Christmas is a magical time of year filled with twinkling lights, tasty treats and exciting traditions. But did you know that Christmas is celebrated differently all around the world? From roller-skating to church in Venezuela to eating KFC in Japan, there are so many fun Christmas traditions for kids to discover!
🇩🇪Germany: The Christmas Tree Tradition
Did you know that the modern Christmas tree tradition became popular in Germany? Families decorate their trees with sparkling lights, colourful baubles and beautiful ornaments to bring festive cheer into their homes.
🇯🇵Japan: A Christmas Dinner Surprise!
In Japan, eating KFC at Christmas has become a popular tradition! Many families order their festive fried chicken meals in advance. Who knew Christmas dinner could be so different?
🇻🇪Venezuela: Roller-Skating to Christmas!
In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, some people traditionally travel to early morning Christmas church services on roller skates. Certain streets have even been closed to traffic to make it safer. What a fun way to start Christmas Day!
🇮🇸Iceland: 13 Festive Visitors
In Iceland, children look forward to visits from the 13 Yule Lads. These mischievous characters visit one by one in the days leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts in children's shoes if they have behaved well.
🇸🇪Sweden: A Giant Christmas Goat
Every Christmas, the Swedish city of Gävle builds a huge straw goat called the Gävle Goat. It's become a famous festive attraction and a unique part of Sweden's Christmas celebrations.
🇦🇺Australia: Christmas in the Sunshine
While many countries dream of a white Christmas, Australia celebrates Christmas during summer! Families might enjoy barbecues, beach trips and outdoor games instead of wrapping up in winter coats.
🇲🇽Mexico: A Festival of Poinsettias
Poinsettias, with their bright red leaves, are popular Christmas decorations in Mexico. The country is also home to Las Posadas, a festive tradition that remembers Mary and Joseph's search for shelter before the birth of Jesus.
🇮🇹Italy: A Visit from La Befana
In Italy, children may receive gifts from La Befana, a friendly old woman who visits on the night of 5 January, before Epiphany. According to tradition, she travels on a broomstick and leaves treats for children!
🇵🇭The Philippines: Christmas Lights Galore
The Philippines is famous for its spectacular Christmas celebrations. Colourful star-shaped lanterns, called parols, light up homes and streets, representing the Star of Bethlehem.
🇬🇧The United Kingdom: Christmas Crackers!
Here in the UK, Christmas dinner wouldn't be complete for many families without Christmas crackers. Pull one with a friend and you'll find a paper crown, a small gift and a joke that's often so terrible it's hilarious!
🇳🇴Norway: Hiding the Brooms!
One unusual Norwegian Christmas tradition involves hiding brooms on Christmas Eve! According to old folklore, this was done to stop witches and mischievous spirits from stealing them. Imagine having to hide your broom before Santa arrives!
🇪🇸Spain: The Christmas Log That Gives Gifts!
In Catalonia, Spain, children enjoy a quirky tradition called Tió de Nadal, or the Christmas log. Families decorate a little log with a smiling face and a red hat. At Christmas, children sing songs and gently tap the log with sticks, hoping it will leave them small presents and sweets!
🇵🇱Poland: An Extra Place at the Table
In Poland, some families set an extra place at the table during their traditional Christmas Eve supper, Wigilia. This is a symbol of hospitality, remembering loved ones who cannot be there and welcoming an unexpected guest.
🇫🇮Finland: A Christmas Sauna
In Finland, visiting a sauna on Christmas Eve is an ancient tradition known as Joulusauna and a traditional way for people to relax and cleanse both the body and mind before their festive celebrations.
🇨🇿Czechia: The Christmas Shoe Tradition
In the Czech Republic, an old Christmas tradition involves unmarried women throwing a shoe over their shoulder. According to folklore, the direction the shoe points can predict whether they will marry in the coming year. It's a fun example of how old Christmas customs can differ around the world!
🇬🇷Greece: Christmas Boats
In Greece, decorating a Christmas boat, known as a karavaki (meaning “little ship”), is a much-loved festive tradition. Small wooden boats are decorated with twinkling lights, colourful ornaments and beautiful garlands to celebrate Christmas. This unique tradition reflects Greece’s strong connection to the sea and makes for a magical festive sight!
🇿🇦South Africa: A Summery Christmas Feast
Christmas falls during summer in South Africa, so many families celebrate with outdoor meals, garden gatherings and barbecues. Instead of snow and frosty mornings, Christmas can mean sunshine, warm weather and time with family!
🇨🇦Canada: A Festive Mix of Traditions
Canada has a wonderfully diverse range of Christmas celebrations, influenced by cultures from around the world. One famous event is the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, which has delighted crowds with festive floats, performers and Santa himself for generations.