Christmas Around the World
By Avery P.
christmas cookies from Getty Images Created in Canva
Do you and your family have specific traditions you do every year around Christmas? For me, my family and I always go to the tree lighting on our square and go look at Christmas lights. Just like this tradition is unique to my family, so are other traditions to other countries. For example, France, Germany, and Australia all have different practices. Those countries will be our main focus. All of these countries have unique customs surrounding Christmas. Some of these practices are unique to one country or shared by many.
In France, the custom is to celebrate Christmas on December 25. French children eagerly await Noel, who is the French father of Christmas. This would compare to the traditional Santa Claus. All around France, children leave shoes by the fireplace for Noel (Singer). Meanwhile, people in the south of France leave a yule log out. A yule log is a certain selected burnt log, that is from the hearth. In east France, citizens tend to start celebrating Christmas on December 6. On this day, the people of France commemorate the holiday by exchanging gifts. Interestingly, the French do not decorate the outside of their houses. In contrast, they decorate the public areas during this time. They adorn the areas with lights and nativity scenes. One tradition that is not common in the States is Christmas markets, little shops that sell Christmas items. Christmas Eve is celebrated with a midnight mass service. Following the mass, a huge meal called le reveillon is served (Singer). The Christmas season in France is a lovely and heartfelt time!
Comparatively, Germany holds many of the same traditions. However, they are unique to their country and culture. For example, Germany shares the tradition of having a Father Christmas. Instead of his name being Noel or Santa Claus, he is called Der Weihnachtsmann. Another similarity between France and Germany is that they both celebrate St. Nicholas day on December 6. A traditional Christmas delectable is stollen or stollen bread. It is like sourdough bread and almost resembles an American fruitcake. In addition, Germans eat lebkuchen, which is the equivalent of an American gingerbread. A popular Christmas decoration is a hand-carved wooden nutcracker. In addition, real candles and ornaments are used to decorate the house. Christmas angels are one of the most popular decorations used. Christmas markets are also widely popular and available. Gifts are exchanged and opened on Christmas Eve. Many Germans attend the midnight mass, which has become the custom. Germans eat lebkuchen, which is the equivalent of an American gingerbread (17 German Christmas Traditions - House Beautiful). As you can see, Germany is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays.
In contrast, Australia has much more of a warm and sunny holiday. While the rest of the world is celebrating with sweaters and hot cocoa, Australians observe the holiday with beaches and warm sun.One student from Northstar said that you can usually find Australians celebrating Christmas Day on the beach. Just like in Germany and France, Australians have a Father Christmas. They call their Santa, Atnas, which is Santa backwards. Unlike the traditional Santa with the suit, the Australian Santa is usually dressed in swimwear. In addition, instead of a sleigh, a Santa display can be seen with him riding a surfboard. The Christmas season is based around all the summer activities. Australians enjoy big feasts like everyone else. They eat cold ham and turkey, they enjoy barbecues, and they love Christmas pudding. Australians decorate a Christmas bush, which is a native Australian tree. Some popular decorations include lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees. Unlike most children during the Christmas season, Australian children build sandmen. Christmas caroling is a very common occurrence during the holiday season (“7 Aussie Christmas Traditions We All Love”) Even though it is not the warm and cozy month that most of the world has, the Australian Christmas is still very festive.
Christmas is a very festive and enjoyable holiday, no matter where you live. Many different countries have very different traditions. If you live in America, it may be a big blow-up decorations on your front lawn. If you live in France, it could be awaiting the arrival of Noel. For the citizens of Germany, it could be eating Stollen bread. In contrast, Australians may enjoy a day at the beach. Whether you live in the states or sunny warm Australia, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
Columns: 🧑🚀NSA Culture 🗓️Seasonal
Avery P lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with her parents, and three siblings. This is her second year at NorthStar and her first writing for the Navigator. Avery enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and being at church. In the future, Avery hopes to pursue a future in education.