Christmas is a time for family, food, and festivities, but for those living far from home, it can be a challenging period. One way to ease the distance is by blending traditions from different cultures, creating a unique and extravagant celebration. This is the case for an Italian living in France with a British husband, who combines the best of each culture for a memorable Christmas.
A Global Christmas Feast
From France to Australia, Japan to Peru, Christmas traditions vary widely, reflecting the diverse cultures and climates of the world. In Japan, KFC has become a Christmas staple, with families ordering buckets of fried chicken weeks in advance. This tradition, born from a 1974 marketing campaign, has become so popular that it’s now a Christmas Day essential, often accompanied by a bottle of wine and a strawberry shortcake.
In Italy, Christmas is a time for family feasts, with each region boasting its own unique dishes. However, one tradition unites the country: La Befana, a friendly witch who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany, January 6th. Well-behaved children receive sweets and presents, while naughty ones get coal, a tradition that adds a touch of magic to the holiday season.
Unique Celebrations
In Scotland, the focus shifts from Christmas to Hogmanay, the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve. Street parties, Robert Burns‘ “Auld Lang Syne”, and the “first-footing” custom, where the first visitor to a home after midnight brings good luck, mark this festive occasion. A tall, dark-haired man is considered the luckiest first-footer, bringing gifts like whisky, shortbread, or coal.
Down under, Australia’s summer Christmas is a beachside affair, with seafood platters, cold roast ham, and pavlova for dessert. After lunch, it’s time for backyard cricket or a surf, with Santa often spotted riding the waves on an inflatable rescue boat. On Boxing Day, the nation tunes in to watch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race or a game of cricket.
In Southern California, Santa swaps his sleigh for a surfboard, with local “Surfing Santas” hitting the waves on Christmas morning. This unique tradition, born from the region’s mild December weather, has become a beloved part of the holiday season, with families gathering at the beach to watch these festive surfers in action.
In Austria, the Krampus, a fearsome horned figure, accompanies Saint Nicholas on Krampusnacht, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day. While Saint Nicholas rewards good children, the Krampus punishes the naughty ones, a tradition celebrated with Krampuslauf parades featuring elaborate costumes and masks.
In Peru, Christmas Eve is the main event, with families gathering for a midnight feast of turkey and arroz arabe. The city erupts in fireworks at midnight, and the party continues until the early hours, a lively celebration that feels like a preview of New Year’s Eve.
In Poland, Christmas Eve supper, or Wigilia, is a meatless feast of 12 dishes, including pierogi, a type of dumpling. This tradition, celebrated by families around the world, is a sign of the importance of food and family in the holiday season.
In Germany, Schrottwichteln, or “junk Secret Santa”, is a unique gift-giving tradition where friends and family exchange unwanted or ridiculous items. This lighthearted custom has become a highlight of the year for many, a chaotic and joyful celebration that brings people together.
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In England, Christmas is a mix of familiar traditions and local customs. From Boxing Day dips in the sea to burning Yule logs for good fortune, each county and neighborhood has its own unique way of celebrating. In Cornwall, the “shout” is a beloved tradition, where communities gather in pubs to sing sea shanties and folk songs, a cozy and magical way to celebrate the season.
Festive Food and Drinks
In Germany, Glühwein, a warm spiced wine, is a staple at Christmas markets, offering a cozy way to enjoy the season.
In Mexico, ponche, a warm fruit punch, is a popular drink during the holidays, often served at posadas, festive gatherings that reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
In Sweden, glögg, a mulled wine, is enjoyed alongside lussekatter, saffron buns, during St. Lucia celebrations on December 13th.
In Russia, olivier salad, a potato salad with vegetables and mayonnaise, is a traditional dish served during the New Year celebrations, which are more prominent than Christmas.
Unique Gift-Giving Traditions
In Iceland, the Yule Lads, a group of 13 mischievous characters, leave gifts in children’s shoes for 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
In Finland, it’s customary to visit the sauna on Christmas Eve, a tradition that dates back centuries and is still widely practiced.
In Brazil, Papai Noel, the Brazilian version of Santa Claus, delivers gifts on Christmas Eve, and families often gather for a late-night feast.
In Greece, the tradition of vasilopita, a New Year’s cake with a hidden coin, brings good luck to the person who finds it.