As Christmas will be celebrated around the world this week, we decided to switch up our topic and bring you some fun facts we have found about how Christmas traditions are celebrated around the world! There are so many interesting and beloved holiday traditions that are kept by families worldwide, maybe some of these are even some that your family celebrates.

We would love for you to comment on your favorite Christmas traditions too!

Germany

Saint Nicholas, separate from Santa Claus, leaves small presents like coins and fruit in children’s shoes. Germans also have a hidden pickle ornament on their Christmas tree. The one who discovers the pickle during the Christmas season receives a bonus gift or lots of good luck and fortune in the coming year. Another interesting tradition is Krampus Night where people dress up as the devil Krampus, and walking the streets. Krampus scares any children who have been misbehaving during the Christmas season

Mexico

Christmas is a very popular holiday in Mexico. With many traditions such as candle-lit processions, dancing, and nativity scenes, the month of December is a month-long celebration with family feasts and pinatas. The typical Christmas feast is centered around tamales and vibrant red poinsettia flowers are used in holiday arrangements throughout the country.

England

Children leave out mince pies for Santa instead of cookies. These miniature pies or filled with dried fruit, and are very popular during the English Christmas season. Did you know that English people actually say, “Happy Christmas” instead of “Merry Christmas”?  This is because King George V said it during his first royal Christmas message in 1932, and it apparently stuck!

New Zealand

In the Southern hemisphere, Christmas is celebrated during summer! So many families get together for barbecuing with fresh seafood, meats, and other seasonal vegetables. The Pohutukawa is the New Zealand Christmas tree. This tree is a special coastal species that blooms with a bright red flower in December.

Denmark

There are many Christmas traditions in this small country including superstitious characters called “nisser”. They play tricks on the household all throughout the Christmas season, but are also believed to provide protection, and will be appeased by a serving of “risengrød” on December 23. Many Danish families also light real candles on their Christmas trees and dance around the tree, holding hands while singing carols. After enjoying a Christmas dinner of roast goose, duck, and pork roast, the dinner ends with a bowl of “ris a la mande” served with a cherry sauce. The person who finds a whole almond in their bowl wins a special gift.

Ireland

A lit tall red candle in the front window symbolizes warmth and shelter for the holiday season. Every Irish household has at least one box of “good” biscuits filled with pink wafers and bourbon creams. Many families participate in a cold Christmas morning swim typically as part of a charity fundraiser. Roast goose, vegetables, cranberries, and potatoes are typical Christmas feasts in Irish homes.

We thank you for your business this past year and are so grateful for your support this past year. As we celebrate the holiday with our families this Christmas, the Team at New Windows for America would like to also wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.