How Different Countries Celebrate Christmas?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Christmas all over the world: Christmas is generally celebrated on Christmas Day, the 25th of December. Some countries however have slightly different Christmas traditions and as such festive season celebrations take place over a longer period of time,

from the beginning of December to the beginning of January

.

Why do different countries celebrate Christmas on different days?

Over the years, the differences in these two calendars meant that

certain religious holidays would fall under two different dates

, which is essentially why the majority of the world celebrate on December 25th, in accordance to the Gregorian calendar, while a few Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ …

Do all countries celebrate Christmas the same way?

There are many different cultures and traditions all over the world, and even though Christmas has become a public in many of the nations around the world,

the way it is celebrated differs from country to country due to the influence of those distinct cultures

.

What countries dont celebrate Christmas?

Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macau), the Comoros, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, the Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, the Sahrawi …

How does Germany celebrate Christmas?

According to a survey by the Yougov market research institute, most people said Christmas involves

candles, a Christmas tree, baking Christmas biscuits and buying presents

. In 2020, almost 25 million Christmas trees stood in German living rooms – preferably real ones, because plastic imitations are frowned upon.

How England celebrates Christmas?

In the UK (or Great Britain),

families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents

! Most families have a Christmas Tree (or maybe even two!) in their house for Christmas. The decorating of the tree is usually a family occasion, with everyone helping.

Do they celebrate Christmas in Japan?

Christmas Day in Japan


In Japan, Christmas is the time for friends and couples to have parties, make plans to meet up for dinner and celebrate as much as they can

. And New Year is the time of the year when all members of the family come together, visit the temple, and usher-in January 1st, with food and drinks.

What religion doesnt celebrate Christmas?


Jehovah's Witnesses

do not celebrate most holidays or events that honour people who aren't Jesus. That includes birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Hallowe'en. They also don't celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter in the belief that these customs have pagan origins.

Why does Canada have so many Christmas traditions?

Canada is a very large country and people of many different cultural backgrounds live there. Because of this, there are lots of different Christmas traditions in Canada.

Many of the traditions and celebrations come from French, English, Irish, Scottish, German, Norwegian, Ukrainian and native/first nation influences

.

Does Russia celebrate Christmas?


Christmas became an official holiday and a non-labor day in Russia in 1991

. It began regaining popularity only recently, partially because Russian leaders, starting with Vladimir Putin, annually attend a Christmas liturgy. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates religious holidays according to the Julian calendar.

Which countries have 2 Christmas days?

This year Ukraine recognised December 25th as an official holiday, along with the traditional Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. It thus became the world's fifth country with two Christmases, joining

Belarus, Eritrea, Lebanon and Moldova

. The sources of this yuletide surplus lie deep in history.

Where is Christmas banned?

The public celebration of Christmas has been banned in the tiny oil-rich Islamic state of

Brunei

since 2015, with anyone found violating the law facing up to five years in jail or a fine of US $20,000, or both.

Why don t Jews celebrate Christmas?

The Jews do not celebrate Christmas as their religious holiday. It is

because this day marks the birth of Jesus Christ

, the figure whose birth and death are the most essential aspects of Christian theology. In Judaism, the birth of Jesus of Nazareth is not a significant event.

Does Mexico celebrate Christmas?

It's a full month of celebrations, marked with family feasts and lots of piñatas.

Starting on 12 December and lasting until 6 January, Christmas celebrations in Mexico have their own flair

. There are candle-lit processions, elaborate nativity scenes, Spanish Christmas carols, dancing and fireworks.

When was Christmas illegal in England?

Back in

1647

, Christmas was banned in the kingdoms of England (which at the time included Wales), Scotland and Ireland and it didn't work out very well. Following a total ban on everything festive, from decorations to gatherings, rebellions broke out across the country.

Does Africa celebrate Christmas?

With over 350 million Christians living in the continent,

many Southern and West African countries celebrate Christmas with massive festivities

, even those that are predominantly Muslim.

Does North Korea celebrate Christmas?


North Korea is probably one of the few countries that Christmas isn't celebrated at all

. Most of the population will have never heard of Santa Claus and you don't have to fear going into a shop for hearing another round of ‘Jingle Bells'.

What is Christmas called in Australia?

Although we know it as Christmas in July, Australians call this second celebration

Yuletide or Yulefest

. Since it's colder in July down under, Christmas can finally be celebrated with drinks by the fire and getting cozy in warm attire.

How does France celebrate Christmas?


People come together in cathedrals and churches across the country to pray and sing carols (known as Chants de Noël)

. They celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, believed to have happened on that night. After the service, people return home to either sleep, eat, or open presents (for those with excited little ones).

How does Canada celebrate Christmas?

Canadian traditions include

decorating a Christmas tree and exchanging gifts

. On Christmas Day a special meal is prepared often including roast turkey, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Traditional favorite Christmas desserts reminiscent of England include Christmas plum puddings and mincemeat tarts.

What does England call Santa?

1. English: Santa Claus /

Father Christmas

. In the UK, US and Canada, “Santa Claus” or “Father Christmas” is believed to travel around the world sporting a red suit on his sleigh, pulled by reindeer.

How is Christmas celebrated in USA?

Popular customs include

exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive

. December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

Why is Christmas celebrated in Australia?

Christmas is observed on 25 December each year

to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ

. In Australia, it was introduced as a result of British settlement in 1788 as the cultural norms were transferred to the new colonies. Australia is located in the Southern hemisphere.

What does Christmas look like in Australia?


Some Australians hang wreaths on their front doors and some people will also go out Christmas carol singing on Christmas Eve. People also decorate their houses and gardens with Christmas Trees and Christmas lights

. Neighbors sometimes have little competitions to see who has got the best light display.

Does China celebrate Christmas?


Christmas in Mainland China is not a public holiday

and is not related to religion at all. It's more of a novelty day like Valentine's Day, rather than a religious celebration. But you'll still see the malls and streets of the big cities filled with Christmas decorations, fir trees, Santa Claus and carols.

What does Japan call Santa?

In Japan Santa is known as

サンタさん、サンタクロース santa-san (Mr Santa)

. Another Japanese gift bringer is Hoteiosho, a Japanese god of good fortune from Buddhism and not really related to Christmas. The Japanese New Year (called ‘o shogatsu') is more like a traditional Western Christmas.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.