Christmas Traditions From Around the World
Christmastime is the most merry season of the year. It’s a time to practice goodwill and spend time with loved ones. And for many people around the world, it’s a time to engage in time-honored traditions. Billions of people in over 160 countries celebrate Christmas. That creates many traditions and customs to celebrate the holiday based on cultural practices and heritage. All the unique ways of celebrating Christmas–from large cultural festivals to small family traditions–make this a beautiful holiday. At Yellow Bliss Co., we love to celebrate the unique differences in cultural celebrations, so let's explore a few traditions from around the world.
Christmas Pickle
This common tradition in Germany has debated origins but is beloved by many families throughout the country. During this tradition, parents hide a picked-shaped ornament somewhere in their Christmas tree, and the children are meant to find it. On Christmas morning, the children search, and the first one to find it receives another gift.
The Giant Lantern Festival
Ligligan Parul, the Giant Lantern Festival, is hosted annually in San Fernando, Philippines. The festival shows off intricate lanterns. They can be nearly 20 feet high, come in vibrant colors, and have elaborate designs. It’s a fun place for people to gather during the Christmas season, enjoying cultural and holiday spirits.
Christmas Sauna
On Christmas Eve in Finland, many people visit the sauna. Families and friends spend the day at the sauna, representing cleansing and renewal. This tradition creates a blank slate with which to go into the New Year. It also represents warmth in the cold winter.
Midnight Mass
The origins of the Midnight Mass are said to come during the 5th century, when Pope Sixtus III had the first on Christmas Eve at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy. The Pope was said to be inspired by pilgrims who held a vigil in Bethlehem before having a procession to Jerusalem. Rome still hosts one of the largest midnight masses in the world. However, many Catholic churches around the world host their own.
Gifting Poinsettias and Las Posadas
Las Posadas is celebrated during the nine days before Christmas in Mexico. This tradition reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. There is a procession through neighborhoods, visiting designated homes and singing carols. At the end of the night, everyone enjoys fruit punch and tamales. Another tradition in Mexico is to gift poinsettias to loved ones during the Christmas season.
Wishing You a Warm and Joyus Christmas
These are only a few ways people throughout the world celebrate the holiday. The unique cultures from over 160 countries have led to special celebrations, festivals, and traditions that many look forward to. Whether they recognize the religious aspects of the holiday, engage in a country’s culture, or are celebrated on smaller scales by families, every Christmas tradition makes the holiday special. Yellow Bliss Co. wants to help make your Christmas feel special. Browse our Christmas collection for all your holiday festivities.