You know Christmas as the holiday with exquisite gingerbread houses, put-together frosting icicles, colorful candies, and iridescent Christmas trees in every window. But have you ever wondered how other cultures celebrate it when you’re enjoying your winter holiday at home? You don’t have to travel thousands of miles; you can find out here! 

France 

The French typically celebrate their Christmases in churches and cathedrals, pray to God, and sing carols called “Chants de Noël .” They tend to celebrate Christmas on the 25th, believing that Jesus was born on this day. Following long days in the church praying, they return to their homes to do the usuals like eat, sleep, or open their presents when they have children in the household. Some traditions in French culture during the holidays include a huge meal on Christmas Eve, French homes being decorated with crèches, and families indulging in yule logs. 

Brazil

Instead of celebrating Christmas on the 25th, as is done in most countries, Brazilians celebrate on the 24th. They tend to meet in churches just like

in France, and give each other presents and host grand gatherings with family for Christmas Eve. Similar to the United States, Brazilians decorate their homes for the season. In Brazil, fireworks are also a way to celebrate Christmas! Brazilians call Santa “Papa Noel,” and children wait for him to come to their doorstep with presents every Christmas Eve.

Mexico

In Mexico, the fun Christmas activities seem endless, with dancing, Spanish Christmas carols, and nativity scenes. Mexicans also tend to hold candlelit processions and fireworks, like Brazilians. They have picked up the tradition of Santa Claus and Christmas trees from other cultures, but all of their traditions mainly root in their indigenous and Mexican cultures. One example is the nine posadas of Advent, where the people of Mexico meet every night from December 16th to Christmas Eve!

South Korea

South Koreans don’t usually celebrate Christmas to commemorate Jesus and his birth but to celebrate a holiday of giving with family and friends. In Korean culture, Christmas isn’t as important for them to travel across the country to see family. However, they tend to have the day off on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But, they usually would use it as a day to spend with family or friends.

Madagascar 

Madagascan culture celebrates Christmas similarly to other cultures in that they also go to church, specifically midnight Mass in lovely and elegant attire. In church, children hold plays that honor Jesus and his birth and sing songs accompanying their acts. Santa is highly anticipated by children, who call him “Dadabe Noely.” After church festivities, families return home to eat dinner foods such as chicken, rice, and pork. Madagascans’ traditions for Christmas include giving each other gifts, having dinner with family, decorating Christmas trees, and waiting for Santa Claus to come!

Every culture is beautiful but combined with the perfection of the holiday season, the world becomes a joyous celebration. It is fun and essential to know about other cultures’ traditions and how they are different and similar to ours. It is also exciting to try some of their traditions and differ from our usual American Christmas. It’s great to know what to expect when visiting other countries during the holiday season so that we can learn from them!