Christmas customs around the globe

Megan Evans, Staff Writer

From all over the world, different places and cultures celebrate the season of Christmas in all kinds of ways. In small towns and big cities across the United Stated of America, the citizens of the country of red, white, and blue, all have their own holiday traditions. Whether it be snuggling up to the fire on Christmas Eve and watching a festive favorite movie such as It’s a Wonderful Life or running up to bed excitedly after placing cookies and milk out for Santa Claus, the homes of America all wake up Christmas morning with hope in their hearts. Many families share dinners together on Christmas Day and travel to meet with family members that they might not usually see. Sledding is a common adventurous activity for children depending on the area of America they live. Wherever these citizens live, Christmas is a holiday for the entire family to enjoy.

In South Africa, snow will not be on the radar for Christmas Day; in fact, it is in the summer when this merry season arrives. Many flowers are in bloom for all to enjoy and the sun is most likely shining as bright as the snow in Maryland, USA. Schools are closed during the holiday season and family camping trips are a common attraction. Caroling is a popular tradition in big towns and cities, and holding candlelight services with voices singing Christmas songs the night before Christmas Day is also a frequent occurrence. Malva pudding can be found at most dinner tables, as it is a favorite holiday dessert. Also, if the weather is cooperative enough, barbeques are held!

In Ireland, there may not be barbeques, but there is plenty of history. Christmas for the Irish Catholics lasts from Christmas Eve to the feast of Epiphany which is January sixth. This tradition has also been called “Little Christmas,” and although it is not as widely celebrated as it once was, it still has some effect in Ireland. The day after Christmas is called St. Stephen’s Day, or Boxing Day in the United Kingdom, and entertainment such as football games and horse racing are held. If you are looking for a longer season of Santa, I would recommend looking into Ireland.

Finally, we arrive in Vietnam. In this country, Christmas Eve is often a wider celebrated day than Christmas Day. In Ho Chi Minh City, which is also the largest city in Vietnam, many people, especially of the younger age group, enjoy going to the city center to the Catholic Cathedral. On this special evening, the city center is crowded with hopeful believers and cars are not allowed to pass through. Many people throw confetti in celebration, others take pictures or enjoy the display of holiday lights. Many stores and restaurants are open to serve tasty snacks to hungry observers. Food is often a popular gift to give, but younger people may be more likely to send Christmas cards. Similar to South Africa, there will be plenty of sweating and sunshine for this holly jolly Christmas.

To conclude, Christmas is celebrated in many variations, but the one thing that promises to be the same is the spirit of the season. Happy holidays and may your life be wonderful!