When prompted with the word Christmas, what images appear to you? Many likely picture spending time with family, opening presents on Christmas morning, feasting on delicious food, listening to Christmas music, and decorating their Christmas tree. Maybe this word sparks more personal traditions, or it reminds you of the true meaning of it all: Jesus’s birth. What special traditions do other countries have? Is Santa Claus a beloved figure everywhere, or do some places believe that their presents come from another source? Let’s consider how other cultures celebrate Christmas, and some of their own unique traditions.
JAPAN
KFC, a fast food chain that originated in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been the highlight of Christmas for many Japanese families for over 40 years. In 1970, KFC Japan decided to advertise a Christmas dinner that was a cost-friendly and easy alternative to a homemade feast. The advertisement did surprisingly well and gained a huge amount of traction that year. Today, over 3.4 million Japanese households order their Christmas dinner from KFC.
ITALY
Although this tradition occurs after Christmas for the country of Italy, it is purposefully celebrated on January 5th, the day before the closing of the season on Jan. 6, as one last Christmas hurrah! La Befana, which translates to “Christmas Witch” in English, is a popular figure in Italian folk tales. It is believed that on Jan. 5, La Befana flies around on her broom stick, delivering gifts and treats to children across Italy. La Befana is said to have turned down helping the wisemen, which she soon later regretted. So, each year, she hops on her broom stick in search of baby Jesus, and on the way, she gives gifts to the boys and girls of the country.
VENEZUELA
Nobody arrives to mass in style like the people of Venezuela. Specifically in Caracas, many people will roller skate through the night and then skate to mass at five or six o’clock in the morning. This tradition typically runs through the 16th to the 24th of December, although most people usually only partake in it on one or two days due to their busy work and school schedules. This exciting and public festival unites cities, and it is one of many sources for numerous Venezuelans’ Christmas cheer.
In addition to these unique traditions, people around the globe have many other ways that they experience Christmas joy. Regardless of how you celebrate, the Christmas season is a time that brings communities together to celebrate the coming of Christ and rejoice as we reflect on another great year!
Sources:
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/fascinating-christmas-traditions-around-the-world
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/11/18/catholic-christmas-venezuela-roller-skating-241863/
By: Grace Lynch ’29, Contributing Writer
29glynch@montroseschool.org
