Christmas: one of the most exciting celebrations of the year. Not only does Christmas mean giving and receiving gifts, but also
exchanging love with one’s relatives. There is no stipulated way to celebrate it, but it surely involves traditions that bring us joy
and make December 24th and 25th so unique. These traditions vary among cultures, and even families, but that is what makes
Christmas rituals’ special and a date especially to exchange love and create unforgettable memories.
We are raised celebrating Christmas after Christmas in a distinctive way, so would you be able to imagine how this occasion is
enjoyed around the globe?
AMERICA
Argentina
In my country, celebrating Christmas during the summer lacks the cosiness of hot chocolate and Christmas sweaters, but it is
still certainly one of the best days of the year. We usually meet with our loved ones on December 24th and have dinner
together, doing a “vaquita”, which means that everyone brings something to share, such as empanadas or vitel toné. However,
in my family we stick to the asados (barbecues) that my father hosts.
EUROPE
Spain
Not only is food the excuse that brings everyone to the table, but also the awaited (especially by grandmothers) King’s speech
at midnight. Sara highlights some of the most delicious specialities of her culture: polvorones (Spanish almond cookies), turrón,
roscón de reyes (Spanish king’s cake).
Germany
Linus, back at his home in Germany, starts celebrating Christmas from December 6th, when Nikolaus (St Nicholas) is said to
put mandarins, walnuts, and little presents inside shoes. Later, on Christmas Eve, poems are recited, carols are played before
opening presents, and families eat goose or duck.
Romania
According to Ioana, Romanian Christmas is all about putting effort and love into decorating a Christmas tree together with
one’s family, and gathering to enjoy traditional foods such as sarmale, cozonac, piftie, and salată boeuf.
Lithuania
It is interesting to appreciate how Lithuanians spend December 24th., because they are known for their 12 dishes dinner. This
menu aims to represent the 12 months of the year, and it is a must that everyone tastes all of them to guarantee that the
following year goes smoothly. In addition, there is often an empty plate on the table as an invitation for the souls of loved ones
that are no longer physically present.
Latvia
Grey peas with cured meat is the Latvian national dish and an integral part of the Christmas feast. No matter how many dishes
are served on the festive table, one of them will be grey peas, which everyone should eat at least a handful. These symbolise
fertility, life and, due to their round shape, the smooth flow of things. The meat is very important too, since the pig, as a digger, also brings success and ease to men – plowers of the earth.
Finland
Atticus, goes to the local church to mark the beginning of Christmas peace. Then, candles are placed on the graves. At
nighttime, loved ones meet to eat dinner: lutfisk/lipeäkala (dried fish soaked in lye for 2 weeks, cooked & eaten with vitsås),
beetroot salad, gingerbread, rice porridge (with an almond – the person who finds it gets a present). Finally, the Christmas goat
(their Santa Claus) leaves presents and Finns dance around the Christmas tree, leaving out porridge for the hustomtes, which
are mythical creatures that protect houses.
ASIA
Philippines
Andrea, described Christmas as “super super special”. Malls start putting up Christmas decorations from September 1st, and a
typical funny song is played along. Also, most Filipinos hung up parols, which are stars with lights, most of the time made from
Coca Cola bottles. Her family brings some Western traditions, such as decorating the tree and baking gingerbread cookies.
AFRICA
Malawi
Rhena and her family make the most out of this date, spending time outdoors, since the warm weather encourages them to do
so. The must for Malawians is gathering for lunch, dressed nicely, prior to going for a swim and enjoying the sunshine.
Written by Tina – IB25 student
Written for Clarity Magazine