Let us embark on a global holiday journey from a tapestry of Christmas traditions to 12 countries worldwide, each with its unique narrative of festive celebrations. From the luminous spectacle of Mexico's "Las Posadas," where candlelit processions reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. As you consider destinations for your next Christmas, this curated list serves as a cultural compass, guiding you through the landscapes of tradition and joy. 12 countries with unique Christmas holiday traditions:
Japan: Christmas in Japan is not a religious holiday but a time for couples to spend together. One popular tradition is to eat fried chicken from KFC, a tradition that started as a marketing campaign in the 1970s.
Sweden: In Sweden, St. Lucia's Day is commemorated on December 13th. A young girl is selected to embody Lucia, adorned in a white dress complemented by a red sash and crowned with candles. She leads a festive procession of carolers in celebration.
Italy: In Italy, the festive spirit of Christmas begins with celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, bringing families together to enjoy a seafood feast consisting of multiple courses.
Mexico: Las Posadas is a Mexican Christmas tradition where communities reenact Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay. It involves processions, singing, and breaking piñatas.
Norway: Norwegians have a tradition of hiding their brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent mischievous spirits and witches from stealing them.
Ghana: Christmas in Ghana is marked by the Kakamotobi festival, where people dress in elaborate costumes, dance, and participate in parades.
Australia: Christmas falls during the summer in Australia. Many Australians celebrate with barbecues, beach outings, and outdoor activities.
Iceland: In Iceland, the Yule Lads, 13 mischievous creatures, are said to visit children in the 13 days leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts or potatoes, depending on the child's behavior.
Ethiopia: Ethiopian Christmas, known as Ganna, is celebrated on January 7th. The day involves attending church services, feasting on traditional foods, and playing a game called Genna.
Finland: The tradition of visiting the sauna on Christmas Eve is popular in Finland. Families typically gather in the sauna, followed by a visit from Santa Claus.
South Africa: Christmas in South Africa often involves outdoor activities, such as beach picnics and barbecues known as "braais." The warm weather allows for festive outdoor celebrations.
Philippines: The Philippines is known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. Festivities often begin as early as September, and a unique tradition is the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine early-morning masses leading up to Christmas Day.
For practical travel insights and tips, don't forget to check out my Blogmas from day six, "15 Timeless Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Journey | Day 6 of 25 Days of Blogmas 2023", where I've gathered essential advice to make your festive journeys seamless and unforgettable. Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know if any of these traditions have sparked the desire to experience a Christmas holiday in one of these enchanting countries. Wishing you continued joy and wanderlust throughout this festive season!