Christmas around the world
Christmas around the world
Christmas in the birthplaces of traditions, Germany and England, is celebrated in ways that crown centuries of both religious and secular traditions from various countries around the world.
Therefore, it is fascinating to look at some general ways Christmas is celebrated in these countries. The traditions examined for each country will be examples of unique practices done today or by people in these countries in the past.
To start, it is symbolic to look at the city of Bethlehem, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is decorated at Christmas with many flags and other Christmas decorations.
Usually, a large crowd gathers at the Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve to witness a dramatic procession led by horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses. The police are followed by a single horseman carrying a cross, followed by churchmen and government officials.
Members of the procession formally enter the doors of the Church of the Nativity and place an ancient effigy of Jesus in the church. A silver star located deep within an underground cave-like section of the church marks the site where Jesus was born.
A star is also placed on top of a column in the town square. In Bethlehem, Christian homes typically have a cross above the door, and a nativity scene is usually set up inside the home.
In Germany, the home of the Christmas tree tradition, the Christmas tree is not seen until Christmas Eve. The tree is usually kept in a special room or another area and secretly decorated with lights, ornaments, tinsel, angels, candies, nuts, and cookies.
Then it is lit, gifts are placed underneath, and it is presented to the children on Christmas Eve. In Germany, December sixth is known as Saint Nicholas Day when Santa Claus visits the homes of boys and girls.
On the previous day, December fifth, children leave a shoe or boot outside or by the fireplace for Santa Claus. If they are good, he fills the shoe with gifts and candies, but if they are naughty,
children will find twigs or a rod in their shoe. The Christmas Day dinner includes roast goose, long loaves of bread stuffed with raisins, nuts, and dried fruits, and other sweet delicacies.
Many traditions in England are similar to those in the United States because these traditions originated in England and were brought to the United States by immigrants.
The tradition of sending Christmas cards started in England and is still popular during Christmas, as well as the tradition of neighborhood caroling on Christmas Eve. Children also hang stockings on Christmas Eve in anticipation of Santa Claus filling them with gifts or presents.
Holly, ivy, and mistletoe are often used in Christmas decorations in England. The traditional Christmas dinner in England is roast turkey, goose, or chicken with stuffing, vegetables, and roast potatoes. Dessert includes British pudding or Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.
Rich fruit-filled Christmas cake is also enjoyed later in the day. The tradition of pulling Christmas crackers also accompanies the meal on Christmas Day.
A cracker is a paper tube containing a hat, a puzzle, a toy, or a trinket, brightly colored and twisted at both ends, and it gives a pop when its contents are pulled from each end.
On Christmas afternoon, the Queen broadcasts a Christmas message to the nation, heard on radio and television. The day after Christmas is also a holiday known as Boxing Day.
Starting Christmas shopping early has become a common practice in recent years, with many radio stations playing Christmas songs as early as November.
Christmas shopping, like Santa Claus, is an essential element of the holiday season. Early Christmas shoppers are highly organized and have a strategy to complete their shopping before the season gets too busy.
The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, marks the official start of the retail season, where retailers advertise Christmas sales, special offers, and markdowns.
This period represents a significant portion of annual store revenues, with some estimates reaching seventy percent. Early Christmas shoppers aim to find the best deals and avoid crowded stores.
They start browsing for gift availability, variety, and prices as early as October to ensure they get the best deals. While some retailers introduce new items only at the start of the official season to build anticipation, early shopping allows for a more organized and enjoyable holiday preparation.
Christmas around the world is a blend of ancient traditions and modern practices, each adding a unique flavor to the holiday season. Whether it’s the dramatic processions in Bethlehem, the secretive Christmas tree decorations in Germany, or the festive dinners and crackers in England,
every tradition brings a sense of joy and community. To make your Christmas planning easier and more enjoyable, remember to start early and stay organized.
Thank you for joining us on this global journey through Christmas traditions. If you enjoyed this content, please subscribe to our channel for more interesting stories and practical advice. Happy holidays, and see you next time!
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