Christmas traditions around the world

Christmas is celebrated around the world, in various ways. But each country has unique traditions of their own.

To find out what the Christmas traditions are around the world keep reading.

Christmas Tradition in Parts of Russia

Christmas in Russia is most widely celebrated on January 7, according to the Orthodox calendar. New Year's Day, January 1st, precedes the Russian Christmas and is often celebrated as a more important holiday.

In some parts of Russia the religious festival of Christmas is being replaced by the Festival of Winter.

Source: Santa's Net, German Tips, Festivals and Celebrations, alohahawaii.com, russiatchristmastraditions

Christmas Tradition in Australia

Christmas in Australia is often very hot. It is not unusual to have Christmas Day well into the mid 30 degrees celsius, hence families enjoy their day by having a picnic.

If they are at home, the day is punctuated by swimming in a pool, playing Cricket out in the backyard, and other outdoor activities.

Christmas Tradition in Parts of England

One of England's customs is mummering, the oldest surviving features of the traditional English Christmas where 'mummers' put on masks and acted out Christmas plays.

These plays are still performed in certain towns and villages. The plays are based loosely on the legend of St. George and the dragon. The plays are intended to show the struggle between good and evil.

Christmas Tradition in Parts of France

Though the Christmas tree is not a focal point here, the French make a traditional Yule log-shaped cake called the 'buche de nol', which means Christmas Log.

The cake, among other food in great abundance is served at the grand feast of the season, which is called 'le reveillon'. Le reveillon is a very late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Tradition in Parts of Germany

December 6 is St. Nikolaus Day in Germany. The night before kids shine their boots and put them in front of their bedroom doors to find, little gifts left there.

It is customary for co-workers to put candy on each other`s desks early in the morning of December 6th. Some companies choose this date to have their annual Christmas party. However the kids wait till Christmas day to see Santa.

Christmas Tradition in Hawaii

In Hawaii, Christmas starts with the coming of the Christmas Tree Ship, which is a ship bringing Santa Claus and a great load of Christmas fare.

The first Christmas celebration in Hawaii is believed to have occurred in 1786, when Captain George Dixon, docked aboard the Queen Charlotte in Waimea Bay on Kauai, commanded his crew to prepare a Christmas dinner that included roasted pig, pie and grog mixed with coconut milk.

Christmas Tradition in Parts of Italy

In Italy the children wait until January 6, for their presents. According to tradition, the presents are delivered by a kind witch called 'Befana' on a broomstick. It was said that she was told by the three kings that baby Jesus was born, she was busy and delayed visiting the baby.

As a result she missed the Star and lost her way. She's been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She slides down chimneys, and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children and legend says she leaves coal for children who are not so good!

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