Christmas Traditions Around the World

Each culture has its own unique way of celebrating during the holiday season. Across the world, many countries have different traditions, but in this article, we will be focusing on Christmas celebrations. Some give gifts that carry meaningful values, others decorate, but most come together through festivals, gatherings, or parties to celebrate the holiday season. Let’s explore the various traditions that are celebrated and embraced around the world. We would like to acknowledge that all cultures have beliefs, historical events, and special celebrations that differ from culture to culture and that not everyone celebrates Christmas. 

Let us begin our journey around the world in the festive and glistening snowy white country of Germany. The joyous Christmas tree tradition that has become a Christmas staple is believed to have originated in Germany, during the 16th Century. A peculiar tradition that Germans celebrate during the Christmas season is the tradition of the Pickle Tree. Each year, the people of Germany hide a pickle ornament in the boughs of their Christmas tree and award the child who finds the pickle a special Christmas gift. What a fascinating tradition–it sounds like fun! 

Next, we will venture to the vibrant nation of Japan. Unlike many Western countries, Japan celebrates without wreaths and festive lights. The Japanese celebrate Christmas in an entirely different way.  Though Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, some families throughout the country go to KFC every Christmas for a special meal. You may be curious as to how this tradition was established, however, the reasons behind this marketing success are quite simple. As KFC’s popularity rose, the food began to have a nostalgic effect on citizens, making it a special family tradition across the country. It has become increasingly in demand in Japan to celebrate the joyous season with a fried chicken dinner, more focused on commerce than the actual holiday. Kentucky fried chicken became the traditional Japanese food on Christmas, most likely due to the Kentucky for Christmas advertisement. Kentucky for Christmas was a promotional campaign run by the marketing agency of KFC in Japan in 1970. This marketing strategy resulted from an unintentional increase in fried chicken sales on Christmas due to escalated purchases made by a group of people. 

Let’s continue with our journey to Scotland, where the roots of Branksome Hall sprang and flourished for over a century. The Christmas traditions celebrated by the Scottish are similar to those of Canadians: stringing lights around a Christmas tree, embellishing their front doors with wreaths and more. The Scottish also embrace the ancient tradition of burning rowan twigs. Burning rowan is said to cleanse all animosity between family and friends, creating Christmas’s peaceful and joyous atmosphere. 

Finally, we enter Sweden, a jovial and shimmering nation with Christmas traditions integral to Swedish culture. On December 13, the Swedish celebrate St. Lucia’s Day, which symbolizes faith and hope amidst a calamitous, dreary winter. It is considered a Christmas feasting day commemorating the martyr Lucia of Syracuse, who, according to legend, brought food and aid to Christians at that time. The celebration of St. Lucia’s Day began in 1764 in a rural area near Sweden. St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in churches, town halls, and restaurants, featuring treats like gingerbread cookies and Lussekatt enjoyed with family and friends across the country!

Christmas traditions vary across different countries, with some giving meaningful gifts and others decorating in unique ways. These diverse traditions highlight the beauty and richness of the diversity in our world. We hope you enjoyed touring the world with us and gaining a better understanding of Christmas traditions around the globe.