There are an array of cultures around the world, and each celebrates Christmas in its own festive way to make the festive season special. Some of them involve treats or specific dishes that are eaten only once a year.
It is the time of year when people love to bring out treasured traditions. It’s great to know about some of the most beloved Christmas traditions from across the world. Maybe you can find a new way of celebrating Christmas, this year.
Poland
In Poland, the dinner for Christmas Eve starts with sharing the Oplatek. It is a kind of paper-thin wafer that is square in shape. It is an emblem of the nativity which is made of flour and water. Everyone at the dining table takes off a small piece from the wafer and shares it in the form of holiday greetings before passing it to the next person.
Germany
Germany celebrates Christmas while shopping with a bratwurst in one hand and a mug of mulled wine in the other. This is a usual scene at the festive outdoor markets. The straggling seasonal markets pop up throughout the country while craftsmen keep selling other gifts on the streets.
Philippines
Christmas is a very serious season for Filipinos. They celebrate in style with Nochebuena parties on Christmas Eve. In the evening, people attend the gathering outside, called Misa de Riso and then feast and dance till the wee hours. Decorations are often enhanced with the inclusion of a parol which is a lantern in the shape of a star.
Austria
In Austria and Bavaria, it can be a bit scary while celebrating Christmas. It is considered that St. Nicholas distributes gifts to the good and obeying kids, while Krampus (the half-goat and half-man) comes and drags the bad kids away. People dress up to make themselves look like Krampuslauf or Krampus – the scary character. They parade through the streets to hunt naughty children playing around.
Australia
This is a country that celebrates Christmas in the sweltering summer months. Residents hit the beach to set up a barbecue. People often enjoy a game of backyard cricket while grilling fresh seafood. They sing “White Christmas” while still celebrating the heat of the scorching sun.
Whatever the traditions are, Christmas to this day, isn’t limited to Christians. Of course, it came with them, but it is a festival that is even celebrated by non-Christians from around the world.