The holidays are here! I personally couldn't be more excited to spend time around the Christmas tree with my family, and enjoy a wonderful Christmas meal. My excitement for my own holiday traditions made me curious how other cultures around the world celebrate the season. Here are a few holiday celebrations around the world.

1. Germany

In many respects, Christmas in Germany is celebrated similarly to the U.S. They set up a Christmas tree, open presents and have a Santa Clause figure. There are also a lot of differences as well. The primary day for exchanging presents in Germany is on Christmas Eve, and this is also when they put their Christmas tree up in their house. Advent is also very important to Germans around the holidays. They celebrate using advent calendars, usually with a piece of chocolate for every day up until Christmas Eve. Many people here in the U.S. celebrate with advent calendars as well, but I would say that it is more common in the German culture. Something that is unique to the German holiday culture is the "Krampus". The krampus is the anti-Santa Clause. It is a scary figure meant to make children behave during Christmas time.

2. France

An important tradition around the holidays in French culture is a clay nativity crib. They are often on display in their homes, and many French cities have fairs where they sell these cribs. Yule logs are also burnt in their homes around the holidays, sprinkled with red wine to make the house smell good. They often leave the log burning over night along with some candles, and drinks and food are set out in case Mary and baby Jesus stop by at night.

3. Spain

Most people in Spain attend a midnight mass on Christmas morning. Usually families gather for a large meal before the service. After the midnight mass, people gather in the streets playing music and carrying torches. Children open some of their presents on Christmas day, but the majority of them are opened on January 6th which is called Epiphany. This is the celebration of the Three Kings. Children write letters to the Kings asking for presents on December 26th, and on January 6th they receive the presents from the Kings. Some large cities throw parades in honor of Epiphany featuring a float for the Kings in the shape of a camel.

4. Denmark

People in Denmark also celebrate the holidays with advent calendars, as well as advent candles. There is a small gift for each day of the calendar up to Christmas Eve. Another part of the Danish celebrations is Julekalendar. This is a television series that has 25 episodes. One episode airs each day of December up until Christmas. Most people attend a church service the evening before Christmas. After the service, they gather for a meal, then they light their Christmas tree up. After the lighting of the tree, many people sing carols, dance and open their presents. On Christmas Day they gather with their family for a large lunch.

5. Australia

When Australians celebrate their Christmas festivities, it is considered their summer time, so many people may go camping over the holidays. Many people hang wreaths, and sometimes go Christmas caroling. In the capitol cities they have a "candles by candelight service". Famous Australian singers come and perform at these services. They are broadcasted all over the television. They often meet with their families and have barbecues on the beach the day after Christmas. On Christmas day they usually stay home and eat a lunch with their families.

These are only a few of the various ways different countries celebrate their holidays. There are many countries, and many different ways to celebrate. Many people within these countries may also celebrate their Christmas season in different ways. I think it's extremely interesting to learn about how other cultures celebrate their holidays because it is something we don't always think about. On that note, have a Happy Holiday everyone, and enjoy your celebrations however you celebrate!

Source: http://www.whychristmas.com/