11 Dez 2025 ILC Batalha
Christmas around the world
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays on the planet, but the way it’s observed varies dramatically from country to country. While the heart of the holiday often centers on togetherness, generosity, and joy, each culture adds its own flavor, rituals, and seasonal magic. Let’s take a trip around the globe to see how different corners of the world deck the halls.
In the Southern Hemisphere, December means summer. Australians often swap snow for sand, celebrating with barbecues, beach picnics, and outdoor concerts. “Carols by Candlelight” events light up cities, and seafood, especially prawns, is a festive favorite.
Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan, but it’s embraced in a uniquely commercial way. Thanks to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign, many families mark the day with a Kentucky Fried Chicken “Party Barrel” and an annual KFC Christmas plate. Illuminated winter light displays and romantic Christmas Eve dinners are also popular.
Norwegians have a quirky Christmas Eve tradition: hiding all the brooms and mops. This custom dates back to old folklore that witches and evil spirits might come out on Christmas night and a broom left out could be stolen for a midnight ride.
In Mexico, from December 16th to 24th, communities reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in a series of nightly processions called Las Posadas. The celebrations end with piñatas, music, and feasts with a vibrant blend of faith and festivity.
Germany is famous for its Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets), where stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and gingerbread hearts. Advent calendars and wreaths are cherished traditions, counting down the days to Christmas Eve.
In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations can start as early as September and last until January. The Simbang Gabi (night masses) and the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando are highlights of this deeply religious and joy-filled season.
Instead of one Santa Claus, Iceland has 13 mischievous Yule Lads who visit children on the nights leading up to Christmas. Depending on behavior, kids might find sweets or rotten potatoes in their shoes.
From candlelit choirs in Sweden to midnight feasts in Ethiopia, Christmas is a tapestry of traditions shaped by history, climate, and culture. Whether it’s celebrated with snowflakes or sunshine, roast turkey or fried chicken, the essence remains the same, a time to gather, give, and share joy.
Categorias: Celebrações , Adultos , Eventos , Alunos ,
In the Southern Hemisphere, December means summer. Australians often swap snow for sand, celebrating with barbecues, beach picnics, and outdoor concerts. “Carols by Candlelight” events light up cities, and seafood, especially prawns, is a festive favorite.
Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan, but it’s embraced in a uniquely commercial way. Thanks to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign, many families mark the day with a Kentucky Fried Chicken “Party Barrel” and an annual KFC Christmas plate. Illuminated winter light displays and romantic Christmas Eve dinners are also popular.
Norwegians have a quirky Christmas Eve tradition: hiding all the brooms and mops. This custom dates back to old folklore that witches and evil spirits might come out on Christmas night and a broom left out could be stolen for a midnight ride.
In Mexico, from December 16th to 24th, communities reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in a series of nightly processions called Las Posadas. The celebrations end with piñatas, music, and feasts with a vibrant blend of faith and festivity.
Germany is famous for its Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets), where stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and gingerbread hearts. Advent calendars and wreaths are cherished traditions, counting down the days to Christmas Eve.
In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations can start as early as September and last until January. The Simbang Gabi (night masses) and the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando are highlights of this deeply religious and joy-filled season.
Instead of one Santa Claus, Iceland has 13 mischievous Yule Lads who visit children on the nights leading up to Christmas. Depending on behavior, kids might find sweets or rotten potatoes in their shoes.
From candlelit choirs in Sweden to midnight feasts in Ethiopia, Christmas is a tapestry of traditions shaped by history, climate, and culture. Whether it’s celebrated with snowflakes or sunshine, roast turkey or fried chicken, the essence remains the same, a time to gather, give, and share joy.