What Are The Alternatives To Christmas Celebrated Around The Globe?

The homerun stretch of the  year is about to begin and with it comes a ton of joy and festivity around the globe, with diverse cultures and religions coming together to mark the season in their unique ways. While Christmas is a focal point for many, many traditions and celebrations exist that offer a broader view of how people honor this time of year. 

The Many Faces of Christmas Around the World

United States & Canada: Christmas in North America is a grand affair marked by a mix of traditions and modern twists. Homes are adorned with sparkling lights, and the iconic Christmas tree becomes the centerpiece of family gatherings. The tradition of exchanging gifts reflects the spirit of generosity, while holiday songs and festive movies add to the cheer. In Canada, you might find unique customs such as the “Christmas Daddies” telethon and outdoor ice skating.

United Kingdom: The UK embraces Christmas with its classic charm. The celebration kicks off with Advent, leading up to Christmas Day, where families gather for a hearty Christmas lunch that often features roast turkey, Brussels sprouts, and Christmas pudding. The day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day, is celebrated with shopping sprees and sporting events. British traditions also include Christmas crackers—colorful tubes filled with small gifts and paper crowns that add a touch of fun to the festive meal.

Germany: Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are renowned for their festive atmosphere. These markets, held in towns and cities across the country, offer a delightful array of handmade crafts, festive foods like bratwurst and mulled wine, and traditional sweets such as stollen and lebkuchen. The Advent season is marked by the lighting of Advent candles and calendars, with families gathering to enjoy the build-up to Christmas. The Christmas Eve tradition often includes a meal followed by the exchange of gifts.

Italy: In Italy, Christmas is a time for elaborate feasts and religious observance. The Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Christmas Eve meal, is enjoyed by many Italian families. This multi-course feast showcases a variety of seafood dishes. Christmas Day is celebrated with a festive lunch, often featuring roasted meats and rich desserts like Panettone. The holiday season extends until January 6, with Epiphany marking the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. La Befana, a witch-like figure, is said to bring gifts to children on this day.

Australia: Down under, Christmas coincides with the summer season, offering a refreshing contrast to the winter celebrations elsewhere. Australians celebrate with outdoor barbecues, beach gatherings, and enjoying the warm weather. Traditional Christmas fare may include seafood, fresh salads, and pavlova, a meringue-based dessert. In some regions, the Christmas spirit is complemented by carol singing and festive decorations.

Japan: Christmas in Japan is celebrated with a blend of Western and local influences. Although not a traditional holiday, it is embraced with enthusiasm. Many Japanese people enjoy a festive meal at KFC, which has become a popular Christmas tradition, and indulge in Christmas cakes, often decorated with strawberries and cream. The season is marked by beautiful illuminations and a general sense of holiday cheer, even if it’s not a public holiday.

Philippines: The Philippines boasts one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, starting as early as September. The festive atmosphere is palpable with elaborate Christmas decorations, including parols (star-shaped lanterns) that light up homes and streets. The highlight of the season is Noche Buena, a midnight feast on Christmas Eve, where families gather to enjoy a spread of delicious dishes and celebrate together.

Alternative Celebrations

Hanukkah: Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival that usually falls in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt. The holiday is marked by the lighting of the menorah, a candelabrum with eight branches plus a central “shamash” (helper) candle. Each night, an additional candle is lit, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and families often play dreidel, a spinning top game.

Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is an African-American cultural festival created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. It emphasizes seven principles (Nguzo Saba) such as unity, self-determination, and collective work. The holiday features the lighting of the kinara (a candleholder with seven candles) and the celebration of these principles through community gatherings, discussions, and traditional African foods. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a specific principle, promoting reflection and cultural pride.

Las Posadas: Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican celebration that takes place from December 16 to December 24. It reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. Each night, participants go door-to-door in processions, singing carols and asking for shelter, until they are finally welcomed. The festivities culminate in a final celebration with a party featuring traditional foods, piñatas, and communal cheer.

Saint Lucia Day: Celebrated on December 13, Saint Lucia Day is a significant holiday in Sweden, Norway, and parts of Italy. It honors Saint Lucia of Syracuse, a Christian martyr known for her compassion and courage. The celebration typically involves a procession led by a girl dressed in white with a crown of candles, symbolizing light in the midst of winter darkness. Traditional foods include saffransbullar (saffron buns) and lussekatter (saffron-studded bread).

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, observed on December 8, is a major feast day in the Roman Catholic Church. It celebrates the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, asserting that she was conceived without original sin. The day is marked by special masses, prayers, and devotions, emphasizing the significance of Mary’s role in the Christian faith.

Winter Solstice Festivals: The Winter Solstice, occurring around December 21 or 22, is celebrated by various cultures as the shortest day of the year and the point at which the days start to lengthen again. Yule, celebrated by modern pagans and those following Norse traditions, involves feasting, lighting fires, and decorating with holly and mistletoe. In China, the Dongzhi Festival focuses on family reunions and eating special foods like tangyuan (sweet rice balls) to symbolize family togetherness.

To conclude the end of the year is a time rich with tradition and festivity, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways people around the world come together to celebrate. Whether it's the twinkling lights of Christmas, the glowing candles of Hanukkah, each celebration brings its own unique flavor to the season. Embrace the diversity, learn from different cultures, and enjoy the global expanse of holiday cheer. Happy holidays, wherever and however you celebrate!