Christmas Around the World

By Jayden Branam

    Christmas is celebrated in over 160 countries. Each celebration reflects diverse cultures and traditions around the world. Here in the United States, we celebrate Christmas by decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, spending time with family and friends, and putting out cookies for Santa Claus. However, the holiday season can look very different in other countries. 

    Take Australia, for example. Christmas in Australia takes place in summer. Because it is so warm during Christmas, it is common for there to be bushfires around the country. Similar to the United States, people in Australia decorate Christmas trees, sing Christmas carols, and visit with family—however, these festivities look slightly different. In Australia, it is common for people to have barbeques on the beach to celebrate Christmas. Additionally, Christmas carols in Australia are often modified, replacing words surrounding the snow and cold weather with Australian words. Common Christmas foods in Australia include prawns, lobsters, pavlova, and pudding.

    In Finland, Santa is known as “Joulupukki”. The name Joulupukki translates to Christmas Goat. This name is derived from a traditional myth of a scary Yule Goat asking people for presents. Eventually, this goat transformed into human form and became a gift giver. Different from the American belief that Santa lives in the North Pole, Finnish people believe that Joulupukki lives in Korvatunturi, northern Finland. In Finland, animals also get to enjoy the holiday season! Farmers hang wheat, nuts, and pieces of suet for birds and other animals to eat. Popular Christmas foods in Finland include rice porridge, pork, salmon, and casseroles. 

    In Guatemala, the holiday season kicks off on December 7th with “La Quema Del Diablo” (the burning of the devil). This tradition involves the burning of an effigy (often a piñata) of Satan in a bonfire. People also burn other unwanted items found around their homes. It is believed that the devil could be lurking in these unused items. This tradition is seen as a form of spiritual cleansing. Las Posadas Navideñas is another popular holiday tradition in Guatemala. This tradition typically takes place between December 16th and 24th. People walk the streets along enormous wooden floats carrying images of Joseph and Mary. Tamales, Ponche, and Guatemalan hot chocolate are foods and drinks commonly consumed on Christmas. 

    No matter where you celebrate, Christmas is a holiday filled with joy, kindness, and love all around. It is a time to show appreciation to your family and friends, relish your religious beliefs, and eat tons of good food! So Merry Christmas, Hyvää Joulua, and Feliz Navidad!