’re celebrating Christmas in a traditional way or exploring new customs and traditions, we’re all in this together. Happy holidays, everyone!