Christmas Around the World

While most popular in the United States, Christmas is celebrated around the world! However, celebrations can look a little different depending on which country you are in. It’s interesting to see how different countries celebrate this holiday and how their traditions differ from ours here in the U.S. So, let's take a look and see how some other countries celebrate Christmas. You might just learn a new way to celebrate!

Japan

While not celebrated as a religious holiday, Japan still celebrates Christmas. It is seen as a time to spread happiness! In Japan, they give gifts and cards to each other very similarly to the U.S. However, Japan sees Christmas Eve as more of a romantic holiday akin to Valentine's Day! Gazing at Christmas lights and having a nice dinner is how many couples spend their Christmas Eve. Here’s a fact that might surprise you! The most popular Christmas dinner in Japan is KFC Chicken. Yes, KFC as in Kentucky Fried Chicken like we have here in the states. The deliciousness of KFC is universal I suppose!

Spain

Let’s head to Europe and see how Christmas is celebrated in Spain. In Spain, most people go to a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. After this, it is common for people to parade through the streets carrying torches, playing musical instruments, and singing. Instead of getting gifts from Santa, the children of Spain look forward to getting gifts from the Kings. This doesn’t happen until January 5th however. The most popular dish for Christmas in Spain is Turkey stuffed with Mushrooms. Poultry seems to be the theme so far!

Brazil

Here’s an exciting one! Brazil is actually very similar to the U.S. when it comes to Christmas traditions. The main difference is a grand firework display in big towns. After the midnight mass, a big firework display is held in honor of Christmas! That sounds like fun, doesn’t it? In place of cookies, children in Brazil put out a sock in exchange for presents from Papai Noel, Brazi’s version of Santa.

Cuba

Did you know? Christmas was actually banned in Cuba from 1969-1998. Some still celebrated but did so under the radar. Now however, Cuba has widespread Christmas celebrations. There are also parades and parties to celebrate Christmas while different neighborhoods try to outdo one another. A popular Christmas dish in Cuba is roast pork with plantains, rice, and vegetables.

Switzerland

Switzerland has very popular Christmas markets in many towns. At these markets, you can buy decorations and some delicious food! A fascinating difference from U.S. Christmas is that some people are involved in a procession starting on Christmas and ending on New Year’s Eve. During this procession, people carry around percussion instruments and make lots of noise while wearing masks to scare evil spirits. A common dish for Christmas here is ham and scalloped potatoes with cheese. Sounds good to me!

Conclusion

Christmas is an easy way to connect with others and spread joy. That fact is universal. Literally! No matter the different means of celebration in other countries, I think one thing everyone can agree on is that Christmas is meant to spark joy! It’s a time of year where everyone should be trying to spread happiness and help one another! This common idea of Christmas is what makes it so special in the first place.

Our goal at Aspen Valley Christmas is to make that age-old adage true for your Christmas thru providing holiday décor that surprises and delights our customers and their guests at Christmas time.  We work hard to bring the best in the quality, craftsmanship and materials.  We choose to use premium materials to differentiate us from products typically found at big box retailers and mass market retailers.