Christmas Traditions From Around The World

I’ve always been a big fan of Christmas, and I also love family traditions. Christmas to me is always about seeing family, eating fantastic food, and enjoying some time off to recharge. Countries around the world have some really fun traditions. I’m sharing with you some of my favorites!

Canada

In my country, we take proud claim of the North Pole. You can send a letter to Santa at his address; Santa Claus, North Pole, Canada H0H 0H0. These letters are responded to by Santa’s elves at Canada Post!

Merry Christmas

Germany

I love the idea of Christmas Markets and Germany does it right! The Christkindlmarkt is an outdoor street market that happens in the end of November and through December until Christmas. Every photo I’ve seen looks so beautiful. The lights are one of my favorite parts of Christmas decorations. High on my must try list is Glühwein – hot mulled wine.

Merry Christmas – Fröhliche Weihnachten

Iceland

One of my favorite countries, and now I love it even more! Many people in Iceland on Christmas Eve exchange books and spend the evening reading, in a tradition called Jólabókaflóð (the Christmas book flood!). I love the parties and hustle and bustle, but spending Christmas Eve quietly reading sounds perfect to me!

Merry Christmas – Gleðileg jól

Venezuela

In Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, people head to church on Christmas Eve on roller blades! So many people do it that some roads are closed to cars so the roller-bladers are safer! Pretty unique way to get to church I think!

Merry Christmas – Feliz Navidad

Australia

Of course in Australia Christmas lands in the middle of summer! It’s common for people to have BBQs for Christmas dinner. I would love to spend a Christmas day at the beach and then have a BBQ.

Happy Christmas

Japan

Even though most people in Japan aren’t Christian, they celebrate a Kentucky Christmas – that is Kentucky fried chicken. Many families order a bucket of fried chicken and the sides for dinner on Christmas Day. KFC isn’t my favorite take out but I like the idea of not cooking!

Merry Christmas -メリークリスマス or Merīkurisumasu