Celebrating Christmas Around the World

Last Saturday I visited a very well-traveled friend, Cristina, who collects dolls dressed in traditional clothing, and displays these miniature dolls as Christmas ornaments on a traditional Christmas tree. I am sure her collection started with that first doll souvenir and it has grown to several hundred dolls, which she has shared with her two sons and their families.

We’ve all brought back various kinds of souvenirs from our travels to remind us of the trips and the special memories attached to them. These are small items such as coasters, souvenir plates, coins, mugs and even posters. My friend Barbara collected fabrics from countries she visited and recently turned them into unique one of a kind Ethnic Bags – currently on display at the Marco Center for the Arts.

Cristina’s decorated Christmas tree was a lesson in geography and being Christmas – we wondered if and how these countries celebrated Christmas. In some of the dolls, it was easy to guess which country it represented.

In Marco, we all know about celebrating Christmas Island style but do we know what Christmas is like in different parts of the world?

The Japanese doll was wearing a traditional kimono - do they celebrate Christmas? Japan is predominantly Buddhist and Shinto and only one percent of the population is Christian. Commercially, Japan goes all out with its Christmas lights and music and families take time off to visit family and friends. But Christmas Eve (December 24th) is very special; it is considered the most romantic day of the year – the Japanese version of Valentine’s Day - and restaurants are booked for romantic dinners.

India is such a multicultural country, and if you grew up there, holidays are about celebrating many gods and goddesses. But India is also home to a large Christian population behind Hinduism and Islam. Christmas is a state holiday in India. 

Depending on the region, India has added their own special rituals and cultural influences to Christmas. Some tables might serve British influenced roasted turkey and plum pudding cake – but layering spices is key to Indian cooking, such as cardamom, coriander, mace and ginger. Most main dishes are curry-based such as chicken, lamb, vegetables, lentils and fish and the level of spice depends on your host for the holidays. The Vindaloo is a heavily spiced meat or vegetable dish with a Portuguese origin dating back to the 15th century, popular during the holidays.

Spain is a country of centuries old tradition and for the children, it is NOT Santa who brings the presents but the Three Kings on the eve of January 6th. They visit each balcony feasting on the cookies and milk left for them and water for the camels. And on Christmas Eve, most families assemble for La Misa del Gallo or Mass of the Rooster. It is believed that the only time a rooster ever crowed at midnight was the moment Jesus was born. They enjoy traditional food such as ham, turron (a type of nougat) prawns and a pan of gingerbread with the gathering of family and friends.

Regardless of which country you are from and how you celebrate Christmas, one thing is constant; Christmas is about sharing with friends, families and even total strangers and showing them you care.