Christmas in other countries

Christmas is celebrated in many countries, but Christmas traditions are not the same all over the world. Will you travel with us?

Argentina

In Catholic Argentina, people decorate their homes with green, gold, red and white flowers. They also have the Christmas tree, which is traditionally decorated on December 8, when Argentines celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary. There is often a nativity scene under the tree, but they hardly send Christmas cards in Argentina.

Bulgaria

Bulgarians believe that Jesus was born on December 24th – Christmas Eve – but that his birth was not announced until December 25th. Bulgarians therefore traditionally eat their Christmas meal on Christmas Eve.

Iceland

Christmas, or Yule as they call it there, starts in Iceland on December 23rd, when they honor their most important saint. On Christmas Eve, the children unwrap their presents. Christmas Day is spent with the family. On Boxing Day, family is visited.

Kenya

In Kenya, people travel from the big city back to the village where most of their family lives. Santa Claus does not travel on a reindeer, but on a camel. After mass on Christmas Eve, many Kenyans party all day long, often attending a church service on Christmas morning.

Philippines

Don't be surprised if you hear Christmas songs or see Christmas decorations in the Philippines as early as September, because they like to celebrate Christmas as early and as long as possible. The actual Christmas celebration starts on December 16 and lasts until the first Sunday of the new year.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, Christmas Eve is more important than Christmas Day. Most people gather in city centers and Christmas Eve is mostly celebrated in public.

Have you ever celebrated Christmas abroad? If so, in which country? And what traditions did they have there? Let us know in a comment!