8 Christmas Celebrations around the World ...

In Belgium, the celebration of Christmas is twofold. On December 6th, they celebrate “Sinterklauss”, which is a day dedicated to Santa Claus and is similar to Christmas in many ways. There is a shared meal and gifts are exchanged. On Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus is also celebrated.

In Belgium, the Christmas season is welcomed with many festive decorations. Many homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and wreaths. Children often hang stockings on the fireplace mantle in anticipation of Sinterklauss. The streets are adorned with lights and decorations as well.

The Belgian Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration. People come together to celebrate the holidays and share in the festivities. It is a time for families to gather and enjoy the spirit of the season.

In Finland, Christmas is celebrated with family and close friends. It is a time of joy and love. On Christmas Eve, people often visit the cemeteries which are decorated with lights and flowers. Afterward, they go to church and then the sauna. Taking a sauna is a traditional way to get ready for the festivities. Christmas in Finland is also celebrated with singing and eating. Christmas dishes include ham, fish, and potatoes. People also enjoy drinking mulled wine and eating gingerbread. Gift giving is also part of the tradition, and Santa Claus is known as Joulupukki in Finland.

In Hungary, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and is a time of joy and celebration. Traditionally, on the 6th of December, Hungarian children clean their shoes and leave them outside their doors. In the morning, they find a bag of candy and treats from Santa Claus or Father Christmas. If they have been naughty, a golden birch is left as a reminder to be better. On Christmas Eve, Jesus visits the houses, bringing the tree and presents to decorate it. The tree is filled with gold foil wrapped chocolates, meringues, and other treats. After a festive meal, the children get to enjoy the tree and all the goodies! This unique Hungarian Christmas tradition is sure to bring joy to any family.

Latvia is a small country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, and has a population of around 1.9 million people. Christmas is an important holiday in Latvia, and is celebrated in many different ways. One of the most unique aspects of Latvian Christmas celebrations is the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree. Some believe that this tradition began in Latvia, and that the first ever decorated Christmas tree was in Latvia. During the 12 days of Christmas, it is customary for families to exchange gifts, with "Father Christmas" leaving a gift for each family member each night. Latvian Christmas celebrations also include singing carols, baking traditional Latvian Christmas cookies, and attending special church services.

In Russia, the celebration of Christmas is a mix of both religious and secular traditions. Christmas Eve is a time of fasting and prayer, followed by the traditional 12-course meal. On Christmas Day, families gather to exchange gifts and enjoy a festive meal. The Russian Orthodox Church also celebrates the Nativity of Jesus on January 7th, which is the Julian Calendar date for December 25th. This is usually followed by caroling and the burning of a Yule Log. Christmas is also a time for decorating the home with traditional festive decorations like the Christmas Tree, which is often decorated with ornaments, tinsel, and lights.

The Christmas season in Germany is filled with festive decorations, traditional foods, and unique customs. Germans put up Christmas trees and hang wreaths with four candles to mark the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During this time, families often create nativity scenes and exchange small gifts. On Christmas Eve, many Germans attend church services and then return home for a festive dinner. Popular dishes include roasted goose, carp, and potato dumplings. Afterward, families often gather around the Christmas tree and open presents. Other popular activities include attending Christmas markets, visiting a Christmas circus, and singing traditional carols.

Hanukkah is an eight-day festival celebrated by Jewish families around the world. It is also sometimes referred to as the Festival of Lights, as it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish victory over their oppressors. During Hanukkah, families light a menorah, exchange gifts, and play traditional games such as dreidel. This festival often coincides with the Christian celebration of Christmas, and many Jewish families combine the two holidays. For example, they may decorate their homes with both Christmas and Hanukkah decorations and exchange gifts on both days. Hanukkah is a time for families to come together and celebrate their faith and history.