Christmas is a symbol of giving and sharing, a time to be thankful and come together with family and friends.
Many of us in North America have gotten used to a 'White Christmas' this is quite the opposite in Australia. During this time of year the typical weather is about 35 C (100 F) with no snow to be found!
Because of the warm temperature a typical Australian Christmas meal will include; seafood, ham, cold chicken, duck or turkey, cold deli meats, salads of all types and deserts, especially ice cream.
One popular Christmas tradition in Australia is to go to Bondi Beach. Many visitors go to witness this incredible tradition as people are scattered across the beach singing Christmas carols.
Although it is very warm this time of year in Australia, some things are still similar to a North American Christmas. Children send letters to Santa Claus, houses are decorated with strings of light strewn about and it is Christmas Mass is attended by most.
Italy
Italy takes the celebration to a whole new level by continuing the festivities for three weeks. Italy is very religious and many of its traditions are based on Christianity. The 'Holy Season' is announced by the firing of a cannon from the Castle of St Angelo in Rome. The eight days before Christmas are very special here and are observed by consecutive prayers and worship building towards Christmas. This 9 day worship is known as 'Novena'.
Another Christmas tradition in Italy is dressing up as shepherds. This is mainly done by the poor children who dress up and go door to door reciting Christmas poems and singing Christmas carols. In return they are given money to go buy presents for their loved ones.
Italians typically fast on Christmas Eve followed by a huge feast on Christmas Day. The meal usually starts with pasta, followed by meat with cheeses and fruits and an array of desserts. Grappa and other liquors are served during the feast as well.
Small gifts are given on Christmas Day but the main exchange takes place January 6th during the Feast of Epiphany. This feast celebrates the magi's visit to the baby Jesus.
Mexican Christmas traditions are highly influenced by Catholicism. Christmas celebrations start on December 12th to celebrate the birth of the Virgin of Guadelupe. On Christmas Eve at midnight, people light fireworks, ring bells, and blow whistles to announce the birth of Christ. The celebrations end on January 6th with the Epiphany.
The exchange of gifts is done on January 6. Mexican children write letters to the wise men and leave their requests for gifts in their shoes.There is no Santa Claus in Mexico, the children believe that the wise men come to bring their presents.
Mexican families attend Christmas Eve Mass at midnight, followed by a Christmas dinner. A typical dinner includes tamales, rice, menudo, atole and other traditional Mexican foods.
USA & Canada
In both the United-States and Canada Christmas is celebrated December 25th. Americans and Canadians alike celebrate with the Christmas Tree a pine or evergreen strewn with lights and ornaments. Houses and lawns are decorated as well with lights, trees, and other decorations. A local past time is driving around various neighborhoods looking at others' decorations.
Santa Claus is very popular among the children, and has become of the many symbols of Christmas. On Christmas Eve children hang their stocking by the fire place or a designated area so Santa Claus can come during the night to fill them with gifts as well as put some under the Christmas Tree.
A traditional Christmas dinner will include; turkey, or ham, stuffing, potatoes, pie, fruitcake, many desserts and eggnog.
What a lovely, lovely post. Thank you. What about Russia:)?
ReplyDeleteThank you! We'd love to learn about Russian traditions, and will put up a post shortly :)
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