People who live in other countries have interesting Christmas traditions. Let's take a look at them and see if you are motivated by what others do to start your own holiday traditions.
European Traditions
Poland – Straw is placed under a white tablecloth. After supper, the unmarried women reach under the tablecloth and pull out one piece of straw. According to the Polish Center, a green one foretells marriage; a withered one signifies waiting; a yellow one predicts spinsterhood; and a very short one foreshadows an early grave.
Great Britain – On Christmas Eve, younger kids hang stockings at the end of their bed for Father Christmas to fill.
Italy – While North Americans go bonkers for Christmas trees, Italians are keen on presepios, basically the nativity scene. They are present throughout parks, churches, stores, yards, and in most homes.
Spain – On Christmas Eve, oil lamps are lit in front windows to give the appearance of stars in the sky.
France – On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace for Father Christmas to fill.
Greece – Christmas trees aren't popular in Greece. Instead, to symbolize the holidays, a shallow wooden bowl is fixed with wire strings across the rim. A cross is suspended above the bowl and a sprig of basil is wrapped around the bowl.
South American Traditions
Argentina – Christmas decorations are usually made with red and white garland.
Bolivia – It is a tradition on Christmas morning to drink hot chocolate and eat pastries drizzled with syrup.
Colombia – Children, even young ones, stay up late in anticipation of seeing the baby Jesus deliver presents. The youngest kids start falling asleep around midnight.
Peru – The holiday festivities are celebrated on Christmas Eve night. After evening mass (for those who go), the gifts are opened and an elaborate meal is devoured.
African Traditions
Egypt – On Christmas morning, people go visit their friends and neighbours and exchange a type of shortbread.
Ethiopia – The traditional Christmas meal is a spicy chicken stew with a sourdough pancake type of bread.
Kenya – Kenyans tend to eat pilau on Christmas, a dish made of rice, spices, and a meat (usually beef). Pilau is served to the group of people on one big platter and everyone eats off the tray with their fingers. No utensils allowed!
Asian Traditions
Iraq – On Christmas Eve, those who believe in Christmas read the nativity story from an Arabic Bible in their yard while holding lit candles. After the story is over, a bonfire of dried thorns is lit in the yard. Once the fire dies, everyone stomps on the ashes three times while making a wish.
China – Christmas trees in China are often decorated with flowers, lanterns, and red paper chains (they symbolize happiness). On Christmas Day, dinner is usually enjoyed at a restaurant.
Hong Kong – Elaborate Christmas cards are sent out by Hong Kong Christians. The cards are artistic and show off the talents of the card creators.
Japan – Homes are usually decorated with mistletoe and evergreens.
Australian Traditions
In Australia, the temperature often approaches 30 degrees Celsius, during the holiday season so it's common for Australians to have their Christmas dinner midday on the beach.
Good luck incorporating some new traditions in your holiday repertoire!
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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