Worldwide Christmas Traditions

Weird and Wonderful Traditions of Christmas

2011-12-14T15:33:38Z

When it comes to the traditions of Christmas, it's easy to assume that just because you celebrate things a certain way, other people do, too. That's not necessarily true even within your own culture, much less out in the wider world.

In fact, one of the traditions of Christmas that most Americans take for granted is that the day itself falls on December 25. Not necessarily so. The Eastern Orthodox, even here in the States, often celebrate Christmas on January 6. Some people even celebrate on January 7.

Christmas Traditions in Italy

2011-12-07T15:29:45Z

Like most things Italian, Christmas traditions in Italy tend to be both passionate and food-oriented. It's hard to find fault with that, especially since Christmas in Italy hasn't yet descended into that relentless commercialism that plagues the American holiday.

The traditions of Christmas in Italy aren't terribly different from our own, with many features we'd find quite familiar. For example, many Italians have taken to erecting and decorating a Christmas tree every year. But there are some notable differences to Italian Christmas tradition, so let's take an instructive look.

The Christmas Pudding Tradition

2011-11-30T15:25:35Z

Ever dug into a fine, plummy Christmas pudding? Well... unless you're British, probably not. As much as we Americans owe the Brits for our general holiday traditions, Christmas puddings just didn't seem to transplant to these shores.

But if you're looking for an interesting culinary experience to add an Old World accent to your Christmas holiday, it's worth giving this fine old tradition a new try.

Light a Christmas Candle This Year

2011-11-21T15:21:16Z

In this era of electric lighting, the classic Christmas candle has fallen out of use in many households. But it's a tradition worth resurrecting, because Christmas candles not only add beauty to the holiday, they offer deeper meaning that lends greater significance to the tradition.

Our Debt to Victorian Christmas Traditions

2011-11-02T20:37:58Z

You might think that Victorian Christmas traditions are dead relics of a bygone era, considering that they originated at least a century and a half ago. But the truth is, most of the Christmas traditions we enjoy today are directly rooted in Victorian customs.

Let's take a look at a few.

Fun Family Christmas Traditions

2011-10-26T20:32:11Z

While just about everyone follows the basic Yuletide customs inherit to our culture, most of us also embellish the holidays with unique family Christmas traditions. Maybe your gang reads Clement Moore's "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" together on Christmas Eve, or attends midnight Mass.

Special candies may also be traditional for you, or maybe your folks made sure at least one of the kids got the token lump of coal in their stocking. Here's a sweet one: some families stick a candle into an angelfood cake and sing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus.

Sehr Gut! Classic German Christmas Traditions to Enjoy

2010-12-14T08:00:00Z

Christmas remains a magical holiday, but German Christmas traditions make it even more so. We already thank Germans for the Christmas tree, of course, but on the enchanted German Christmas, water turns to wine, animals talk to humans, church bells ring from the bottom of the sea, and more.

Only the completely pure of heart experiences this type of Christmas magic, of course. Which leaves out most of us over the age of, oh, three or so. However, there are other traditional German Christmas events that any of us can enjoy.

Developing New Christmas Traditions of Your Own

2010-12-07T08:00:00Z

The concept of new Christmas traditions may seem self-contradictory, considering that the term "tradition" generally applies to some old practice that's been going on forever. But hey -- at some point, every old Christmas tradition was new. They have to get started somehow!

Which is why I believe you shouldn't hesitate to start a new Christmas tradition with your family--something you all look forward to when Christmas rolls around. Even if it's just playing Final Fantasy together, that doesn't mean it's not a tradition.

What Are Your Favorite Christmas Colors?

2010-11-30T08:00:00Z

Everyone knows that the standard Christmas colors are green and red, and if pressed, some of us might come up with a few others, especially white and maybe blue. Thank Elvis for that last one, but why the rest?

You might think that the reasons are obvious, and you'd basically be right. But let's explore some more complex reasons.

Joyeux Noel! Fun French Christmas Traditions

2010-11-26T08:00:00Z

Like many Americans, I'm pretty much a mutt when it comes to national heritage, but I've always been fascinated with French Christmas traditions. After all, my folks decided to name me "Noel", which is French for Christmas! And somewhere in there, I surely have a French ancestor or two.

Traditional Mexican Christmas Decorations

2010-11-23T08:00:00Z

While the American visitor to Mexico during the holidays won't find much to be surprised by, charming and unique Mexican Christmas decorations still dazzle your eyes. In addition to the basic Christmas tree balls and Hallmark ornaments, our friends down south add some interesting variations.

Curious about Mexican Christmas décor? Then by all means, let's take a look!

The Ultimate in Christmas Traditions

2010-11-17T08:00:00Z

One of the most wonderful things about Christmas is that it's amazingly inconsistent. Christmas traditions celebrated from family to family (much less from culture to culture) varies widely. That might bother some people, but I find it alluring.

Imagine: a new way to celebrate my favorite holiday. And even better, we legitimately get to celebrate Christmas three times a year!

Christmas Legends to Warm the Heart: The Christmas Tree

2010-11-10T08:00:00Z

Christmas legends make up a comfortable part of any Christmas. For example, the story of the Magi, Santa's origins, the Night Before Christmas, and, if you're from certain parts of the world, the purpose of the mysterious Black Peter provide excellent examples of Christmas legend.

But there are some things about Christmas that most of us just take for granted, unaware that they have any legendary significance at all. Take that Christmas tree, for example. Do you know the Christmas tree legend?

All About Australian Christmas Traditions

2010-11-03T07:00:00Z

To understand Australian Christmas traditions, you have to understand that Aussies are upside-down, seasonally, in comparison to us Americans. If that's difficult to process, just imagine going to the beach on Christmas Day.

So, yeah. Maybe things are a little different from what most of us would suspect. They definitely don't sing "White Christmas" down there, mate!

Revisit Classic Christmas Literature with the Best Christmas Pageant Ever

2010-10-29T07:00:00Z

When Barbara Robinson penned a piece of childrens' Christmas literature, she had no way of knowing she was writing an instant classic. But that's what happened: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" skyrocketed off the shelves and into instant, and almost magical, status.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is an extremely short chapter book, probably aimed at second or third grade students. But children and adults alike have enjoyed the tale for more than twenty years. Therefore, it's a Christmas classic.