Christmas Around the World: Traditions, Flavours, and Celebrations from Different Cultures

Christmas Around the World: Traditions, Flavours, and Celebrations from Different Cultures

Christmas is a time of celebration, love, and togetherness, but how this holiday is celebrated varies widely across the globe. From the vibrant streets of the Philippines to the snowy landscapes of Sweden, the ways people mark the season are as diverse as the number of countries in the world.

Philippines: A Season of Light and Reunion (Katrina Gutierrez, Communications Manager and Editor at Lantana)

In the Philippines, Christmas isn't just a holiday; it's a season that starts the moment the "ber" months arrive—September 1st! The sounds of Christmas carols fill the air, setting the tone for what is often referred to as the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

One of the most cherished traditions is Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of dawn Masses that brings families and communities together, creating a spiritual and social rhythm in the lead-up to Christmas. But it's not just the spiritual aspects that make Filipino Christmas special. The vibrant parols—star-shaped lanterns made from bamboo and colored paper—brighten the streets, creating a spectacular visual display that symbolizes the star of Bethlehem.

No Filipino Christmas would be complete without the delicious food. Puto bumbong, steamed purple rice cakes brushed with butter, sugar, and coconut, and suman, sticky rice wrapped in leaves, are just a couple of the sweet treats that fill the holiday table. Add to that the classic holiday spread of ham, queso, and family favorites, and it’s clear why Christmas in the Philippines is a time of deep joy and warmth, with many families reuniting from across the globe to celebrate together.

Sweden: A White Christmas with Cozy Traditions (Clara Dackenberg, Illustrator of The Playdate)

For Clara Dackenberg, who grew up in the north of Sweden, Christmas always meant a snowy, magical landscape. Though nowadays the snow is less predictable, Christmas in Sweden remains a time for family traditions, and the most important celebration takes place on Christmas Eve.

A beloved part of the Swedish Christmas tradition is watching the annual airing of Kalle Anka (Donald Duck) on TV at 3 PM on December 24^th. This has been a national ritual since the 1950s! After the cartoon, Santa (usually a relative or neighbour in disguise) knocks on the door, filling the home with the joy of presents.

The Christmas feast in Sweden is a mix of traditional foods, including potted herring, ham, and rice pudding, with a special focus on saffransbullar (saffron buns) and julmust, a sweet, fizzy drink that is a must for the holiday season. 

China: Faith and Family Over the Holidays (Xinyue Zhu, Illustrator of Mama’s Special Wonton Soup)

Christmas in China is not a widely celebrated holiday, especially in comparison to other cultural celebrations like the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). However, for those who observe it, Christmas is a time for quiet reflection and church gatherings, often focused on religious observance rather than public festivities.

Xinyue Wu shares that while Christmas is not a public holiday, she attends church with her family to mark the day. Instead, the Spring Festival in late January or early February—marked by red lanterns and family reunions—remains the most important and widely celebrated festival in China. This holiday is all about family, as millions of people travel to their hometowns, sharing meals, making dumplings, and staying up late to watch fireworks that ring in the new year.

Canada: A Magical, Snowy Christmas (Wai Mei Wong, Author of Mama’s Special Wonton Soup)

In Canada, Christmas is a magical time, especially for families living in colder, snow-covered regions. Wai Mei Wong’s tradition includes a trip to the forest with her husband and son to gather natural decorations: pinecones, birch logs, and berries, which they use to decorate their home. She also dries orange slices to hang on the windows, adding a lovely, festive touch.

One of their most beloved traditions is heading to a Christmas tree farm with extended family to choose the perfect tree. The hunt for the right tree is full of fun, as they walk through the snow-covered fields, saying “no” to the first three trees before finally shouting "Timber!" to the fourth one so it can be chopped down.

But beyond the decorations, Christmas is a time for family gatherings. With multiple generations coming together and catching up. 

Colombia: The Most Anticipated Holiday of the Year (Irene Vasco, Author of Letters in Charcoal)

In Colombia, Christmas is the most beloved holiday of the year, and it is celebrated with an abundance of joy and family togetherness. Beginning on December 16th, families gather for the novena, a nine-night celebration of prayer, singing, and feasting in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. During the novena, families and friends come together to pray, sing villancicos (traditional Christmas carols), and enjoy delicious food, with musical instruments often accompanying the festivities.

On December 24th, families exchange gifts and share a festive meal, marking the culmination of the holiday season. The celebration continues into the early hours of the morning, making Christmas for Irene and her family a time of deep connection, gratitude, and shared traditions.

A Global Celebration of Family and Tradition

Christmas is a time of light, love, and connection. Whether it’s the starry parols in the Philippines, the snowy Christmas trees in Canada, or the festive novenas in Colombia. While the traditions may differ from place to place and from family to family, the common thread that runs through every celebration is the joy of spending time with family and the warmth of coming together to mark the end of the year.

No matter where you are in the world, Christmas is a reminder of the importance of love, faith, and community. A season that transcends borders and brings us all closer together.

Which Christmas tradition resonates with you the most?