Christmas around the world has a number of different holiday traditions and Christmas stories that are told and celebrated. The practices and cultures are as various as the activities and cultures of the lands the holiday is celebrated in.
Christmas in the United States is based on many of the European traditions of Christmas. However, because of the various cultures and influences in the country there are some differences as well. One of the main holiday traditions celebrated in the USA is the Christmas stories surrounding Santa Claus
The United States Post Office actually takes all of the letters that are mailed each year by children to Santa Claus and delivers them to Santa Claus, Indiana where a group of volunteers that call themselves "Santa's Elves" actually writes the kids back.
In the country of Australia, Christmas takes place at the beginning of the summer season for them. Therefore, Christmas dinner in Australia is often a family gathering in the back yard, a picnic at a local park or even a get together at a beach.
The Australian population is 70% Catholic or Protestant so there is a significant religious influence on the holiday season. Special mass services are held at midnight and many attend these services. After the services end, families head on home and attempt to get some sleep so that in the morning they can partake in the present opening and celebration of the holiday.
Christmas in Japan is very different from many of the other parts of the world. What you have to remember is Christmas is based on the Christian belief of the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. Less than 1% of the Japanese population professes Christianity as a faith.
Christmas technically is not an official holiday on the Japanese calendar. One contradiction to most holiday traditions are the way the Japanese handle Christmas dinner. While most cultures eat dinner together at home, the Japanese go out to eat. In particular, there is a very popular Christmas Chicken dinner at KFC that many people actually make reservations for on Christmas!
China also celebrates Christmas more for its commercial aspects as opposed to its religious aspects. In China, the Chinese word for Santa literally means "Christmas Old Man" in English. The Chinese do a lot of shopping and other Christmas activities as well.
In China, Christmas is more of a prelude to their major celebration, which is the Chinese New Year. However, the Chinese still appreciate the commercial aspects of the holiday and engage in many of the same activities that other countries do, like decorating their homes and sending out Christmas cards with Christmas symbols.
Christmas in France is similar to some of the other countries that we talked about but it has its differences as well. For instance, the Christmas tree is not very popular in France. Very few families spend time decorating and putting up Christmas trees.
What's interesting with the French displays is that they not only incorporate Christmas themes but they also incorporate modern themes as well. It's not uncommon to see a scene with Mary standing next to a modern day French dignitary.
As you can see, holiday traditions and Christmas around the world is as diverse as many of the Christmas activities and traditions of the various nations of the world. Despite the differences, one theme that remains consistent is the value of family and the joy of the holiday season. - 15266
Christmas in the United States is based on many of the European traditions of Christmas. However, because of the various cultures and influences in the country there are some differences as well. One of the main holiday traditions celebrated in the USA is the Christmas stories surrounding Santa Claus
The United States Post Office actually takes all of the letters that are mailed each year by children to Santa Claus and delivers them to Santa Claus, Indiana where a group of volunteers that call themselves "Santa's Elves" actually writes the kids back.
In the country of Australia, Christmas takes place at the beginning of the summer season for them. Therefore, Christmas dinner in Australia is often a family gathering in the back yard, a picnic at a local park or even a get together at a beach.
The Australian population is 70% Catholic or Protestant so there is a significant religious influence on the holiday season. Special mass services are held at midnight and many attend these services. After the services end, families head on home and attempt to get some sleep so that in the morning they can partake in the present opening and celebration of the holiday.
Christmas in Japan is very different from many of the other parts of the world. What you have to remember is Christmas is based on the Christian belief of the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. Less than 1% of the Japanese population professes Christianity as a faith.
Christmas technically is not an official holiday on the Japanese calendar. One contradiction to most holiday traditions are the way the Japanese handle Christmas dinner. While most cultures eat dinner together at home, the Japanese go out to eat. In particular, there is a very popular Christmas Chicken dinner at KFC that many people actually make reservations for on Christmas!
China also celebrates Christmas more for its commercial aspects as opposed to its religious aspects. In China, the Chinese word for Santa literally means "Christmas Old Man" in English. The Chinese do a lot of shopping and other Christmas activities as well.
In China, Christmas is more of a prelude to their major celebration, which is the Chinese New Year. However, the Chinese still appreciate the commercial aspects of the holiday and engage in many of the same activities that other countries do, like decorating their homes and sending out Christmas cards with Christmas symbols.
Christmas in France is similar to some of the other countries that we talked about but it has its differences as well. For instance, the Christmas tree is not very popular in France. Very few families spend time decorating and putting up Christmas trees.
What's interesting with the French displays is that they not only incorporate Christmas themes but they also incorporate modern themes as well. It's not uncommon to see a scene with Mary standing next to a modern day French dignitary.
As you can see, holiday traditions and Christmas around the world is as diverse as many of the Christmas activities and traditions of the various nations of the world. Despite the differences, one theme that remains consistent is the value of family and the joy of the holiday season. - 15266
About the Author:
Kerry Beck offers free advent calendars with daily Christmas activities to prepare your family for Christmas. Your family will learn more about Christmas history with some of the daily activities.
