You may have always wondered about Christmas on the other side of the world, and while we struggle to make our Christmas a memorable tradition, we also need to learn how other places celebrate Christmas in order to teach it to our children. Tweens are at a particularly good age to start learning about how other countries spend their holidays. They know and understand that there are other countries beyond their own boundaries, so they will be especially curious about how these countries celebrate Christmas.
Learning about Christmas traditions around the world may inspire new traditions in your family. Schools will be out during the Christmas holiday, so use that time to study the Christmas traditions around the world.
Australian Christmas Traditions
In Australia, the scenery is not white and it is definitely not cold, in fact it is the opposite. Australians enjoy their day on the beach or shopping for Christmas gifts in shorts and short sleeved shirts. The Australian Christmas tradition includes Carols by Candlelight. This is a tradition held every year on Christmas Eve. Everyone who wants to participate in the tradition meets in the city of Melbourne to sing together.
Their songs include all the traditional favorite Christmas carols of all times. Everyone holds a lighted candle while attending the singing. Other places in Australia also hold their own celebrations but before Christmas.
Christmas would not be complete without Christmas dinner, which consists of Turkey, ham or pork as the main dish. Other enjoyable dishes include flaming Christmas Plum Pudding, minced meat pies and more. Because of the hot weather, Christmas dinner does not need to be held indoors where it is warm. The Christmas dinners are enjoyed on the beach, outside, and by having a picnic. Australian bush is the flower for Christmas.
Brazilian Christmas Traditions
In Brazil, there is a different mix of people, so the Christmas includes a variety of traditions including creating a nativity scene also known as Presipio. Father Noel, also known as Papai Noel is the one who brings gifts. The outfit that Father Noel wears is made of silk because the weather is still warm in Brazil.
Brazilians enjoy a traditional dinner consisting of turkey or ham, rice, and a variety of vegetables. There are several fruit dishes to choose from as well. Christmas is celebrated by dancing and singing until January 6. Flowers are picked from the garden. Other festivities include fireworks, a huge display of Christmas trees made from Christmas lights that can be seen for a very long way.
Holland Holiday Traditions
Holland expects a visit from St. Nick in November when he comes to Holland by boat. He is met with a crowd of people who will then lead him into town in order to attend a parade. Children in Holland know that St. Nick lives there and can witness for himself how good or bad children are. On December the 5th everyone in Holland enjoys exchanging presents in celebration.
Chinese Christmas Traditions
In China, trees are decorated with ornaments made from paper. They may be in a shape of lanterns, flowers, chains and more. Stockings are also hung so they may be filled with treats. Santa Claus is referred to as Dun Che Lao Ren, which means “Christmas Old Man” and children anticipate his arrival. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and therefore the season is called Spring Festival for those who don’t celebrate. Christmas is geared more towards the children in China, giving presents for them as they celebrate.
Christmas celebrations around the world are very interesting to learn about. As the children await and prepare for Christmas at your house, entice them with a story of how children are celebrating this wonderful holiday around the world.
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