Christmas All Around: A Global Phenomenon

Christmas Decoration. Photo Credit Antonio Castagna (Flickr)

 “It doesn’t matter what culture or what part of the world you are from, Christmas is for everyone” (Cornelia S., Student from Austria)

With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, the festive season isn’t just exciting for retailers but also for families all around the world. According to a survey carried out by ComRes on behalf of Theos, over 83% agreed that Christmas is about spending time with family and friends. 

In Ireland most traditions have a Gaelic background and survived into modern times, such as putting up a little model manger with nativity figures and the placing of a holly ring on doors. This was originated, as the holly plant is one of the few plants that flourish around Christmas time. All decorations are usually taken down on January 6, as it is considered bad luck to do so beforehand. Another widely popular tradition is the annual midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The social event is all about celebrating, singing Christmas carols and catching up with friends, family or neighbours that haven’t been in contact all year round. This seems to be a tradition throughout the world as it also celebrated in Austria, Germany and other European as well as foreign countries. This also applies to Great Britain, where the church attendance over Christmas is rising massively every year, with more than 2.4 million people average participating in a Church of England service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 

Austria

In Austria all family members gather together, after they enjoyed brunch, to decorate the tree in the morning of the 24^th. Christmas Eve is usually filled with traditions such as singing songs and eating a 3-course meal consisting of: soup, fish and a typical Austrian dessert called “Mohr im Hemd”, a chocolate pudding, usually served with whipped crème. Austrian traditions are similar to their neighbours Germany, especially Bavaria as it is just across the border.

Germany

Germans love their Christmas markets, just like the famous Oktoberfest similar branches can be found all over the world. With a wide range of stalls, the market covers every aspect about Christmas: shopping, singing, eating and they are commonly set up next to a church, as Germany is a widely Christian country.

Bavarians in particular, put up the Christmas tree on the evening of the 24^th and decorate with the whole family. Unlike Ireland, the presents are opened on the evening of the 24^th after enjoying the family dinner. The Christmas celebration itself already starts on December 6, when Santa Claus delivers little gifts with the help of his scary friend, the Krampus.

Africa 

With a big continent as Africa come a variety of traditions and they are hugely different compared to Europe. In Nigeria for example, most families travel to their villages to spend time with their families. After the service on Christmas Morning, the government organises a carnival, where the streets are filled with people dancing in costumes and loud music.

Russia

Officially celebrating Christmas on January 7, Russia seems quite late to the party. This is mainly because up to 1991, communist states weren’t allowed to practice any kind of religion and therefore no Christmas was celebrated. A lot of Russians celebrated behind closed doors and gave away gifts to their loved ones in secrets. Up to now, presents are given early on New Years Eve and not on the official day of the celebrations.

| Nollaig Shona Duit | Fröhliche Weihnachten | Merry Christmas | Joyeux Noël|