F R O M A R O U N D T H E W O R L D

Christmas Traditions

Introduction

Different cultures from around the world celebrate Christmas differently

A few traditions are fairly commonplace:

Nativity scenes

Christmas decorations (tree, wreathes, stockings)

Some form of gift-bringer (Santa, St. Nicholas, Father Christmas)

Personalized gifts or treats

Different Traditions

China

Christmas is not a publicly celebrated holiday

Known as the “Holy Birth Festival” privately

Stockings are hung by children

Different Traditions

England

Father Christmas

Children write their wishes on Christmas Eve and toss them into the fire place

Stockings filled with small toys

Midday feast

Turkey

Plum pudding

Wassail

Boxing Day is the day after Christmas

Different Traditions

Mexico

Las Posadas starts on December 16

Pinatas filled with candy are used

Midnight mass on Christmas Eve

Season

January 6 Day of Kings

February 2 Candlemas Day

Conclusion

No matter what the culture, there is something for everyone during the holiday season

Personalized gifts are the only way to proceed through the final month of the year