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What are the christmas traditions


20+ Popular Christmas Traditions Around the World

By Minted | Last Updated: October 14, 2022

A CLOSE LOOK AT CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Christmas is one of the most important celebrations for Christians and every year billions of people around the world celebrate in their own unique ways, creating their own unique Christmas traditions. While many people celebrate Christmas on December 25th, it can be celebrated at different times or for longer periods of time depending on where you live in the world. Over 160 countries celebrate this special holiday in some unique forms. While some traditions are religious in nature, such as attending church, others are less formal in nature and might include decorating Christmas trees, watching Christmas movies, or baking cookies for loved ones. We have assembled a list of 10 most popular Christmas traditions. See how many traditions your family participates in and also gain inspirations on some new ones you may want to start! We also share a fun list of 12 Christmas traditions around the world that you may or may not be aware of that you can use as ideas on how to celebrate Christmas in a new way with your family.

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10 MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN THE US

One uniquely American tradition during the holidays is watching specific movies and TV shows that put us in the holiday spirit. There are a number of favorites that range from old movies to cartoons. What better way to celebrate the holidays than with timeless classics such as “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th St.”, or “The Christmas Story?” Don’t forget those cartoons that will forever be a part of the holidays, such as “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and “Frosty The Snowman. ” While some of those older movies and cartoons may not be as popular for the younger generation, you can always find more recent family favorites that bring a smile to your face, such as “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “ or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”

As most of us have some time off during this time of the year, there are also a number of blockbuster movies that will be released during the holidays. Kick back, relax, and enjoy these great movies and shows during the holidays.

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Top-Performing Christmas Movies Based on Ticket Sales (source: BoxOfficeMojo)

Rank

Christmas Movie

Gross Worldwide Ticket Sales

1

The Grinch

$511,595,957

2

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

$345,141,403

3

A Christmas Carol

$325,286,646

4

The Polar Express

$313,500,433

5

Elf

$220,885,524

6

The Holiday

$205,135,175

7

The Santa Clause

$189,833,357

8

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

$173,961,069

9

The Santa Clause 2

$172,855,065

10

Four Christmases

$163,733,697

Once you have had your fill of binge-watching holiday movies, you may want to participate in one of the oldest Christmas traditions, which dates back to the 15th century. That is, of course, selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. Whether you go and cut down your own tree, buy one, or use an artificial tree, decorating a tree is one of the first signs that the Christmas holiday season is upon us.

If you do plan to venture out and find a real tree, finding the perfect one may take some time. You may want to consider things such as the scent, how sturdy the branches are in order to hold all of the ornaments, whether it drops a lot of needles, the price, color, shape, height, and so on. While there are a lot of variables to consider, you will know when you find the perfect one for your home.

Once you do finally get the tree into your home, the decorating fun begins. Start with a festive tree skirt as the base of your Christmas tree. Adorn your tree with lights, tinsel, garlands, ornaments, and a number of other trinkets that suit your family theme and taste.

Many families hang a special ornament each year that holds a special significance to them. Start a family Christmas tradition of adding one special ornament each year to your tree. Minted offers personalized Christmas photo ornaments in case you wanted to create special ornaments to send out to your loved ones this year.

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Holiday decorating is not limited to just the tree. Decorate your home with Christmas light displays and be the envy of your neighborhood. Some displays even coordinate the lights to turn off and on in unison with popular Christmas songs. Families often travel from miles around to search for the most beautiful light displays.

While you are decorating your home, don’t forget to hang stockings for each of your family members, even that special pet. Remember, you don’t have to have a fireplace to hang stockings. You can hang them from the staircase railing, from garland, on a bookcase, the footboard or headboard of your bed, your TV stand, and so many other places. Be creative! You may also want to read through our post on Christmas mantle decoration ideas.

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The tradition of hanging a strand of mistletoe in the house goes back to the 2nd or 3rd century. Mistletoe was said to have powers that bring good luck to a home by getting rid of evil spirits. More commonly, it was also used as a sign of love and friendship. This is where the custom of kissing under the Mistletoe originates. If you’re curious about where you can purchase mistletoe nearby, consider Home Depot, Lowes, your local hardware store, the garden section of Walmart or Kmart, or the pop-up Christmas tree sales tent.

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Of the many Christmas traditions celebrated around the world, the most common thread is the celebration of a shared meal. Create memories and reflect on the year by joining friends and family together to enjoy a delicious meal. If the idea of interacting with a larger group this holiday season has you feeling uneasy, look to just host a special meal with your immediate household.

As you might imagine, there are countless food choices that people enjoy throughout the world during Christmas, however, there are some main staples that are a part of many Christmas meals. Some classics include roast turkey, ham or chicken, potatoes, stuffing, and of course you cannot forget the gravy. You can also pair the food with some cocktails too.

If you're hosting, you can create a merrier ambiance around the dining room and kitchen with napkin sets and tea towels in Christmas patterns. Some candles and garland in the dining table set the mood for this Christmas dinner with your loved ones. Little accents and decorations here and there in the house will certainly make the season brighter and warmer for everyone.

Not everyone shares the same seasons and climate. In some parts of the world, there could be hotter temperatures during Christmas, which would result in serving colder or lighter dishes. Serving roasted meats cold or enjoying seafood recipes may be more common in warmer climates.

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While we all love a good meal, the actual process of baking together is often a family tradition in itself. Making cookies, baking pies, or building gingerbread houses falls in line with the holiday spirit that it is better to give than receive. Don’t forget to set a few cookies aside (with a glass of milk) for when Santa pays a visit. Some popular Christmas snacks include:

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Gift giving is one of the most beloved traditions of Christmas (especially for children) and it goes back to when the Three Wise Men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus in the manger. Gifts are usually placed under the Christmas tree or within stockings in festive patterns. Browse some unique gifts you can get for your family and friends.

>The timing and place of the gift exchange could vary depending on where you live in the world. For example, in some European countries (Netherlands, Germany, Czechia), some presents are opened as early as December 5th, right before St. Nicholas’ Day on December 6th. In America, we have created a few unique ways to exchange gifts in large group settings, such as

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The tradition of giving gifts to others is centered around showing how much we appreciate others and value the role they play in our lives. As you go about your holiday shopping, remember Christmas is a time to think about others and the joy of giving rather than receiving. Need some help finding the perfect personalized gift for your friends and family this year? Browse Minted’s Holiday Gift Guide for our top picks this 2022 season.

Tree lot wrapping paper designed by Joyce Pinheiro.

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Exchanging greeting cards has become a huge tradition during the holidays. It is a great way to communicate with friends and family and express that you are thinking of them. This year has been a very unusual one, with many of us not venturing too far from home, which means it has likely been a while since some of your more distant friends and family have seen your face. The annual holiday card greeting will be appreciated that much more this December. Did you know that in the United States alone, more than two billion Christmas cards are sent annually?

When it comes time to selecting Christmas cards for your loved ones, consider our wide range of beautiful and unique designs that capture the celebration of the holiday. Minted’s exclusive Christmas cards are designed by a global community of independent artists which guarantees that you will always find a unique and stylish design. There are a number of customization options available through Minted to add a more personal touch to your holiday greeting. Impress your friends and family with beautiful designs, premium quality, and experienced craftsmanship. Learn about what unique design trends we are seeing in 2021.

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The Elf on a Shelf phenomenon became a family Christmas tradition close to 15 years ago. It is derived from a children’s story about Santa’s elves watching over children and reporting back to Santa about the good and bad activities of the children observed that day.

The tradition has become extremely popular amongst adults and kids, as the Elf hides in a new spot every morning around the house and the kids try to find it. The elves are said to have magical powers derived from being adopted and loved by a child. However, the kids must follow one simple rule and that is to not touch the elf or the elves may lose their magic. If touched, the elves cannot report the children’s Christmas wishes back to Santa.

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Music plays a large role in many Christmas traditions around the world. We listen to holiday favorites with family and friends and have our playlist of favorite songs, such as “O Holy Night,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells,” and many others.

One Christmas tradition that has been passed down from many generations is caroling, in which a group of people shows up at homes to serenade inhabitants with holiday music. Some grade schools and high schools have even adopted the practice by encouraging certain groups of students to travel from classroom to classroom singing. This tradition or caroling dates back to the 19th century and is still practiced in many countries to this day.

12 ADDITIONAL UNIQUE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

There are some truly unique and somewhat strange traditions that are practiced in different places around the globe. Here is a sampling of just a few…

Countless German cities like Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg, and Duesseldorf host impressive Christkindlmarkts, or Christmas Markets, where locals and tourists can shop hand-made souvenirs and seasonal-themed edible treats like lebkuchen and pfeffernüsse. Some of these outdoor markets and villages have been re-created each year dating back 500 years. If you do find yourself at a German Christmas market this year, be sure to observe any social distance advisories and mask-wearing protocols.

This theme has become fairly popular over the last few years. Outfits our parents and grandparents wore during the holidays (considered fashionable at the time) are now the butt of the joke at these gatherings and have become a funny family pastime. The tradition of wearing over-the-top holiday sweaters will most likely stay strong and continue to bring people together for some laughs. Consider hosting an ugly Christmas sweater party! In line with dressing up, be sure to check out our list of Christmas outfit ideas for the perfect family holiday card.

How would you like to take a nice swim in freezing cold water on Christmas morning? This may not be for you but hundreds of people in Brighton, England schedule a Christmas day dip every year with just a swimsuit and their Santa hat. This tradition is not exclusive to Brighton but also practiced in London’s Serpentine Lake, Sandycove, Dublin, and plenty of other cold bodies of water around the world. The thought of jumping in frigid Irish waters on Christmas morning is not for everyone!

While Christmas is not viewed as a huge celebration in Japan, a fairly new tradition has emerged in which families enjoy a feast of Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas day.

One of Norway’s Christmas Eve traditions that dates back centuries is the act of hiding all the brooms in the house. This act deprives the witches and evil spirits of finding something to ride on.

Before Venezuelans in Caracas head home to enjoy their Christmas day feast of tamales, hundreds head to church on roller skates. Roads all across the city are closed to cars so people can partake in this unique annual tradition and skate to church in safety.

Numerous cities throughout the U.S. and Europe host a Dickens Fair tradition each holiday season. San Francisco has been hosting one annually since 1970. Attendees will feel as though they have time-traveled back in time to a Victorian London setting where old-timey vernacular is used, vintage clothing is adorned, and bangers and mash are served at every other food stall.

On the Saturday before Christmas Eve, eleven villages in the city of San Fernando in the Philippines create giant lanterns in an annual competition. Known as The Giant Lantern Festival, this competition attracts people from all over the country to view this spectacle. The lanterns started off as small and simple creations, but over the years the lanterns have become more elaborate and much larger, reaching close to 20 feet. The lanterns are shaped in kaleidoscope patterns and are illuminated with electric bulbs.

One of the scarier traditions around the holidays takes place in Austria. While St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls with presents, his evil accomplice, Krampus, is said to capture the naughty children and take them away in a sack. Krampus is described to be a half-man, half-goat and young men dress up in costume to frighten kids during the Krampus Parade, which has grown in popularity across Europe.

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In Sweden, they construct a giant straw goat, known as The Yule Goat, which is over 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs over 3 tons. Every year, the goat is built in the same spot. If you are not able to view the Yule Goat in person, you can watch a live stream from the first Sunday of Advent until after it is taken down at the beginning of the New Year. More recently, vandals have been setting the Yule Goats on fire, which is easy prey given that it is made from straw.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center has to be one of the most iconic outdoor ice skating venues in the world. The seasonal rink opens around the end of October each year but starts to really lure in skaters once the Rockefeller Center Tree is lit in early December. Call ahead to learn what special socially distanced guidelines may be in place.

If roast turkey or ham does not seem appetizing for Christmas dinner, then how about fried caterpillars? This delicacy can be enjoyed in South Africa at Christmas. The Pine Tree Emperor Moth - also known as the Christmas caterpillar - is covered in different colors and is said to give a little extra luck in the New Year to all those who eat it.

No matter what Christmas traditions you practice during the holiday season, it is always a fun time of the year to share special moments celebrating with family and friends. Happy Holidays!

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42 Best Christmas Traditions - Classic Holiday Family Activities

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Christmas isn't just one day in our book—there are a whole host of Christmas traditions that let you enjoy the holiday all month long! For example, stop by the Drummond ranch in mid-December, and Ree Drummond is planning an outing to a local Christmas tree farm to pick out a live evergreen. Come Christmas Day, she's handing out matching Christmas pajamas for their annual pictures and, of course, baking cinnamon rolls to gift to friends. The annual Christmas activities you grew up with are what create lasting memories and make the holiday season even more heartwarming and nostalgic. And here's the thing, it's never too late to start a new holiday ritual. Check out our list of the best Christmas to try this year—and every year!

Ahead, you'll find ideas for a December-long Christmas bucket list. You can start by reading Christmas books, donating presents, and writing a letter to Santa. If you're in the mood for a family road trip, plan a visit to one of the best Christmas towns in the country. Make sure you have your Santa hats on and your favorite Christmas songs playing in the background! It's already the most wonderful time of year, but this might be your most memorable holiday season yet thanks to these sweet Christmas family traditions.

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Make Paper Snowflakes

Have a white Christmas by making paper snowflakes to decorate the house! This sweet, nostalgic craft is kid-friendly and only requires paper and scissors. Hang them from the ceiling, paste them onto windows, or craft a garland out of your geometric creations.

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Bring the Kids to Meet Santa

Who remembers this one from childhood? Give your kids a holiday moment to remember by meeting ol' Saint Nick and taking pictures together. Plenty of malls, stores, and organizations host these types of events all the way up through Christmas Day.

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Take a Holiday Hike

A warm, cozy house and hearty Christmas meal can make you want to hibernate for the next ten years. Some fresh air and a constitutional walk with the whole family will restore your body to keep the celebration going!

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Sip Eggnog

Storebought eggnog is fine, but why not make your own? We have a delicious eggnog recipe so you can sip this classic holiday drink all month long.

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Organize a Secret Santa

Secret Santa isn't just for family! Organize your friends, classmates, or work friends to partake in a cute gift exchange. Set a price limit and have everyone pull names from a hat so that no one knows who is their "secret Santa." When it's time to exchange gifts, you can choose to do an open handoff or have everyone make their best guesses.

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Cook a Christmas Feast

What are the holidays without the food? Cook a feast with Ree’s delicious honey-glazed ham and other classic holiday dishes.

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Go Caroling

It's fun to listen to Christmas carols, but it's just as fun to sing them yourself! Take the family out for a caroling adventure, or host a song session at home.

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Leave Cookies Out for Santa

Santa doesn't ask much of us, but he does expect two things: That we've been good this year and that he'll have some cookies to munch on when he arrives! Take a bite out of one after the kids go to bed, so they know he arrived.

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Set Out a Nativity Scene

Setting up—or crafting—a nativity scene is a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids about the real meaning of Christmas. Plus, it's a necessary piece of holiday décor!

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Make Mini Christmas Row Houses

These whimsical houses are heirloom worthy—you'll want to put them out as décor in the years to come!

Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.

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Celebrate Sinterklaas

The Dutch tradition—known as Saint Nicholas Day—is celebrated on December 5 each year. The night before, Children leave their shoes by the fireplace with carrots sticking out for Sinterklaas' horses. He then leaves a small gift, poem, or treat in exchange!

Kevin J. Miyazaki

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Create a Christmas Tablescape

Christmas table decorations can make your feast go from fine to festive. A tablescape can be anything you make it! Set a runner with row houses on top, a faux white Christmas forest, or a scene from Santa's workshop.

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Buy a Real Christmas Tree

Ree always has a real Christmas tree in her home. "Part of the beauty of a Christmas tree is the amazing scent that fills your house, the daily mess of falling needles, the responsibility of keeping it watered, the natural imperfections on this branch or that," she says. Plus, you get a bonus activity here by visiting your local tree farm!

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Get Matching Holiday Pajamas

On Christmas morning, the Drummonds open gifts and enjoy breakfast together while wearing adorable matching Christmas PJs—Ree included! If you're looking for a pair just for yourself, these women's Christmas pajamas are so cute.

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Make Cinnamon Rolls

Every Christmas, Ree bakes her mom's delicious cinnamon rolls to gift to friends and family. (She makes an impressive 21 pans!) Don't worry, there's still enough for the rest of the Drummond family to enjoy on Christmas morning.

Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.

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Assemble Cookie Platters

Unsurprisingly, Ree loves baking Christmas cookies. "I set aside one day and bake a few different kinds so the cookie platters will look more fun," she says. Keep a few for your family and gift the other platters to friends and neighbors. Check out these amazing Christmas cookie recipes to choose from.

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Wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters

It wouldn't be the holidays without donning your best ugly Christmas sweaters. Invite your whole crew to wear one and then pose for an awkward family photo that's guaranteed for a laugh!

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Visit a Christmas Town

For a healthy dose of holiday cheer, plan a trip to one of the best Christmas towns in the country. (You can even visit one that served as the setting for a Hallmark Christmas movie!)

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Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange

A white elephant gift exchange is always good for a laugh. Your friends and family will have so much fun competing for the best gifts in the game!

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Start a Christmas Village Collection

You might already know someone who builds these miniature Christmas villages every year. Take a look at this village based on A Christmas Story or this one that's a replica of Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

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Dress Up Your Pets

Get your furry friends in on the fun by dressing them up in cute Christmas sweaters, hats, or headbands. (And yes, these are Ree's basset hounds in their best holiday attire! 😂)

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Wrap Christmas Presents

Wrapping Christmas presents can be almost as much fun as unwrapping them! Take it to the next level with one of these out-of-the-box gift-wrapping ideas.

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Serve a Big Christmas Breakfast

Each year, Ree says the first thing the Drummonds do is open presents. No surprise there! Afterward, they all sit down for a tasty Christmas breakfast. On her menu is normally a casserole, her cinnamon rolls, and something on the side, like a fruit salad.

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Put Out a Nutcracker

Ree's grandma used to gift her a nutcracker every year, so to her, these wooden figurines are a sign that the holidays are right around the corner. You can purchase them just for decoration or use them to actually crack nuts.

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Put Up Mistletoe

Putting up a few branches of the infamous kissing plant will add a festive touch to any doorway. Although you might want to pause on following through with the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe this year, it'll still look cheery in your home.

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Ralph Smith

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Recreate a Family Recipe

You've probably got a few tried-and-true family recipes up your sleeve during the holidays. For Ree, her go-to is her mom's sugar cookie recipe! Whether it's something sweet or savory, make memories this Christmas by gathering your kids and making delicious creations together.

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Open One Present on Christmas Eve

Although you'll tear into the bulk of your gifts Christmas morning, pick out a special one to exchange the night before. Maybe it's the video game your child has been begging for, or the special keepsake you bought for your other half. It'll get everyone even more excited for the following day.

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Personalize Your Stockings

Crafting your own DIY stockings will make your yearly tradition of sneaking in stocking stuffers even more personal and fun.

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Hide the Pickle Ornament

If your kids always fight over who opens the first gift, this pickle ornament tradition will solve your problems. All you have to do is hide a pickle bauble in your tree, and whomever finds it the fastest gets dibs on the first present.

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Read a Story Together

On Christmas Eve, put your kids to bed with a festive story from one of the many amazing Christmas books out there. Make it a classic like 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Polar Express. They'll go to sleep while visions of sugar plums dance in their heads!

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How to properly celebrate Christmas - Portal Culture of St. Petersburg

Christmas is a public holiday in more than 100 countries around the world. On the eve of one of the main Christian holidays, we decided to talk about the history and traditions of Orthodox Christmas, and also prepared some ideas where to go with the family.

Christmas traditions in Orthodoxy

Christmas in Orthodoxy is the second holiday after Easter, which is established in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. On January 7, Christmas is celebrated in the Russian, Jerusalem, Polish Serbian, Georgian Orthodox churches - this happened after the transition of the chronology from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. nine0005 On January 7, Christmas is celebrated in the Russian, Jerusalem, Polish, Serbian, and Georgian Orthodox churches - this is what happened after the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Photo: vk.com/veruj.


In Rus', the Christmas holiday officially appeared after the baptism of Prince Vladimir at the end of the 10th century, and they began to celebrate it on December 25 according to the Julian calendar. Since 1929, due to the atheistic sentiments of the Soviet government, it was forbidden to celebrate Christmas. So, in the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR of September 24.1929 it was said: "On the day of the new year and on the days of all religious holidays (former special days of rest), work is carried out on a general basis." Since 1935, in the USSR, the celebration of Christmas has merged with the celebration of the New Year. Traditional customs, the Christmas tree and gifts have become associated with the New Year and have lost their original meaning.

In Russia, the celebration of Christmas was established at the state level by the Decree of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR in 1990, after which on January 7 it officially became non-working. Today, the non-working week begins with the celebration of the New Year and continues until the advent of the Nativity of Christ. nine0005


Customs of celebrating Christmas in Rus'

At the end of the service, a lighted candle, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, is brought to the center of the church. Photo: vk.com/veruj.

Nine months before the appearance of the Savior in the guise of the infant Christ, Archangel Gabriel brought the Good News to the Mother of God that the power of the Most High would overshadow her and that a baby would be born who would be called Jesus, the Son of God.
In a cave near Bethlehem, where shepherds drove cattle during bad weather, the Virgin Mary was born the son of God - Jesus. The shepherds were the first to know about the birth of the Savior “I proclaim to you great joy that will be for all people: for today the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born to you in the city of David! And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). But not only the shepherds were waiting for the birth of the Savior - led by a star to Bethlehem, the wise men came from the east, carrying the gifts of the Messiah. The Magi brought baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh. A deep meaning is hidden in these gifts - gold was presented as a tribute to the King, frankincense as to God, and myrrh as a person who should die (in those days, the dead were anointed with myrrh). nine0005

Marks the beginning of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. And the main thing in this expectation is the observance of a strictly forty-day fast, which lasts from November 28 to January 6. Believers fast to prepare the spirit and body for the Epiphany. January 6 becomes the apogee of Lent, on this day it is not customary to eat food “until the first star”, which indicated the way for the Magi to the Savior. Believers prepare a special dish - sochivo, which is made on the basis of wheat and honey, hence the name "Christmas Eve". Christmas Eve is spent in preparations - people are preparing for Confession and Communion, and the Royal Hours and a special evening service are served in churches, after which an all-night vigil and a solemn festive liturgy follow. At the end of the service, a lighted candle, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, is brought to the middle of the temple. nine0005 It was believed that on the night of Christmas the gates to a happy family life were opened, and that is why these days they carried out well-known fortune-telling about the future family life. Photo: vk.com/veruj

The celebration of Epiphany on January 19 completes the Christmas season. From the onset of the Nativity of Christ until Baptism, Christmas time continues, in which, according to Orthodox canons, people offer prayers to the glory of Jesus Christ.

In Rus', the celebration of Christmas traditionally took place with festivities, games, performances of mummers, fortune-telling and caroling. It was believed that on the night of Christmas the gates to a happy family life open, and that is why these days they carried out well-known fortune-telling about the future family life: about the betrothed-mummer, about the future husband and about predictions for an early marriage. The most famous ritual that has come down to us is fortune-telling with a mirror and a candle, “Betrothed-disguised, come to me dressed up.” You can also find references to fortune-telling on a log - if an unmarried girl pulled a smooth log out of a firewood shed, then she would have a good husband, and if with knots - a bad one, if the log was thick, then the husband would be rich, and thin - poor. Sometimes the qualities of the future chosen one were determined with the help of a rooster. The girls scattered various objects on the floor and launched a rooster. If he ran to the grain - the husband will be rich, if to the water - to drinkers, to money - he will be an avid player, and if to ashes - to smokers. nine0005 The celebration of Epiphany on January 19 completes the Christmas season. Photo: vk.com/veruj


An empty table was also a bad omen, so a special ritual kalach was prepared in each hut, which was treated to those who came to carol. The more caroling came to the house, the more successful the year was considered for the family.

The material was prepared by the editors of the portal "Culture of St. Petersburg". Quoting or copying is possible only with reference to the source: spbcult.ru

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

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Christmas is celebrated in most of the world, but each nation has developed its own traditions over the centuries

Tell your children about Christmas traditions from different countries. Are you ready for a little trip?

  • In Denmark and Norway at Christmas, a large portion of rice pudding is left on the table for the elf Nisse. If this is not done, then the elf can steal the gifts that the children are waiting for on Christmas morning, and also deprive the house and family of their favor. Norwegian farmers still believe that if Nisse is well fed, then they will do well all year. nine0011
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  • In UK , children write letters to Santa Claus hoping to get the Christmas gifts they've been dreaming of all year. However, they do not send their letters by post, but through the fireplace. Children believe that chimney draft is the most reliable way to deliver a letter to the North Pole. The British also believe that every member of the family must stir the Christmas pudding and make a wish at the same time. nine0041

  • In Venezuela's capital , on Christmas morning, the streets are closed to cars, and local residents can go to church on roller skates. The movement to the temple is accompanied by fireworks and joyful exclamations of "Jesus is born!".
  • There is also a Christmas tradition in the Spanish Catalonia . Before Christmas, children make an unusual character - a log with a human face and front legs. Cover him with a blanket. It is believed that if you take care of it, it will bring gifts. On Christmas morning, a log is placed by the fireplace, children beat it with sticks and literally beat small gifts out of it. nine0002 KINO 2017