Throughout the world, Christmas is and should always be a day filled with happiness, love, and family time. Though these traits are embedded in every Christian family, how they celebrate the special day varies from country to country. The reason for this has a lot to do with culture as well as the customs followed. For this reason, let’s take a moment to explain some of the best and most beautiful Christmas celebrations that are rarely talked about.
1. Ethiopia: Christmas in January
Ethiopia is unique in a multitude of ways and the same can be said for their Christmas celebrations as they celebrate the festival on January 7. They name their festivities Genna, where people attend a mass in the early morning after doing all their spiritual activities. Something very different to Ethiopian Christmas is a game named Genna, which they tend to play alongside other Christmas activities. They call it a Christmas game which makes sense as they claim that the Bolivian shepherds used to play it. Their focus revolves around God and community supper rather than Christmas trees and decorations.
2. Venezuela: Roller Skating to Church
Caracas in Venezuela has the intriguing practice of roller skating to the Christmas mass amid the Christmas season which also seems a lot of fun as the traffic is blocked and families gather to skate to church with ease. I must say it indeed is a one-of-a-kind experience to skate my way to offer mass, it makes the holiday season fun and lively. What is even more riveting is that the Venezuelans after mass get together with families and enjoy their cultural meals such as hallacas (corn dough filled with meat and covered with plantain leaves) and pan de jamon (which is ham bread).
3. India: Mango Trees and Star Lanterns
Most likely Christians in Goa and Kerala have a bigger influence than the general population in India, which is significantly lesser because Christmas is widely celebrated there, even if they are a minority. They are also a little on the creative side when it comes to Festival since they opt out of the regular fir trees and use banana or mango trees instead to decorate with baubles and lights. Another thing that is different on an Indian Christmas is we see the use of paper star lanterns that symbolize the star that guided the three wise men and can be seen in everyone’s homes and roads. Staying up till midnight is also a practice followed by many first-generation Indians where a lot of us enjoy a variety of dishes like vindaloo and sweet interventions like kulkuls and neureos.
4. Finland: Memorial of the Departed
In Finland, we celebrate Christmas to commemorate our parents and ancestors who are alive or who are gone. During Christmas Eve, families head to the graveyard to place candles on the graves of their family members thus creating a beautiful view at night. This holiday is also modified with some specific Finnish customs focusing on bathing or sauna relaxing before the festivities start. During the festive feast, there are various food items such as baked ham, casserole and piparkakut or gingerbread cookies.
5. Portugal: Noite de Consoada
In Portugal, the eve of Christmas is marked in remembrance by the Consoada which is a family feast that occurs after attending Missa do Galo. This feast initially started with wine and then a traditional meal of bacalhau with all boiled potatoes and some type of dessert which may have included rabanadas or bolo rei. An interesting practice that they have is that relatives who passed away are also entertained out of respect by placing a chair on the table for them.
6. Colombia: The Lighting Festival
In Colombia, the Christmas season begins with the vice president and other officials turning on the Festival de Velitas (the Festival of Lights) on December 7th. The day marks the beginning of Colombian Christmas celebrations as families are accustomed to lighting candles and lanterns in commemoration of the Virgin Mary. Such acts fully prepare families for a month filled with vibrant festivities encompassing music, dancing, and novenas, which are an occasion to congregate, pray, and sing carols. Traditional Colombian dishes during Christmas revolved around roasted meats, natilla (custard), and buñuelos (fried cheese balls).
7. South Korea: New Modern Holidays
Christmas in South Korea: South Koreans combine Christmas traditions with their native traditions. Although it is not a national holiday for all, the Christians go to church, while the others exchange gifts and indulge. Cities like Seoul are proud of their bright light illuminations and Christmas fairs. One tradition that is most emphasized includes giving back since most South Koreans volunteer or contribute to help the less fortunate during the Christmas season.
8. Argentina: Fireworks and Festive Feasts
Fireworks are a primary characteristic of Christmas in Argentina. Families dine on a late meal on Christmas Eve, then awaken at midnight to start opening gifts. Typical Christmas foods include roasted meats, salads and other candies in the form of pan dulce (sweet bread) or turrón (nougat). The night sky is lit by fireworks as families toast the day with champagne.
9. Czech Republic: Prophecies and Floating Candles
Christmas in the Czech Republic is full of superstitions and traditions. For instance, on Christmas Eve, a single girl throws a shoe over the shoulder to predict whether or not she will get married; if it falls toward the door with the toe pointing at it, well, marriage is sure. Another interesting tradition is floating walnut shells with small candles in the water, symbolizing what one wishes and hopes for during the next year. Of course, carp and potato salad accompany every festive meal.
Also read: How to Watch Little Big Town Christmas Special Online and on TV
10. Jamaica: Great Markets and Reggae Carols
Christmas in Jamaica is indeed colourfully vibrant. On Christmas Eve, the Grand Market is that street fair with local crafts and food stalls, along with live music. Families attend church services and dine on curried goat, rice and peas, and gizzada, a sweet coconut tart. Reggae carols bring a flavour of Jamaica to that festive atmosphere, and the celebrations are joyful and unique.
Conclusion
X-mas traditions across the world are proof of cultural richness and shared human elements. Every country has its taste in religious rituals, folklore, and modernity that gives it a meaning of celebration. Whether in Venezuela skating to church, in Finland lighting candles, or feasting in Argentina under the summer sun, Christmas traditions remind us that these are the universal human characteristics of love, generosity, and joy.
