For many Americans, Christmas is a time when people can relax, bond with family, give and receive gifts, and tune in to joyful Christmas carols. Many people also indulge in decadent foods such as roasted turkey, rack of lamb, stuffing, and gingerbread cookies. As a whole, these festivities make up the cheerful, nostalgic, and warm-hearted Christmas many know and love.
However, many other cultures around the world celebrate their winter holidays with different traditions. If you are in the mood to try celebrating a bit differently this year, then look no further than the practices of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Beginning with Europe, many Italians undertake a Midnight Mass service where people gather to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ and eat a slice of a fruit-filled sweet bread called Panettone. Similarly, Polish people frequently attend church and practice modesty by [example one] and giving up their favorite meals so the less fortunate are able to have them. In Ukraine, many enjoy a puppet theater called “Vertep” which involves a whimsical set design involving wooden puppets and a theme typically consisting of a nativity scene.
For most Asians, Christmas is viewed as a secular holiday rather than a religious one as a large majority of the population is not influenced by Christianity. As a result, the holiday is often treated in a more subdued manner as many countries such as Cambodia or Laos do not even recognize it as an official holiday. Not all families will be celebrating Christmas with traditions from other countries such as indulging in a festive meal or going out to church. Nevertheless, there are still several countries that express their holiday spirit. The shopping districts of South Korea, for example, are filled with colorful lights and decorations and Christmas in a futuristic-looking fashion with bright neon lights with punchy colors , in comparison to the States.
In regards to Africa, since over eighty percent of the population is Christian which means many people enjoy attending a church service on the morning of Christmas day. Kenyans feast on a large meal, typically consisting of a meat stew with potatoes and vegetables accompanied by corn cake, as well as other grilled meats. In Zambia, traditions include fireworks, firecrackers, and car honking throughout the night.
Located in the southern hemisphere, Australia is known for its bizarre habits including people walking barefoot, doing their laundry with cold water, and being awfully comfortable with some not-so-friendly creatures like the crocodile. Christmas, however, could not be less strange as it is actually celebrated in the middle of July. Barbeque lunches, beach time, prawn platters, are all part of a normal celebration for Australia. Now maybe a beach day in the middle of December might not be the best tradition to adapt, but you can surely take these other ideas and make them your own for this happy holiday season.