Christmas is celebrated all over the world in Christian countries. It is one of the brightest holidays of our faith, regardless of the fact that Christianity has its two branches - Catholicism and Orthodoxy.
This is exactly what is good about Christmas - the celebrations are broken through the centuries-old traditions of each country, which have brought a touch of individuality to the holiday. In whatever context Christmas is placed, Christmas is an equally loved and revered day, no matter when exactly it is positioned in the calendars of different nations.
We will look with interest at the traditions around the world, the differences and similarities in the customs in which the Christmas spirit and unity stand out.
Australia
Christmas in Australia is celebrated on December 25, just like here. The difference is that for the Australians then it is the height of the children's summer vacation. So, the warm season allows the festivities to be held outdoors without people feeling cold.
The most popular event that happens during the Christmas holidays is called "candle carols". People come together at night in the square or around the cathedral with candles in their hands and sing carols. The stars shine above their heads. This wonderful view makes the unique Christmas concert unforgettable.
England
We know the UK weather is gloomy and wet. Fog usually covers England at this time of year. But this does not bother the English. They wrap presents, bake cookies with gusto, hang Christmas stockings over the fireplace and anxiously await Santa Claus.
On Holy Night, families gather around the Christmas tree in the living room and sing carols. The children write a letter to Santa Claus and throw it into the fire in the fireplace. Thus, their wishes will be able to pass through the narrow chimney and reach the good old man more easily.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia they follow the Julian calendar, unlike us. That is why Ethiopians celebrate on January 7th. The celebration of Nativity in local language is called Ganna. It is a day when families go to church. Everyone dresses in white with their traditional garments called a shamma - a thin, cotton white garment with brightly colored stripes around the edges.
Twelve days after Ganna, on January 19, Ethiopians begin a three-day celebration of Timkat, which commemorates the Baptism of Christ.
France
For the French, the festivities begin on December 5. Then is the feast of Saint Nicholas. It's with us the next day. On Christmas itself, bells ring from all churches and cathedrals. On Christmas, families go to church and then sit down at the festive table in their homes to taste the ritual dishes.
On the table of the French for Christmas, you can also see seafood, lobsters and different types of crabs, which are characteristic of their cuisine.
Germany
In Germany, they are preparing with the Christmas mood as early as December. Four weeks before Christmas, Germans start making Christmas wreaths to hang on their front doors.
Wreaths of pine branches are also placed inside homes. 4 candles are placed on each wreath. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, one candle is lit until Holy Night.
We all love the German Christmas stollen that appears every year in stores. Germans also prepare traditional breads, candied fruits, biscuits. Every home has a delightful smell of baked goods.
Netherlands
In Holland they call Santa Claus Sinterklaas. He arrives with them on Nicholas Day. Naturally, he is dressed in red robes, tall, with a pointed moustache. He arrives majestically on his white horse carrying the sack of gifts.
Dutch families celebrate Saint Nicholas at home with lots of delicious food, hot chocolate and a special cake made in the shape of the first letter of the family's last name.
Italy
In Italy Christmas preparations also start 4 weeks before Christmas. Christmas markets, fireworks, festive lights and music can be heard from all the squares. Families stroll through the Christmas markets, where you can find them lighting candles and praying in front of decorative nativity scenes.
Mexico
Christmas markets in Mexico are called "puestos" (pronounced "puestos"). Many things can traditionally be bought in them - gifts, decorations and all kinds of goodies.
Mexicans decorate their homes with paper lanterns cut into various shapes, in which candles are placed. They call them "farolitos". These lanterns can be found everywhere on sidewalks, squares, on the windows of homes.
The festive atmosphere these lanterns create is unique.
Spain
Christmas celebrations in Spain start on December 13th. Then it is the day of Saint Lucia, patroness of light.
On the morning of that day, the eldest daughter in the family puts on a long white dress before sunrise to honor the "Queen of Light". A wreath of green leaves is placed on the head and the rest of the family sing festive songs. The whole family decorates the Christmas tree 1-2 days before Christmas.
Hungary
The Hungarian version of Santa Claus is called Mikolas. Traditionally, he visits homes on the night of December 5, the eve of Nicholas Day.
On top of Christmas, Hungarian children usually put a boot on the windowsill, in which good old Mikolas will put various goodies. In Hungary, the Christmas tree is decorated on Christmas Eve. Traditional dinner includes fish soup.
