There are some wonderful Christmas customs from around the world to teach your kids. After all, it’s one of the most celebrated holidays of the year – and not just in the United States!
But traditions vary from country to country and may be drastically different than the ones you celebrate at home. Sharing these unique traditions with your little ones is a wonderful way to make the holidays more memorable. It exposes them to other cultures and reminds them of what Christmas is all about – love, joy, and togetherness!
Christmas Customs from Around the World to Teach Your Kids
Germany
Christmas is one of the most festive times in Germany. In addition to counting down with advent calendars and heading to Christmas Markets, families also have a very unique tradition with ornaments. Most German families will hide an ornament of a pickle somewhere on the branches of their tree. And whoever gets to find its first will get a small prize or reward!
Mexico
On the days leading up to Christmas (December 16 to the 24th), Mexico celebrates Las Posadas. Two people dress up as Mary and Joseph and travel to different houses in the city in search of “shelter”. Sometimes, other people join the procession, including pilgrims, angels, and shepherds. The end of each night is marked by a large festival, with a tasty feast, Christmas carol singing, and piñatas for the kids.
Venezuela
Venezuela has one of the most unique Christmas customs from around the world to teach your kids! Instead of driving or walking to mass at 5 in the morning, they roller skate! The roads are closed overnight and every puts on their skates to make their way to church. People wear festive clothing and snacks and warm drinks are served along the way.
Japan
With less than 1% of the country identifying as Christian, Japan does not consider Christmas to be a national holiday. But that doesn’t mean they don’t celebrate the holiday in their own way! In Japan, it’s common for families to go to Kentucky Fried Chicken for their Christmas dinner. The fast food chain is so popular on Christmas day that many people order months in advance or stand in line for hours!
Australia
Australia is located all the way on the other side of the world, which means Christmas falls in the middle of summer! Instead of playing in the snow or gathering around the fire, people in Australia usually head to the beach. They may also celebrate with family and friends by having an outdoor BBQ or grill party for their festive meal.
Ireland
Talk a walk through an Irish neighborhood and you’ll find tall, red candles flickering on the windowsill of many homes. Traditionally, the candle represents a light to guide Mary and Joseph. However, it can also be a symbol of hospitality. A lit candle is a welcome sign that friends, family, and even strangers are welcomed into the home on Christmas Eve.
And fun fact: many of our Christmas traditions come directly from Ireland! After all, the Celtic tribes celebrated the Winter Solstice and Yule, which honored the death of long, wintery nights and honored the coming spring. These people groups would bring trees into their homes and decorate them with spheres that represented the sun. Sound familiar? That’s where we get ornaments and Christmas trees from! When Christian missionaries came to Ireland, the tradition became incorporated into Christmas. So, as you decorate your tree, tell your children where this tradition came from.
If you’re interested in learning more about pagan Christmastime traditions, consider observing some of these celebrations! People also gather at Stonehenge to observe the Winter Solstice every year, so you can watch the tradition on YouTube.
Iceland
Instead of the 12 days of Christmas that we celebrate in the United States, Iceland has 13 days! On the nights leading up to the big day, children place their shoes by the window. During the night, they are visited by one of the 13 Yule Lads, who leave candy and treats in their shoes! But if they’ve been bad, they’ll get rotten potatoes instead (similar to how American kids get coal).
Poland
In Poland, prepping for the Christmas festivities should take place before the first star in the night sky appears. This star represents the Star of Bethlehem. Once this happens, Christmas has officially begun and no more physical work should be done for the next three days. For dinner, there are usually 12 different dishes on the table – representing the 12 months of the year. But no one can eat before the first Christmas wafer (the oplatek) is shared and eaten amongst family!
Brazil
The Christmas festivities start very late in Brazil – mainly around 10 pm at night. This is when families gather to enjoy their meal for the evening. This could be a turkey, a glazed ham, or even salted codfish! Once midnight strikes, gifts are exchanged before heading out into the town for Midnight Mass. The service in the church is generally followed by fireworks and merry celebrations.
The Philippines
If you’ve ever wanted Christmas to last for months, the Philippines is the place to be! Here, the holiday season starts in September when everyone counts 100 days down to the big day. There are nine masses, called Simbang Gabi, that are held leading up to Christmas Day. After each mass, people gather in the church for food and mingling. But after the final mass on Christmas, families will return home for the main meal and to open gifts.
Ukraine
The Ukrainians decorate their tree a little differently than we do in the United States! That’s because many families will decorate their trees with crystal spider webs and spider-shaped ornaments. This custom is based on an old legend where a spider turned its web into gold and silver for a poor family. But now, it’s just a long-standing tradition and a symbol of good luck for the new year!
As one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, Christmas is a time for celebrating traditions. Your family may have their own traditions, like hanging up lights or sending holiday cards. But it’s also important to know about the festive customs in other countries! You can use these Christmas customs from around the world to teach your kids about the importance of the holidays. After all, this season is all about spending time with loved ones. And that’s something that’s universal – no matter where you are in the world!
