How other countries celebrate the festive season

While we may think of snow, roast turkeys and squabbling over the best chocolates in the tin as a typical Christmas, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the festive season. Across the globe, yuletide is celebrated in unique ways. Some countries and cities embrace tradition, while others have their own contemporary twist. We take a look at how the festivities are adapted in a few destinations.

Germany

For some, Germany is the natural home of Christmas and the most festive country of all, so it’s only right we start here. Just like in the UK, advent calendars are popular here and stockings are left out overnight. However, on 6 December, they also celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, better known as Nikolaus, where someone dressed as Saint Nicholas talks to the children to find out if they have behaved throughout the year.

German Christmas markets are the original thing and, on a festive market cruise from the UK, you can enjoy some of the best in Hamburg. Pick up everything from freshly baked biscuits, enjoy hot glühwein and buy amazing decorations to hang back at home.

Iceland

Thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes, Iceland is a place that can instantly make you feel festive any time of the year, especially after fresh snowfall. And it’s certainly a country that loves Christmas! With festivities lasting for 26 days and the nation having 13 different Santa Clauses (known as Yule Lads), there is plenty to enjoy.

More in tune with Hannukah than Christmas, in Iceland, each Yule Lad takes a night to visit children and leaves gifts, starting 13 days before and ending on Christmas Eve. Each is named after a characteristic (somewhat like the seven dwarves), and there is a lot of lore about them and their family – Björk has even sung about Jolakotturrin, their cat!

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Canary Islands

This Spanish-owned archipelago located off the west coast of Africa enjoys Spanish culture and African heat. Despite the difference in climate, the Canary Islands are keen Christmas-lovers, and you’ll find festivities aplenty across the islands.

Although taking place under the blazing sun, the celebrations are much the same as in the UK. However, one great thing to experience is the Three Kings. On 5 January in each of the main cities, a procession takes place showing the arrival of the three kings and their gifts – it’s a must-see. The three kings rode to Bethlehem on camels, so the night before the holiday, children usually set out grass or other snacks for them.

Brazil

In December it is typically 30˚C outside, so Brazilians are celebrating Christmas with their families wearing summer clothes with artificial snow sprinkled here and there. Here, Santa Claus is called Papai Noel and children set their shoes next to the tree. They’ll find them filled with small gifts on Christmas Day, called Dia de Festas.

Christmas Eve is actually the main event of the holiday season, accompanied by lots of music. Traditions are largely influenced by Portugal due to its colonial history.

Families attend Midnight Mass, called the Missa do Galo, named after the rooster that crows at Christmas Dawn. On Christmas Day households serve slow-roasted marinated pork leg (pernil) or turkey. All dishes are served with a variety of salads and white rice, which is sauteed with garlic and onion.

South Africa

South Africa is typically abloom with beautiful flowers during Christmas, as another country whose festivities fall in the summer months. Due to its links with the British in the 19th century, South Africa follows many traditions to those in the UK. Candlelight carol singing on Christmas Eve is very popular in towns and cities, and many people go to a Christmas morning Church Service.

On Christmas Day, families like to host a braai, an African barbecue or roast. The big difference between braai and barbecue is the fire. Braaiis strictly cooked on a gas grill. It has a wide variety of food, but the main attraction is meat. One highlighted meat is boerewors, which is a thick beef sausage. Another tasty food is braaibroodjies, which are similar to toasted cheese sandwiches.

Thailand

Thailand is primarily a Buddhist country, with around 85% of its population following the religion. As such, Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Thailand, however in recent years some festive cheer can be felt in the capital, Bangkok. December marks the month of the King of Thailand’s birthday, so the streets are already illuminated with decorations, adding to the festive feel, while the shopping areas of the city will be fully decked out for the Christmas period.

Although Christmas is not recognised as a holiday in Thailand, Santa still makes a visit to all of the children. He can usually be spotted at various family-friendly events or in some of the bigger shopping centre. A special meal will be enjoyed by the family in the evening, although the turkey and trimmings are likely to be swapped for a rice and curry dish.

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