How the World Celebrates Christmas

Christmas in USA

The culture of celebrating Christmas in the United States of America is an incorporation of different elements from different parts of the globe. Christmas carols originally popularized by the English and Australians, and Santa Claus from Europeans. Additionally, the tradition of setting up a Christmas tree comes from Germany, and parades from Latin America. In addition to the general celebration which involved caroling, decorating, feasting, and Christmas gift giving, each family in America has their own way of celebrating Christmas. And in most cases, the traditions vary from one place to another within United States. Say for example in Washington DC, there is this central celebration of lighting the tree on the Ellipse. In here, you will see on huge tree (representing the nation) as well as other smaller trees (in lieu of other states). Throughout New Orleans, Christmas celebration focuses mainly on caroling. Jackson Square is swarmed by thousands to have a huge group/community caroling around big bonfires lit along Mississippi. In St. Augustine, Florida, US' oldest city, white lights lit up the entire place on Christmas Day, and no any other lights are allowed except white. Moreover, many Americans like to hit Hollywood, California to witness and enjoy the annual Parade of Stars, while some keep themselves amused by watching Christmas concerts or caroling festivities within the cities.

Christmas in France

How do you greet someone from France a Merry Christmas? Well, say Joyeux Noël. All over France, Christmas is called Noël and Père Noël is known as Father Christmas (the most famous icon of the holiday season - Santa Claus - who perks up everyone with all the Christmas presents he brings for nice little kids). Christmas trees are embellished with candles and red laces. Furthermore, fir trees are lighted on Christmas. People come together in a gathering and celebration, and feast on fine wine and meat. French kids set boots and shoes by the fireplace for Santa to place the kids' Christmas presents and treats in them. And just about any family set-up a Nativity scene at home on Christmas.

Christmas in Spain

Now that we know how to greet a French man this yuletide season, how about we do the same for the Spanish-speaking population? It's not hard to utter at all, just say, Feliz Navidad! Basically, Spanish Christmas is religious in spirit and celebration. Besides Virgin Mary is the patron saint of the country and thus, Spain observes a virtuous Christmas festivity. Here, December 8 marks the official beginning of Christmas, which also is the feast day of Immaculate Conception. Annually, that Spanish observe Christmas fronting Seville's Gothic cathedral which includes a ceremony known as 'los Seises' or the 'dance of the six.'

Christmas in Portugal

There is a strong resemblance the way the Portuguese celebrate Christmas with that in Spain. No matter what presents Father Christmas gives the kids, these are placed under the Christmas evergreen or perhaps in the shoes by the fireplace. By midnight of Christmas Eve, families share a special Christmas dinner of dry and salted cod-fish with boiled potatoes. And in the morning on Christmas day, they have 'consoada', a meal where seats are left empty at the table for the 'alminhas a penar' or the 'souls of the dead'. This emanates from the tradition where ancient Portuguese leave seeds for dead ancestors in hopes of being rewarded with a bountiful harvest.

Christmas in England

England righteously claims to have started the tradition of dangling Christmas stockings by the fireplace. It is believed that Father Christmas had once dropped some of his gold coins while descending from a chimney and the coins had landed on one stocking that was hung to dry. And since then, the idea of hanging stockings at Christmas continued to be kept alive especially among kids who make sure they hang their stockings for Santa Claus to fill up with Christmas gifts and treats. In some parts of England, 'pantomime' is a popular Christmas tradition. And unsurprisingly, the wishing of 'Merry Christmas' and Christmas gift giving are also done in England.

Christmas in Germany

The celebration of St. Nicholas Day, December 6, in Germany is just like the Christmas celebrations in England. In addition to the wishing each other a 'Froehliche Weihnachten' (also known as 'Merry Christmas'), the customs and traditions of Christmas vary from one region to another in Germany. The 6th day of December is primarily a time for the youngsters to enjoy, have fun and be pampered with presents. Right after this, the authentic Christmas gift giving kicks off on Christmas Eve. Christmas presents are stacked under the Christmas tree and people munch together on a traditional roast duck in their Christmas meal.
Germany's version of St. Nicholas, Weihnachtsmann, brings presents on Christmas and there are times when these Christmas gifts are brought by the Christkind, a fairy child resembling closely to the infant Jesus.