How Christmas is celebrated around the world: Nine traditions that reflect the diversity of the holiday spirit

Every corner of the world is adapting
Every corner of the world adapts its own Christmas practices, reflecting cultural identity and history through unique rituals and authentic celebrations.

month December It represents a milestone in the global calendar. Millions of people are changing their routines, decorating their homes and Meet with friends and family. Every culture adapts Festive For its climate, for its date And with them Beliefswhich generates a Great set of practices. the identity Each city figures strongly in these histories and provides a distinct window into understanding history diversity Which are found in every corner of the world.

In this sense, the famous post Condé Nast Traveler I made a list with some of theThe most endearing and curious traditions For these times. This medium’s editorial team has compiled personal experiences and color data that shows how Christmas It transcends religious or geographical boundaries.

In Japan, families are reserved
In Japan, families reserve Kentucky Fried Chicken months in advance, a Christmas custom that emerged from a 1974 campaign. (Reuters/Kim Kyung-hoon)

In the archipelago NipponHowever, the absence of a deep-rooted Christian tradition does not prevent the celebration, even though it revolves around a unique commercial phenomenon: the mass consumption of hazelnuts. fried chicken. It all started in 1974when an ingenious advertising campaign by Kentucky Fried Chicken He established the idea that this quick menu was the perfect alternative to Western turkey.

Currently, this custom is so strong that families are booking their orders with it months in advance To secure your Christmas Eve banquet and avoid chaos in queues. Along with this salty dish Strawberry cake With cream it crowns the table and completes a gastronomic ritual that embraces modern enjoyment and Western influence adapted to local taste.

The witch Befana flies over Italy
The witch Befana flies over Italy on January 5 of each year, searching for the child Jesus and distributing gifts and sweets in stockings during Epiphany (Reuters/Manuel Silvestri)

Defines gastronomy Italian ChristmasWith full tables Appetizers And Roast Galore on December 25th. However, local folklore retains its most special character at the end of the season. the BefanaWith noble intentions, he flies on his broom on the night of January 5.

According to legend, they are looking for Baby Jesus On his way, he leaves gifts and sweets in the socks of good children. This celebration is known as Epiphanyrivals in importance with Christmas Eve itself and keeps the magic alive into the new year.

Scotland celebrates Hogmanay with
Scotland celebrates Hogmanay with parties until dawn, symbolic gifts and the tradition of running first to predict fortune for the coming year (Reuters/Leslie Martin)

On the floor ScotchThe real party starts when Christmas Day ends. he Hogmanaythe name given to the New Year celebration, It overshadows any other winter event. Street parties continue until dawn.

The main tradition is First run (The first step): The belief stipulates that the first person to cross the threshold of the house after midnight is the one who determines the luck of the coming year. Therefore, friends visit each other Symbolic gifts Such as whiskey or coal to ensure prosperity.

In Australia, Christmas happens
In Australia, Christmas takes place in the sunshine and is enjoyed with fresh seafood, pavlova for dessert and cricket matches on beaches or family parks (frebeck).

the Australian Christmas It defies the fantasy of snow and cold, because it takes place in the middle of southern summer. Families gather around the fountains Fresh seafood, Cold pork and light salads. The undisputed dessert is PavlovaMeringue cake topped with seasonal fruits.

After lunch, the activity moves to the park or beach to play tag. Cricket gamea national pastime. until Santa Claus He adjusts his clothes and often appears on the coast in a lifeboat, ready to enjoy the waves.

in southern california,
In Southern California, surfers dressed as Santa Claus brave the waves, creating a very different postcard of the classic American winter. (Reuters/Sam Wolfe)

in West Coast of the United Statesculture browse It gets into the Christmas spirit in a very visual way. In areas such as Manhattan Beach also Beautiful beachLocals take advantage of the mild temperatures in December to go to the sea.

There are dozens Surfers He wears a red and white suit Santa Claus They jump into the water to control the waves. This display is known as Browse Santa Clausattracts crowds and combines local sports with festive humour, creating a unique postcard very different from the typical North American winter image.

Krampus, a demonic figure
Krampus, a demonic figure with horns, accompanies Saint Nicholas and tours Austria on December 5 to scare away misbehaving children. (Reuters/Elisabeth Mandel)

While other countries are just waiting for rewards, Austria Maintains a balance between reward and punishment. he KrampusA demonic personality Centuries The snake’s tongue accompanies Saint Nicholas.

During the night of December 5 or Krampusnacht NightThis creature walks the streets scaring misbehaving children. The contrast comes between the gentle saint and the punitive creature Ancient Alpine traditions.

In Poland, families are preparing
In Poland, families prepare pierogi and share oplatyc during Wigilia, a solemn Christmas Eve that emphasizes togetherness and good wishes.

the Polish Christmas Evealso WigiliaIt has a majestic character and a very noticeable gastronomic feel. The traditional menu excludes red meat and specialty foods PierogiSome boiled dumplings or empanadas filled with potatoes and cheese.

Families prepare this dish in an artisanal way, a task that unites several generations in the kitchen. Also served BigosIt is a type of soup with a vegetarian version and baked fish. Before eating, guests share… opÅ‚atek (Christmas Wafer) A gesture of reconciliation and good wishes that strengthens family ties.

In Germany, the Schrottwichteln profess their religion
In Germany, the game Schrottwichteln turns gift exchanges into a fun game where the most ridiculous or useless items in the house win (picture info)

Humor German Shines in imitation Schrotwichtilna fun version of The hidden friend. Instead of buying valuable gifts, participants exchange useless, ugly or silly items lying around the house. The goal lies in Hazar Get rid of old things in a creative way. The more ridiculous the gift, the more successful the evening will be.

In England, Cornish fashion
In England, Cornish hooters and Boxing Day swimming unite communities in pubs and beaches, bringing Christmas to a close with song and adrenaline. (Reuters/Hannah MacKay)

In it UKCustoms vary by region, however community It always plays a central role. in CornwallFor example, there Corniche shout: Neighbors gather at the local pub to sing folk and sailor songs at the top of their lungs.

On the other hand, in coastal areas, many brave people participate in bathing. Boxing day (December 26). They run towards him Frozen sea To remove the effects of alcohol and purify the body, an activity that concludes the festive cycle with a dose of adrenaline.