Christmas Around the World: Unique Traditions and Customs

In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday, but it has still become an incredibly popular celebration, marked by a rather unusual tradition—feasting on fried chicken. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign by a well-known fast-food chain in the 1970s, eating fried chicken has become a Christmas Eve ritual for many Japanese families. Reservations are often made weeks in advance to ensure a bucket of fried chicken for the festive meal. It is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying a special meal, and exchanging small gifts. For dessert, many families share a Christmas cake, which is typically a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream, symbolising purity and joy.

The tradition of Christmas cake is also deeply significant in Japan. The cake, with its light texture and sweet decoration, represents a happy and pure celebration, and it has become a staple of Christmas festivities. This combination of fried chicken and cake might seem unconventional to some, but it perfectly captures the spirit of a modern Japanese Christmas—blending Western influences with local tastes to create something uniquely theirs.

For your own Christmas twist, why not try our Christmas-themed tableware to present your special holiday meal in style, whether it is a traditional roast or something a bit more unexpected, like fried chicken? Adding a touch of novelty can bring new traditions into your holiday celebration, making memories that will last for years to come.

Germany is known for its enchanting Christmas markets, which date back to the late Middle Ages. These markets, known as "Weihnachtsmärkte," are a feast for the senses, with twinkling lights, festive music, and the aroma of mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts filling the air. People visit these markets to buy handcrafted gifts, savour seasonal foods, and simply bask in the festive atmosphere. Each market is unique, with stalls offering everything from wooden toys to intricately blown glass ornaments.

Another key tradition in Germany is the celebration of Advent, marked by Advent calendars and wreaths. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a new candle is lit on the Advent wreath, bringing a growing light into the winter darkness. Advent calendars, often filled with chocolates or small gifts, help count down the days until Christmas and add an extra element of excitement, especially for children. The anticipation builds with each passing day, making Christmas Eve a night of magic and wonder. Many families attend midnight church services or gather for a special family meal, adding to the sense of joy and togetherness that makes the evening truly unforgettable.

To capture some of the charm of German traditions, consider our Christmas-themed candles and tealight holders to celebrate the four Sundays of Advent, adding a warm and festive glow to your home. You could also decorate your home with Christmas ornaments that bring a nostalgic touch of European holiday magic into your space. These ornaments can transform your living room into a cosy and festive haven reminiscent of the traditional markets, with their timeless charm and warm, glowing lights.

In Sweden, the Feast of St. Lucia, celebrated on December 13th, marks the beginning of the Christmas season. St. Lucia, a symbol of light in the winter darkness, is honoured with processions led by young girls dressed in white robes, wearing crowns of candles. The celebration involves singing traditional songs, and families enjoy "lussekatter," saffron-flavoured buns, along with coffee or mulled wine. It is a beautiful tribute to the return of light during the darkest days of the year, bringing warmth and hope to every household.

The Feast of St. Lucia is not only a festive celebration but also a symbol of resilience and hope, representing the return of light during the darkest days of winter and the strength to endure difficult times. The sight of young girls wearing crowns of candles, their gentle light cutting through the darkness, is a moving reminder of the enduring human spirit. The saffron buns, with their distinct flavour and bright colour, are shared among family and friends, adding a sense of warmth and comfort to the festivities.

For a cosy touch to your celebrations, consider our Christmas-themed string lights and candles to create a warm, glowing ambiance reminiscent of St. Lucia processions. Placing these lights or candles by windows or doorways can evoke the sense of light conquering darkness, adding a peaceful and heartwarming element to your home during the holiday season.

Christmas in Australia falls during the height of summer, creating a distinctly different festive experience compared to the traditional wintery scenes often associated with the holiday. Instead of snowy landscapes, Australians embrace the season with sun, sand, and surf, making Christmas a time to celebrate outdoors. Many families gather on Christmas Day for a barbecue, choosing the beach or backyard as their venue of choice. The traditional Christmas meal may include fresh seafood, salads, and tropical fruits, all enjoyed under the warm Australian sun. Children play games on the sand, and adults relax around the grill, creating a festive atmosphere that is vibrant, relaxed, and uniquely suited to the Australian summer.

Adding to the charm of Christmas in Australia is the popular Carols by Candlelight tradition, where communities gather outdoors to sing carols under the stars. These events, held in parks, gardens, or even stadiums, bring people together for a magical evening of song and togetherness. Families spread out on picnic blankets, candles in hand, creating a sea of flickering lights against the night sky. This cherished tradition blends the joy of traditional Christmas carolling with Australia’s laid-back lifestyle, making it a beautiful way to embrace the season’s spirit of unity, joy, and reflection. The warm summer air, the glow of candles, and the melodies of beloved carols create a peaceful, uplifting ambiance that resonates deeply with Australians of all ages.

If you would like to bring a touch of Australian festive cheer to your own home, consider using our string lights to illuminate your garden or patio, transforming it into an inviting outdoor space perfect for an al fresco Christmas gathering. These lights can help you recreate the ambience of Carols by Candlelight, adding a magical glow to any outdoor meal or evening spent with family and friends. As the lights twinkle overhead, they capture the essence of an Australian Christmas, allowing you to celebrate the season in a fresh, open-air setting that blends tradition with the warmth of summer evenings.

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