Different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world

Many people think that the only date for celebrating Christmas is December 25^th and that’s all about Christmas. Yet, Christmas can last much longer than that, and it’s observed at different times in many countries.

It means that although most people celebrate Christmas on December 25^th, there are undoubtedly other dates as well.

Christmas celebration in the Netherlands

For example, some Orthodox churches use different calendars for this celebration. These churches are in countries such as Serbia, Israel, Russia, and Ethiopia. Other countries celebrate Christmas on January 7^th because they use the old Julian calendar.

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Christmas in Serbia

For example, in Greece the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas and others have decided to still use the Julian calendar. Some Catholics also enjoy this day on January 7^th.

Christmas tree in Greece

In Armenia, people celebrate Christmas and Epiphany on January 6^th. This is a decision of the Apostolic Church of this country.

In Latin America, in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, people go to parties, play music, dance, drink alcohol and more. Only a few people just go to church. This tradition is very similar in almost all the countries of the American nation.

Families get together to have dinner and have fun

What do people do on Christmas?

We have already said that people celebrate Christmas in many ways and in different days. Before December 25^th, people start decorating their homes, backyards, and gardens with lights. They also decorate them with Christmas trees and other stuff.

Christmas lights used to decorate homes.

On this day, it is a norm to organize a special meal, which varies depending on the country, culture, and religion. For example, in the United States, they have turkey for the midnight dinner.

Americans prepare turkey in December

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Gift exchange is also widespread in many countries. Children are the one who receives most gifts from their parents and other relatives on December 25^th. The mythical figure Santa Clause is quite famous around the world.

Santa Claus

Kids receiving gifts from their relatives

For this reason, Christmas Day is a very commercialized holiday with a lot of people spending money on food, decoration, and presents.

People spend bunches of money in December

For the Christian community, Christmas is a special season for planning a Nativity display, playing lots of song or carols, and participating in charitable projects for the needy or people with very little money.

Christian churches organize charity projects for poor people

On this day, almost all the organizations, schools and companies are closed. Many people visit their relatives that live in other towns and cities. Therefore, airports and highways remain congested by the end of November and December. Public transportation hardly works on these days. December 25^th and January 7^th are declared holidays and public life close down impressively.

Gatherings and family parties are a common thing in Christmas

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The original way to celebrate Christmas is a unique church service or mass (in the Catholic religion). This is to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the events related to the Messiah. We can define Christmas as one of the most religious celebrations around the world. Yet, other traditions are more associated with the pre-Christian winter festivals. As a result, many people decorate their homes with evergreen bushes because they symbolize light and life.

Unique religious service in a Catholic church

A mid-winter festival was held many centuries ago, in Roman times. The festivity was plenty of parties and was a relaxing time for the goers. Romans gave other people gifts, like small dolls for kids and candles for teens and adults. The festival ended with the winter solstice on December 25^th. There was a similar festival in Scandinavia called Yule which lasted 12 days, in late December and early January. Scandinavians burnt dogs and related parties in those times. It is believed that these customs have influenced our way of celebrating Christmas today.

A Scandinavian town in Christmas

There is not a precise date for the birth of Jesus in the Bible. Nobody is clear enough why December 25^th is related to the birth of the Messiah. But it is believed that he was born around two thousand years. In the beginning, the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. It turned into a celebration in the Middle Age in Europe.

A manager. Representation of the birth of Jesus

Christmas was not often celebrated until the 19^th century because partying was considered an unchristian practice. Yet, this festival became widespread since 1840. In 1870, December 25^th was declared a holiday in America. For the American community, Christmas is the most important holiday.

A New York street in Christmas

Many objects and people represent Christmas, such as baby Jesus, Santa Claus, and the Three Kings. Reindeer and elves are animals that symbolize Christmas too. People use other objects like decorations, fairy lights, pine trees and candles to decorate their homes, schools, hospitals and public places. Christmas is a celebration that combines religion and commercial interests.

Christmas reindeer

Recommendations to spend a better Christmas season

- Smile and avoid being grumpy. Sing Christmas songs.

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- Wish others a Merry Christmas only if you are sure they celebrate Christmas just like you do.

-Try to enjoy this day as much as children do. Let your inner child pop out again.

- Research about Christmas customs worldwide. There are many books on traditions and recipes that can help you seek out a more exciting Christmas day.

Christmas day in Greenland

Try going to a cultural center to find out more about other Christmas cultures. Visit museums and attend special holiday events.

IMuseum Christmas decoration

Travel on this holiday.

- If you are a mom of daughters, fashion yarn dolls for them. You can put a different twist on your Christmas celebration by picking and dressing yourself up with a granny doll costume.