The way we celebrate Christmas changes from country to country, and some traditions are very original. From the kiss under the mistletoe in Great Britain to the lights contest in the United States to the fried chicken lunch in Japan, Christmas may be celebrated differently all over the world but with the same hope in our hearts: to transform the holidays into the most beautiful time of the year.

The kiss under the mistletoe in Great Britain

The kiss under the mistletoe, a ritual now exported all over the world, is a must on Christmas Day in Great Britain. A druidic symbol of fertility, it became popular in 18th century England and has been deeply rooted as a tradition ever since, just like the Christmas Pudding for Christmas lunch. On the evening of Christmas Eve, in England, the traditional Christmas log is lit: it will have to last as long as possible and a part will be kept and used to rekindle the log of the following year. Also on Christmas Eve, before going to bed, children hang their stockings by the fireplace waiting for Santa’s gifts. To thank him, they leave a glass of milk and a cake (the “mince pie”) on the table and a carrot for the reindeer.

The decorations in the United States

Americans are not shy to go over the top when it comes to decorating the outside of their house: this has started a real competition over the years, for who has the most beautiful decoration in the neighborhood. In the gardens of the houses, you can find Santa’s sleighs with reindeer and lights of all kinds. But to prove there are no bad feelings between neighbors here is another tradition, the famous Christmas Carol, where a group goes from house to house singing Christmas carols for the neighbors. Even though it is a Christmas tradition, it is not uncommon for this tradition to become a momentum for non-Christians to join and stay in touch with friends and neighbors.

The Christmas table in Russia

In Russia people begin to prepare the table for the Christmas Eve dinner after sunset: it is covered with straw or hay, on which wheat is then scattered. The tablecloth is placed on top, leaving a clove of garlic at each corner which, according to beliefs, protects against disease. In the middle of the table, they place the kut’ja, a sweet porridge made from wheat and sesame seeds, honey, and sometimes hazelnuts. Tradition has it that the head of the family takes the first spoonful of kut’ja and pronounces the words “Christ is born”, to which the other diners respond “Truly He is Born”.

The day of Saint Lucia in Sweden

Here Christmas begins with the day of Saint Lucia, on December 13th. Lucia was a young Christian who died for her faith. On the day when the saint is celebrated, there is a tradition that the eldest daughter must get up very early in the morning, and wearing a white robe, a red scarf and a crown with candles on her head, brings a typical sweet to the rest of the family, called lussekatters.

Fried chicken lunch in Japan

Although people of Christian origin are a clear minority, Christmas in Japan does not go unnoticed. In addition, the Japanese have borrowed some customs typical of Western culture such as, for example, the use of lights and illuminations and Christmas decorations (which, however, are dismantled soon after, on December 25). On Christmas day, the protagonist of the table is fried chicken. Eating fried chicken at Christmas became  such a widespread habit that reservations at restaurants have become mandatory. On the festive menu, we also find the “Japanese Christmas Cake”, a sponge cake decorated with trees, flowers and a figure of Santa Claus, made with strawberries and whipped cream. Children love it!

The Patinatas y Gaitas in Venezuela

Venezuelan Christmas is perfect for those who love sports. On the night of December 24th, people go to the streets with skates on their feet, in a real parade that runs through the streets to the church where the midnight mass is held. The skaters are accompanied by gaitas, Christmas music from Venezuelan folklore characterized by Latin rhythms and joyful songs.

More Christmas Carol in the Philippines

During the holidays in Philippines, it is common to meet people on the street going around houses to sing Christmas carols. To thank them, they are offered “salabat”, a hot drink made of ginger and “kakanin”, rice cakes.

Are there any bizarre traditions in the country you come from that you want to tell us about? We cannot wait! Simply leave a comment below : )

Merry Christmas! Le Renne