Christmas is celebrated in different countries on December 25 and January 7; each country has its own rules and customs that have been observed for centuries. The Orthodox and Catholic holidays are almost the same in their celebration traditions.

It is worth telling in more detail about how Christmas is celebrated in different countries of the world, and what traditions are observed by believers.

Where did the difference in Christmas celebration dates come from?

Christmas celebrations in different countries take place on December 25 and January 7; the timing of the holiday depends on the calendar that the church uses. The Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, while Catholics use the Gregorian calendar for holidays.

For this reason, Christmas is celebrated first in Europe, and only after that it is celebrated by states that observe Orthodoxy.

Christmas is celebrated differently in different countries.

Which countries celebrate Christmas on December 25th?

There are several states where Christmas Eve falls on December 25th. This list includes Germany, France, USA, Austria, Great Britain, Italy, Greece and other countries.

The Catholic Church begins services on Christmas Day on the 25th.

Great Britain

Christmas in different countries of the world is celebrated according to the traditions established in the country. In Great Britain, residents honor traditions, so on Christmas night people set tables and celebrate this big day. After Christmas lunch, the Holy Day ends with a speech given by the Queen.

The celebration of Christmas Day takes place on December 25, at which time church services begin.

Germany

The state is located in Catholic Europe, so it is customary to celebrate the Holy Day here on the night of December 24-25. But in Germany, people prepare for the gala evening a month before the holy day. The period of preparation for the celebration is called “Advent”.

Solemn services begin in all churches of the country. Churches perform rites of repentance and communion.

USA

Americans decorate their homes with garlands for Christmas.

Christmas in other countries is not distinguished by its brightness and idleness, but the USA is a country where millions of lights on houses are lit on Christmas night. Americans spend large sums of money to decorate their homes with lights and fairy lights. It is customary to install figures of deer, Jesus and Santa in front of houses. It is in the United States that the celebration is approached in a fun and unusual way.

They hang pine needle wreaths on the front door and make decorations out of striped Christmas candy canes.

France

Considering which countries celebrate Christmas on December 25, you can see that in France the Holy Day also falls on this time. Back in the 12th century, the French had a special custom: on the eve of the holiday, they brought a cherry tree into the house, poured it with wine and oil, and then burned it in the oven. Such a tradition should be to attract good luck to the home.

Today the traditions have been preserved, but instead of a tree, a log-shaped cake is used. It is prepared in every family. If in Russia it is customary to celebrate Christmas at home, then in France residents go to cafes and restaurants.

Note! The French, instead of traditional spruce, decorate the house with large quantities of fresh flowers. Models of a manger with the baby Jesus are also used for decoration.

Italy

Many people wonder why Christmas is not celebrated on January 7th in this country. Since Italy is a Catholic state, the celebration takes place on December 25th. In Italy, Christmas Eve is distinguished by its symbolism and uniqueness.

You cannot see the usual Santa here, since Italians use scenes from scripture about the birth of Jesus Christ as decoration. The figurines can be seen in the squares, in the houses and courtyards of the country's residents. Shop and supermarket windows are also decorated with live performances.

Interesting! In Italy there is another symbol of Christmas night - the witch on a broom “La Befana”

Austria

Many countries have not yet celebrated Christmas on January 7, but in Austria the Holy Day falls on December 25, so residents of the country begin preparing for this holiday in advance. It is customary to begin preparations a month before this day. At the end of November, believers begin observing strict fasting, which is called Advent. At the same time, they are preparing for Christmas night.

In homes, housewives make wreaths with four candles with their own hands. Wreaths are placed in the house, and on the first Sunday of Lent the first candle is lit, then subsequent candles are lit on each Sunday. On the last Sunday, all four candles on the wreath should be lit.

In Austria, preparations for Christmas begin a month before the celebration.

Greece

In all the cities of Greece where Christmas is celebrated, the townspeople make festive costumes for children with their own hands. Costumes must match the holiday, parents and children learn Christmas songs and carols. On Christmas Day, children dress up and go to their relatives and friends to congratulate them on the upcoming holiday and the birth of Christ. The owners of the house should thank the children for their congratulations by giving them sweets and sweet baked goods.

Interesting! The Greeks believe that during Christmas, elves come into their homes and bring chaos and disorder to their home. To appease the elves, household members leave various sweets for them, and the house is sprinkled with holy water.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is on the list of countries that celebrate Christmas in the country on December 25th. In this country, Christmas Day is called “Kolyada”. According to legend, Grandfather Kolyada comes to houses and brings gifts to children. Grandfather visits the houses of believers on the night of December 24-25. At the same time, folk entertainment takes place, when men dress in traditional outfits and sing kolednyas. In these songs, the young men wish each of the houses happiness, health and fertility.

Housewives can give the “singers” prunes, feta cheese, various nuts, lard or baked pretzels. In Bulgaria, it is customary to celebrate this day with family.

According to tradition, people should not be left alone on this day, so relatives come even from the farthest points of the country. In addition, it is customary to give each other small gifts.

Countries celebrating Christmas on January 7th

Some states have already celebrated the solemn holy day on December 25, but Orthodox countries have not yet begun preparations for Christmas Eve.

• Macedonia;
• Russia;
• Bosnia;
• Moldova;
• Georgia;
• Ukraine;
• Montenegro;
• Serbia;
• Herzegovina;
• Belarus;
• Kyrgyzstan;
• Kazakhstan.

All these countries celebrate Christmas on the 7th day of January. Almost all of these countries have their own distinctive traditions that have been observed for many centuries.

Russia

Christmas has different traditions in different countries, and in Russia Orthodox people celebrate the Holy Day on a grand scale. Our country still has ancient traditions and rules. On the night of the celebration, people dress up in robes and take kutya with them. The delicacy is taken home and given to relatives and neighbors to try. This ritual is also replaced by carols. In every city it is customary to hold fun celebrations and fairs. In the evening, families gather around the table and celebrate Christmas.

Interesting! In some villages, the tradition has been preserved of children going from house to house, congratulating people with poems and songs, and in return receiving sweets and small rewards.

Ukraine

In this country, the celebration of Christmas Eve begins with attending an evening church service. At the church, parishioners receive a blessing and go to their homes. Housewives prepare a variety of dishes and dishes for the table, and friends and relatives gather around the table. Before the meal, those gathered should exchange wishes. There should be a lot of different food on the holiday table.

In Russia, it is customary to prepare traditional Olivier and Herring under a fur coat for the New Year, and in Ukraine, housewives put such snacks on the table on Christmas evening. The holiday ends with singing carols and dancing.

Belarus

This is a country where Christmas festivities begin on December 25th and end on January 14th. Christmas is celebrated twice in Belarus. First there is the celebration of the Catholic holy day, which falls on December 25th. Later comes Christmas in the Orthodox Church, parishioners can celebrate the holy day on January 7th.

Other CIS countries

You can tell us in more detail about the traditions of other CIS countries. In Uzbekistan there are many traditions, for example, forgiving all grievances and debts on the eve of Christmas.

The Commonwealth of Independent States also includes:

• Turkmenistan;
• Kyrgyzstan;
• Moldova;
• Georgia;
• Armenia;
• Azerbaijan;
• Kazakhstan.

Not many people know that Christmas Eve in Armenia begins not on January 7, but on the 6th. The celebration begins at this time according to ancient tradition. In ancient times, the Birth of Christ and Baptism were celebrated at the same time; this happened on the night of the fifth to sixth of January. This is where the tradition of celebrating Christmas on January 6 came from. Later, some churches changed this tradition; in Armenia, the church continues to celebrate on the 6th.

What is Christmas? How Christmas is celebrated in different countries.

In just a few days, most of the world's population will begin celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ - Christmas - which will last until January 7 in many Orthodox countries. Since ancient times, this holiday has been ranked among the great ones by the Church and is celebrated all over the world, while each country has its own “zest” associated with its celebration. Correspondent "What is it?" looked at how people celebrate Christmas in different parts of the planet.

Palestine

In the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem, Christmas celebrations begin long before sunset. In Palestine, there is a special attitude towards Christian holidays: Muslim Arabs often come to Bethlehem for Christmas to show their respect to Christians. And among the Palestinians themselves there are quite a lot of Christians. Celebrations on the Mount of Olives, where the Church of the Nativity is located, begin with music. The orchestras go around several blocks. The same melodies were performed here by crusading knights in the Middle Ages. The service in the temple is conducted by several priests in different languages. Several tens of thousands of people gather around the temple.

Russia

Christmas is celebrated in Russia. January 7 according to the Gregorian calendar (which corresponds to December 25 according to the old style).
In Rus', the holiday of Christmas became an official celebration with the baptism of Prince Vladimir at the end of the 10th century, however, given the presence of a Christian community in ancient Kyiv, it can be assumed that the celebration could have a longer history.

At the beginning of the Soviet period, religious holidays were eradicated by the atheist state. The Christmas tree and its associated celebrations gradually lost importance. However, in 1935, in an unexpected turn of government policy, Christmas traditions were adopted as part of the secular celebration of the New Year (January 1). Since then, the “Christmas tree” in modern Russia has been steadily perceived as “New Year’s”.

The main and mandatory items on the Christmas table in old Russia were a variety of pork dishes.

Unlike Western European countries and the United States, Christmas in Russia is mainly a religious holiday and has no established generally accepted secular traditions; for the vast majority it is a day off, which everyone can use at their own discretion.

Armenia

Until the 5th century, all Christian churches celebrated the feast of the Nativity of Christ and Epiphany on January 6. The Armenian Gregorian Church remained faithful to the old order, and celebrates the birthday of Christ on January 6. On this day, the Armenian church also celebrates the day of the Baptism of Christ. Traditionally, on this day, Armenian families serve rice pilaf with raisins, fish and red wine.
The next day, everyone gets up late and doesn't change out of their pajamas until noon. The remains of Christmas dinner are eaten until the evening, and smoked leg of lamb is served in the evening.

On Christmas night, at the entrances to the small town of Etchmiadzin, you can see traffic jams that are rare for Armenia. Believers from all over the country come here every year to celebrate the all-night vigil in the cathedral. This is the oldest Armenian temple. It is more than 1700 years old, and during all this time the canons of holding the Christmas liturgy in the cathedral have not changed. After the ceremonial entrance into the temple of the Catholicos (head) of the Armenian Church, Karekin II, the Gospel of the 5th century is brought into the pulpit. For Armenians, this particular church tome is also valuable because it put an end to services according to the Greek model.

Finland

In the land of a thousand lakes, Christmas is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25 and takes place quietly and calmly, with family, in church. But the next day mass celebrations begin, friends gather in a restaurant or at someone’s house.

The color of Christmas in Finland is red. It is present both in the decorative decoration of the house (tablecloths, candles, Christmas tree decorations, flowers, etc.) and in festive clothing.

In addition to the Christmas tree, which has been part of Finnish life since the 18th century, houses in Finland are usually decorated with flowers for Christmas - hyacinths, and later lilies of the valley, lilacs, camellias, tulips, chrysanthemums, and milkweed.

Since 1973, one of the most popular cultural events in the run-up to Christmas has been the “The Most Beautiful Christmas Songs” concerts, held on the initiative of the Missionary Society of Finland and attracting hundreds of thousands of Finns on the third Advent.

In the old days, it was customary to go sledding on this day.

Czech

On the evening of December 24th, Czechs decorate their Christmas trees with special care. They call this time of day generous. According to tradition, all family members first give each other gifts to lift their spirits. Only then does everyone sit down to dinner together.

In the Czech Republic at this time, the most popular product is carp. According to tradition, there should be no meat on the Czech Christmas table. It is replaced by fried carp - the main dish at Christmas.

After Christmas dinner, the whole family gathers around the tree and begins to sort out the gifts. By the way, all the gifts are brought not by Santa Claus, but by Hedgehog. On the morning of December 25, families gather on river embankments with carp that were not eaten at the Christmas table. It's a new tradition to release your Christmas carp into the river. But first, they bring the live fish home, put them in the bath and feed them cookies, give them nicknames and put them in a basin right on the table.

It has been said: at Christmas carp should be on the table, but in what form exactly is not specified anywhere. The next day, the carp is ceremonially released into the wild, having filmed the moment when it goes into the depths of the river.

Japan

Christmas for most Japanese is a holiday devoid of religious content and is known as a romantic family holiday and Valentine's Day. Celebrated on December 25th according to the Gregorian calendar.

Until 1912, the only Japanese name for Christmas was Seitansai (“holy birth festival”), then it was replaced by Kurisumasu (“Christmas”).

For children, the Christmas theme is associated with an interest in images of the story of the baby Jesus, for young people it is a holiday of lovers, a day of dating, which is fashionable to spend over a romantic dinner in a hotel, and for the older generation and older couples, Christmas is a day of expressing gratitude to each other through the exchange of gifts or or through an expensive evening in a restaurant with a concert stage where famous artists perform.

Japanese Christians (about 1.4 million), the majority of whom are Catholics, have the custom of doing as many good deeds as possible during the Christmas holidays, such as helping the needy and homeless, visiting hospitals and the lonely, and donating to charity.

USA

The feast of the birth of Christ is celebrated on December 25.
For most Americans, this is not only a day off, but also the most favorite of the holidays. Christmas is the most international of all American "red" days, because many traditions come from other countries.

For example, in England they sang hymns, and in Germany they decorated fir trees. In addition, Christmas is the most beautiful holiday in the USA.

No matter how much snow has fallen, the spirit of Christmas can be felt everywhere: houses and streets are decorated with symbols of the celebration - garlands, wreaths and lights. Nowadays, Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated by the whole family by exchanging gifts. This is a joyful and happy day, a magical and unforgettable event, when every person hopes for a miracle.

Friends and relatives who find themselves far from home are sent elegant and beautiful cards and letters wishing them all the best and happiness on the bright holiday of Christmas. A Christmas tree is installed in the largest room in the house, decorated with toys, candles and garlands. Stockings are hung over the fireplace so that Santa Claus, who comes out through the chimney, leaves his gifts and candy for all family members.

Children eagerly await the good-natured Santa, because when he comes to every home, he does not forget to give the kids who behaved well a well-deserved reward - gifts.

Brazil

Catholic Christmas in Brazil is celebrated on December 25th. They begin to prepare for the holiday in advance. Christmas trees are installed everywhere, colorful lanterns and garlands are hung and lit on the streets.

A few years ago, a giant floating Christmas tree made of metal and decorated with almost three million colorful lights was installed in the center of Rio de Janeiro for the first time.

Christmas in Brazil is celebrated much more solemnly than New Year. It is on this holiday that the Brazilian “Father Frost” gives children candies and gifts.

The New Year's table in Brazil may include baked pork or turkey, generously flavored with cloves, legumes, rice and a pie filled with the heart of a palm tree.

The main festive events traditionally take place right on the Brazilian streets. For the most part, Brazilians are extremely devout and carefully attend all church services. But, unlike Europeans and residents of the United States, they prefer to celebrate holidays outside the home, and this is not surprising, because festive fun reigns on the streets of Brazil.

On Christmas night, street performances are performed and processions are organized led by jesters portraying the Magi Kings announcing the birth of Jesus. People dress up in outlandish outfits, take colorful banners in their hands and wander through the streets singing and dancing, as if led by an imaginary guiding star. Brazilians call them mad kings.

Peru

In the homeland of the ancient Incas, the birthday of Christ is identified as a holiday for the entire population of the country and is treated with religious feeling.

Christmas in Peru is a holiday revered in every family. Everyone must celebrate it. Christmas is otherwise called “Birth” and celebrates the birth of the Almighty. Less widely celebrated is the New Year, which, like in Russia, is celebrated on December 31st.

Each region has its own characteristics, but the common thing is that for the Christmas holidays, figurines of saints, little Christ and scenes from a biblical story are prepared, houses are decorated, gifts are bought, traditional Peruvian dishes are prepared, mainly the Peruvian turkey rooster.

On December 24, many Peruvians attend church to hear a sermon, pre-dinner mass, and see the altar decorations.

All this beauty is stored in the house for 10 days.
At night, until 24 o'clock, all children go outside to make or participate in the preparation of fireworks.

Australia

On the Green Continent, the official opening of the Christmas season takes place in mid-November, which is marked by the Christmas Parade. It is on these days that good Santa solemnly enters the capital Adelaide. The parade has become a good tradition and has gained enormous popularity among the city population.

On December 24, offices and shops are closed for four days. All Australians go home to joyfully celebrate Christmas in a cozy family circle. Sometimes, in order to celebrate Christmas with a friendly family, people have to come from all over the continent and even from other countries.

As a rule, people in Australia are very fond of giving gifts at Christmas. And they even call December 26th Boxing Day.

Egypt

In the land of the pyramids, January 7 is an official holiday.

Christmas in Egypt is celebrated in all cities and neighborhoods where Copts (Egyptian Christians) live. The main service, broadcast on central television channels, is held in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mark in Cairo.

The holiday is preceded by a long fast of 40 days. At this time, it is forbidden to eat meat, dairy products, and poultry, but this is only followed for the last week. The fast ends with the arrival of the Egyptians in the church and the ringing of bells at midnight.

After returning home, they start eating the Christmas dish - Fatou. It consists of rice, bread, boiled meat, garlic. In addition to this, biscuit cookies with crosses are prepared. Similar cookies, but without the crosses, end up on the table at the end of another holiday - Ramadan. On Christmas Day, children are given toys and new clothes.

China

China is starting to embrace Christmas celebrations, especially in major cities where Christmas celebrations are becoming more popular every year. Christians celebrate Christmas in China by lighting beautiful paper lanterns in their homes and decorating Christmas trees, which they call "Trees of Light", with paper chains, paper flowers and paper lanterns.

In the port city of Guangzhou, it seems that Christmas is more popular than the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), especially for young people. There are three things they love to do: spend the Christmas holidays, go shopping and enjoy Christmas dinner.

Without a doubt, each country and people have their own unique traditions associated with Christmas, however, unfortunately, it is impossible to acquaint our readers with the variety of national colors and shades of this wonderful holiday. Below are just some interesting facts related to Christmas:

In 320 AD, Pope Julius I, Bishop of Rome, declared December 25 as the official date to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Grain was imported into Iceland, and bread was a luxury. Since every family wanted to treat their guests to bread for Christmas, the dough was rolled out as thin as possible. It was so thin that the Bible could be read through a sheet of such bread.

Many Italians still, according to an ancient tradition, throw old things out of windows, parting with all the troubles that the old year brought.

In Finland there are special Christmas traditions that have survived centuries: an extra plate on the Christmas table for Jesus Christ himself or an unexpected guest, or the number of dishes that should be on the Christmas table (at least 12), or several bundles of hay under the Christmas table (in memory of Bethlehem Cave).

According to an old tradition, on Christmas Eve in Finland, a Christmas sheaf of oat or wheat stalks is hung on a high pole near the house (or on the roof), intended for birds who are especially having a hard time at this time.

The well-known image of Santa as a plump, good-natured old man in a red jacket was invented by the American artist Thomas Nast and first published in early 1863, at the height of the Civil War.

Christmas is celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world and each has its own traditions and customs.

Although the traditions of celebrating the Nativity of Christ in different countries of the world are very similar, they still have their own original little things. But what is common to everyone is that Christmas is a holiday that is spent with friends and family.

Austria

Austrians love to decorate the Christmas tree with toys and garlands that are unusual for us, and with a product that they are incredibly proud of - chocolate and marzipan. All over the country, long before Christmas, specialized Christmas markets begin to operate.

At the beginning of the Nativity fast, which Austrians call Advent, homes are decorated with a special wreath. And four candles are placed on the wreath. On the first Sunday one of them is lit, on the second - two, and so on until Christmas Eve, on which all the candles are lit. The Christmas table always includes carp and spicy pastries.

China

Christmas in the Middle Kingdom is an unofficial holiday. And it is celebrated only in large cities. Like any other borrowed holidays, Christmas in China has changed greatly. Only about 5% of the country's population are Christians, so the Chinese know very little about the origins of Christmas and the history of its symbols. In some Western companies, employees receive time off. Shopping centers, in the Western style, put up large Christmas trees and decorate their pavilions with holiday attributes.

The Chinese do not sit at home on this day, they go to clubs and bars to have fun, and meet with friends and family. For Europeans, this behavior is more reminiscent of celebrating Valentine's Day. Giving gifts is not necessary. This is a tradition of other popular holidays - the Spring Festival and Chinese New Year.

Argentina

Family members gather around the table a few hours before Christmas. At midnight, the cider or fizz opens, and then everyone goes out into the street to explode firecrackers or shoot balloons with a gun. Turkey used to always be on the holiday table, but lately, more and more often, Argentines' choice falls on fried beef or veal (they prepare the national dish asado ). The Christmas tree is decorated in a simple style - with balls of one or two colors. Few people go to church. Entertainment venues are closed on December 25.

Greece

Despite the fact that this is an Orthodox country, I celebrate Christmas here with Catholics - December 25th. The Christmas tree and the festive table are decorated with fruits, nuts, figs, raisins, etc. During the holidays, the Greeks sing Christmas carols. In some regions, young people go caroling, but as a reward they receive not treats, as is customary in Russian, but money. It is customary to give practical things - clothes, books, money, household items. The main dish is roasted turkey. Sweet kurabye cookies with almond nuts and honey cookies - melomacarons - are prepared in advance.

The Greeks also have an analogue of Russian Easter cake - Christopsomo sweet bread. It is made from rich yeast dough with butter, wine, almonds and a set of aromatic spices. They decorate with a cross, in the center of which a walnut in the shell is stuck.

Iceland

The Christmas legends of this country are rich and interesting. In anticipation of gifts, children already put their shoes on the windowsill on December 12th. Moreover, they will receive them immediately from 13 fairy-tale creatures - half-humans - half-trolls Joulasveinn. Children who have misbehaved this year will see potatoes in their shoes. And to the most intolerable ones there will come a cat with three eyes, warts and protruding teeth - Grila. Legends also say that on the night before Christmas she takes away all the children who did not receive new clothes as a gift.

A traditional Christmas dish is partridge. These birds do not fly and can be caught with your hands. So even poor people who did not have a gun could afford such a Christmas dinner. Another attribute of the holiday that sends us into the depths of history is sheet bread. Grain was always imported to Iceland and was expensive. Therefore, during the preparation of bread, the dough was rolled out very thin and folded into shapes-symbols of Christmas. Dessert - rice pudding with one almond. A church mass is broadcast on the radio the night before the holiday, and all programs on television stop.

The Christmas season is full of family traditions, whether it's Santa's reindeer treats or simply decorating the tree. But how do children and parents celebrate Christmas in different countries of the world? Every year, more than 2 billion people around the world celebrate Christmas, so we've prepared a fun guide to the most unusual Christmas traditions just for you.

Christmas traditions from different countries

Tradition: Binding parents
In Serbia, it is customary to give gifts not on Christmas Day, but on the Sundays before. On Sunday 2 weeks before December 25, children usually tie their mother. To be freed from captivity, the mother must pay the children a ransom in the form of gifts. Next Sunday, the same festive fate awaits the father of the family.

Tradition: Santa's Creepy Helper
Part of the Christmas tradition in Germany, as well as in Austria and some regions of Switzerland, is St. Nicholas. By the way, it was he who became the prototype of Santa Claus in many other countries. Saint Nicholas comes to the children not alone, but together with his creepy assistant - a villain who warns the children to behave well in the coming year. In France, such a character is called La Pere Fouettard - the evil daddy.

Tradition: Gifts on the Broom
The good witch Befana brings gifts to children on January 6 not on the usual sleigh, but on a broom. However, if you behaved badly all year, then instead of the long-awaited gifts you will receive a piece of coal.

Tradition: Sinterklaas and Black Pete
In the Netherlands, Santa Claus is called Sinterklaas and he lives not at the North Pole, but in sunny Spain. Sinterklaas comes to visit the children on a boat along with his elf-like assistant Black Pete.

Tradition: Porridge instead of cookies
The main Christmas hero of the Scandinavian region is the brownie: in Sweden he is called Tomte, and in Norway - Nisse. People believe that the house protects barns and granaries, and also brings gifts. In addition, every Christmas the children prepare a bowl of porridge for the brownie.

Tradition: Christmas figurine
In Catalonia, traditional Christmas symbols are complemented by a special character called Caganer. This is one of the figurines that Catalans place in their traditional nativity scene. She is a little man in a “toilet” pose with his pants down, and the local Catholic Church is more than tolerant of this. The little people can be in the form of shepherds, and sometimes even football players or politicians.

Traditions: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Kangaroo
On the other hemisphere of the Earth, Christmas, of course, falls during the summer season. Therefore, the tradition here is that Santa Claus has 6 white kangaroos instead of reindeer. On a holiday, it is customary to enjoy relaxing on the beach and cook a barbecue.

Tradition: Decorating Mango Trees
It is not at all common for Christians in the subcontinent to put up a tree for the Christmas holidays. Instead, in India, mango trees are decorated and houses are decorated with mango leaves.

Tradition: Rotten Bird
A strange polar tradition associated with unusual local cuisine. Kiwiak is a traditional dish made from decomposing poultry, wrapped in sealskin and buried under a rock for several months. Another festive culinary delight in Greenland is mattak - raw whale skin.

Tradition: Spider Webs in Trees
At first glance, it sounds more like a Halloween tradition than a Christmas tradition. However, Ukrainians do decorate holiday trees with cobwebs. Legend has it that one Christmas a magical spider visited a poor family and turned its web into gold and silver.

Tradition: Caroling
One of the Christmas traditions in Bulgaria is caroling, when boys sing carols near neighbors' houses and then give them a festive log. Bringing this symbolic log into the house represents an increase in the harvest and the addition of livestock next year.

Tradition: Basil and burning shoes
In Greece, there is a tradition of wrapping a cross in basil and then using it to sprinkle the house with holy water to protect it from evil spirits - kilantzara. It is also a tradition to burn old shoes for good luck in the coming year.

Tradition: Go to church by all means
In the capital Caracas, roads are closed during the Christmas holidays to allow people to easily get to morning liturgy. It is noteworthy that some residents tie a long rope to a part of their body and throw the other end out the window: if they oversleep, passersby can pull the rope and wake them up.

Tradition: Gifts in Boots
Brazilians believe that on Christmas night, animals can start talking if instead of gifts from Santa Claus in a Christmas stocking, a child finds them in a pair of shoes.

Tradition: John Canoe Parade
Christmas in the Caribbean is associated with the John Canoe Parade, which dates back to the days of slavery. During this festival, people wear silly masks and costumes, and goat curry is served as a celebratory dish.

Tradition: Radish carving
On the eve of Christmas, a radish festival is held in Mexico. Farmers set up a real workshop where they carve various figures and even nativity scenes from radishes and other vegetables.

Tradition: Golden Pig
In the Czech Republic there is a belief that on Christmas Eve nothing can be eaten until the special dinner is ready. Otherwise, you simply will not be able to see the mysterious golden pig. Another tradition is that on December 4th you can see a girl throwing a cherry twig into the water. If it blooms before Christmas night, then next year the girl will certainly get married.

Tradition: Iron under the table
The most important dish of the year occurs on Christmas Eve. At the same time, the Poles place a piece of iron under the festive table. It is believed that this ensures that everyone sitting at the table has strong legs. It is worth noting that the legs of the table itself must also be strong, because a traditional Christmas dinner includes as many as twelve dishes.

Tradition: 13 Santa Clauses
In Iceland, there are as many as 13 Santa Clauses. Moreover, in the Icelandic tradition, Santas are more like trolls who come down from the mountain one after another during Christmas time and bring gifts or rotten potatoes, depending on the child’s behavior. By the way, their names are also unusual, for example, Door Sniffer or Meat Hook.

There are two days here: the twenty-fifth is the “first Christmas”, the twenty-sixth is the “second Christmas”. In Holland they believe that on Christmas, animals talk and water turns into wine. Like all Christians in the world, the Dutch attend a festive service and then gather at the festive table.

The Germans, preparing for Christmas, decorate the Christmas tree. It was from them that we borrowed this tradition. In addition, they decorate their homes with wooden windows with candles, wreaths of leaves, and place a small manger near the house in memory of Christ. After the festive service, Der Weihnachtsmann comes to the house and brings gifts under the New Year tree. The head of the family invites everyone to the table by ringing a bell. The Christmas table here is unthinkable without good meat and wine.

In Italy, before the start of the New Year, it is customary to get rid of old unnecessary things. Christmas in Italy is different in that the gifts are brought not by an old bearded man, but by La Befana, his woman. Cheerful Italians turn any holiday into a feast. On the Italian Christmas table there are dumplings, sweet buns, stuffed meat, and eels.

In England, Christmas is usually celebrated in the parents' house, decorated with branches of holly and mistletoe. Gifts and a festive table are a prerequisite. On the table on this day there is traditional turkey and pudding, and drinks include tea and brandy. Tea is served with a festive cake, in which various objects are placed, symbolizing wealth and good luck. Well, everyone knows the custom of kissing under a mistletoe branch.

Bulgarians call Christmas Koleda, and the Russian Father Frost is replaced by Uncle Koleda. Just like our grandfather, he gives gifts to everyone. The custom of Koleduvane is similar to the Russian one. Like all Bulgarians, they try not to be lonely this night. And celebrate it with your family or friends.

In Greece, despite the fact that it is an Orthodox country, Christmas is celebrated on the twenty-fifth of December. The Greeks celebrate it with their family at the festive table, the main dish of which is turkey, in addition to fruits and nuts. Melomacaroni honey cookies are baked for Christmas.

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• Christmas in different countries, traditions and features

Tip 2: What is customary to cook for Christmas in different countries

All Christian countries have their own Christmas traditions. Therefore, the dishes on the festive table have their own characteristic features. The consumption of certain products often depends on whether the family observes church canons or not.

Meat tables

A traditional dish on the Christmas table in Great Britain is turkey, the bright taste of which is given by cranberry sauce. Fried potatoes and vegetables are often served as a side dish. It is also customary in many families to serve pork leg decorated with cherries. For dessert on Christmas Eve, the British prefer to eat pudding with fruits, raisins, candied fruits and various nuts. Its peculiarity is the presentation. The pudding is poured with a mixture of rum and liqueur and set on fire. The favorite Christmas drink for UK residents is hot ale.

In France, the main dish at Christmas is turkey, which is cooked with the addition of cream and cognac. In addition, on the festive table you can often see chestnuts, oysters, smoked salmon, goose liver pate, and all kinds of cheese. For dessert, a Christmas log pie is served, and champagne and dry wine are served as drinks.

The Christmas table in Germany is not complete without goose baked with apples and prunes. In addition, on Christmas Eve, housewives prepare 7-9 dishes, which include eggs, wheat, beans, and caviar, which are a symbol of the origin of life. For dessert, Germans prefer nut pie, and for drinks - traditional mulled wine.

The main dish of the Christmas table in Spain is roasted lamb. An alternative would be turkey or suckling pig. The Spaniards' favorite dessert at Christmas is turron, a sweet made from honey, egg whites and nuts.

The Christmas table in Holland is original. Each guest prepares his own dish from meat, vegetables, fish or shrimp in a small frying pan. In addition, traditional European dishes are served: turkey, ham, rabbit or beef, as well as a variety of salads.

Lenten dishes on Christmas Eve

The main dish of the Christmas table in the Czech Republic is fried carp with potato salad. Christmas cookies are distributed to all guests on Holy Evening.

In Poland, housewives prepare 12 meat-free dishes for Christmas. Often on the festive table you can find borscht with ears (beetroot broth with small dumplings), baked carp, and gingerbread. In addition, Poles do not drink alcohol on this day.

Bulgaria also has its own unique Christmas traditions. In this country, there must be an odd number of Lenten dishes on the table on Christmas Eve. Traditionally they serve stuffed peppers, beans, vegetable cabbage rolls, layered pumpkin pie and compote.

The Christmas table in Lithuania is characterized by the presence of kutia, fish dishes, and salads. Meat is allowed only the next day.