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What do you know about Christmas eve traditions? We are sure many of you will give the same answer to this question. You may be bored of celebrating Christmas in the same way every year. In fact, there are more Christmas traditions around the world than you might imagine.
For example, common features of New Year's rituals include singing songs, delicious tables, gift giving, wild parties, Christmas tree decorations, cocktails and some games. We know this, but what if we're tired of them? That's when we need to learn more different New Year's traditions.
Most Popular Christmas Traditions In The World
Germany, Poland, Russia, Japan, Norway, China, Spain, Brazil, India, Finland, Iceland, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom and more… All of these countries celebrate the new year wildly. In fact, Christmas is celebrated in different ways in every part of the world. Countries that celebrate Christmas like to carry out their own traditions during this time of the year.
For example, while New Zealand celebrates by eating fresh seafood on the beach; Russia adds fortune telling to their Christmas fun. Aren't you surprised? Please read on for more interesting and popular Christmas traditions around the world!
1- Christmas Spider | Ukraine
Photo by Mary Winchester on Unsplash
Christmas is special in Ukraine. Sweet dishes are made with wheat, poppy seeds, and nuts called kutya. There is also a tradition of decorating Christmas trees with spider webs.
A long time ago, a poor widow and her children had in their cottage a small tree, which they could neither decorate nor pay for. Having gone to bed that night with heavy hearts, the first thing they saw in the morning was that the tree was dressed with spider webs. At the first touch of the sun, they turned into silver and gold. The family rejoiced, and from that day on, people believed spiders brought good luck.
Now, spiders' webs Ukrainians keep on the trees. A spider ornament can be made of some paper and a wire, being called "pavuchky". This happened to be a traditionally adopted custom around other countries that border them to the west- Germany and, partly, Poland. Many believe it leads to good fortune and happiness if one has this creation.
So, the next time you see a spider web on a tree, remember the story. It is a sign of hope and magic.
You can use Boryspil Airport Transfer to celebrate this event. (Approximately 29 km from Kyiv, Ukraine).
2- Creature Christmas | Austria
Photo by Sean Ferigan on Unsplash
In Austria, Christmas has a different tradition involving Krampus. Krampus is a horned, scary creature who punishes the naughty kids. On the 5th of December, known as Krampusnacht, people dress up as Krampus, wear animal skins and masks, and go around the streets scaring people.
On December 6th, good children get a visit from St. Nicholas with oranges and chocolate. This also serves to remind kids to be good throughout the year.
Krampus is also known in other countries like Germany and Hungary. In Austria, the Krampus parades are big events where people watch people in costumes.
This demonstrates reward for good and punishment for being bad in Krampus's tradition.
- You can use Vienna Airport Transfer to celebrate this event. (Approximately 18 km from Vienna, Austria)
3- Red Candles | Ireland
Photo by Gülfer ERGİN on Unsplash
Christmas traditions in Ireland are warm and special. One tradition is to place a red candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome Mary and Joseph; it means there's always room for travellers.
Another tradition is to serve cranberry sauce with Christmas dinner. Sweet and sour, it gives the turkey and ham an excellent flavour, making them all the more delicious.
These customs, like the red candle and cranberries, reveal the warm spirit of Ireland and help to brighten the festive season.
- You can use Dublin Airport Transfer to celebrate this event. (Approximately 10 km from Dublin, Ireland)
4- Crazy Traditions | Russia
Photo by Anton Scherbakov on Unsplash
In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, following the Orthodox Christian calendar. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a special meal called "The Holy Supper," which has 12 meatless dishes, representing the apostles. The meal starts when the first star appears in the sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
A fun tradition is "kolyadki," where children and adults go door to door, singing carols and receiving treats or small gifts.
From January 7th to 19th, Russians celebrate "Svyatki," a time for fortune-telling and performances. There’s also a custom of jumping into frozen lakes to purify the body and soul.
These traditions show Russia's deep cultural heritage and the mix of Christian and old pagan customs.
- You can use Sheremetyevo Airport Transfer to celebrate this event. (Approximately 29 km from Moscow, Russia)
5- Yule Goat | Sweden
Photo by Michel Stockman on Unsplash
One of the unique Christmas traditions belongs to the country of Sweden. The country's Christmas symbol is the Yule Goat. This symbol dates back to ancient pagan festivals. This goat is made of straw that is more than 42 feet high, 23 feet wide and weighs 3.6 tons. This magnificent goat is planted in the same place 1 month before Christmas every year. There is even such a belief. Santa uses the Yule Goat instead of the sleigh, which will distribute his gifts more quickly.
6- Ligligan Parul | Philippines
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
The Philippines has an interesting Christmas tradition. Because at this time of the year, the Giant lantern festival is held in the city of San Fernando. These lanterns symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. With this show with thousands of lanterns, the sky is illuminated and the celebrations begin. On the other hand, Christmas celebrations in the Philippines begin on September 1. Another of the New Year traditions in the country is the parols hung on the streets. Parols are star-shaped lanterns made from bamboo colored papers. The narration in hanging these lanterns is to guide the Wise Men. During the Christmas season in the Philippines, rice cake is eaten for breakfast. This cake is called Bibingka and it is baked on earthen pots.
7- Pickled Tree | Germany
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Germans consider Santa Claus to be St. Nicholas. Because the real concept of Santa Claus emerged in Germany as Saint Nicholas. He is a priest born around 6000 AD. So everything in the country is related to St Nicholas Day and the night of 5 December. As Germany's most popular Christmas tradition, children clean their shoes at night and leave them on their doorstep. The next morning, these shoes contain gifts and fruits from St. Nicholas.
But Germany's Christmas tradition is not limited to Saint Nicholas. As an interesting tradition in the country, it is the pickle that is hidden on the Christmas trees. According to tradition, a pickle is hidden in the pine tree and given to any child in the house who finds it.
8- Cracker Chain | England
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Celebrating Christmas in different countries is great. Especially if you are in the UK at this time of the year, a big surprise awaits you. Because there is a huge cracker chain among the Christmas traditions of this country. What's a cracker chain? It was invented in 1846 by a sweet maker named Tom Smith. This cracker idea became a favorite among Victorian Christmas traditions. In fact, this event entered the Guinness World Records. In total, 1077 people broke new ground by making Christmas crackers. Also, on Christmas Eve in England, everyone finds a cracker on the edge of their plate covered with interesting papers. This is the country's unique Christmas tradition.
9- Bagpipe Shepherds | Italy
Photo by Dan Kiefer on Unsplash
You didn't misread. As part of the New Year celebrations in Italy, you watch the performances of the Gaydalı shepherds on the streets. This fun and cheerful country has the most beautiful Christmas traditions. Do not be surprised if you see shepherds playing the bagpipe, especially in Rome. Because they have sheepskins and wool cloaks on them. You can join and dance with the bagpipe shepherds who are performing wonderful shows in the center of the city with these interesting costumes.
10- Flying Witches | Norway
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
According to a legend in Norway, evil spirits and witches ride their broomsticks and take to the sky on Christmas Eve. Norwegian families also hide their broomsticks in their homes to hide from witches. Isn't it very interesting? But the Norwegian Christmas tradition is not just that. Again, according to Scandinavian countries, there is a mythological dwarf creature named Nisse. However, this creature has good intentions and is tasked with protecting homes and the families that live in them. Even on Christmas Eve, locals leave a plate of oatmeal for Nisse under the Christmas trees.
Traditional Christmas Songs
Photo by David Beale on Unsplash
Christmas time celebrations are famous for their background music. There are even such songs that are officially integrated with the new year. Although Christmas is celebrated with different traditions in each country, some of the music played is common. We have prepared a list of some traditional and popular Christmas carols for you. Enjoy listening!
- ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey
- ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!
- ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ by Darlene Love
- ‘Stay Another Day’ by East 17
- ‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby
- ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
- ‘Christmas Wrapping’ by The Waitresses
- ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid
- ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee
- ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ by John Lennon & Yoko Ono
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