How Christmas Is Celebrated Around the World

Once again this year, international students and staff at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol have shared their personal insights into the festive traditions of their home countries with us. Whether it's unusual delicacies, regional Christmas figures, or lovingly cherished family rituals – their stories reveal just how diverse Christmas is around the world.

Estonia: Christmas Grandpa & Glögi

Kadri, an employee at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, and exchange student Valtteri report that Jõulud, the Estonian Christmas celebration, is one of the most important traditions of the year. One of the most beautiful customs takes place on the afternoon of December 24: families go to the Christmas sauna together to start the celebration clean, relaxed, and symbolically renewed.

In the evening, Jõuluvana, the Estonian Santa Claus, visits families. Before gifts are given out, everyone—young and old—must perform something: a song, a joke, a poem, or even a little dance.

The capital city of Tallinn impresses during the Christmas season with its famous Christmas market and one of the oldest Christmas trees in Europe, which has been erected there since 1441. In the snow-covered medieval old town, people enjoy glögi, gingerbread, and an atmosphere that is both cozy and magical.

Argentina: Feast after midnight

Exchange student Martina explains that in Argentina, Noche Buena on December 24 is the main focus. Family and friends gather for a long dinner—and some don't start eating until after midnight, when Christmas officially begins.

At midnight, everyone raises their glasses, wishes each other Feliz Navidad, and often opens their presents right away—depending on the family, however, sometimes this is not done until the morning of December 25. Who brings the presents also depends on tradition: some families refer to the Christ Child (El Niño Dios), others to Santa Claus.

Typical Argentine Christmas dishes such as vitel toné, barbecue, stuffed eggs, and empanadas are served, followed by sweet classics such as panettone, ice cream, and caramelized nuts. A celebration full of warmth, enjoyment, and wonderful moments together.

Chile: Cola de Mono & Summer Heat

Christmas in Chile is summery, sweet, and wonderfully family-oriented. The Chilean Santa Claus, Viejo Pascuero, brings gifts, which are traditionally opened right after midnight. Dinner is served between 10 p.m. and midnight—accompanied, of course, by Cola de Mono, the popular Christmas sweet drink, and Pan de Pascua, the classic Chilean Christmas cake.

Exchange student Sebastián recounts how much he loved the tradition of going outside with his parents shortly before midnight to look for Santa Claus in the sky. For him, this was always a particularly magical moment—and at the same time a charming way for the adults to secretly place the presents under the tree.

And although it is the height of summer in Chile, colorfully decorated houses, squares, and streets spread a real Christmas spirit.

Ireland: Turkey, soccer, and jumping in at the deep end

In Ireland, as in most English-speaking countries, Christmas is celebrated on December 25. FH employee Steve recounts how his mother used to be up at 8 a.m. to prepare the turkey, a huge ham, and mince pies. The Christmas pudding was even made in October. About once a week, someone would pour brandy over it—so you can imagine how strong it was in the end.

December 26 is Boxing Day – in addition to being an important day in the soccer calendar, many families go for a walk before continuing the celebrations with relatives and friends.

A particularly charming custom in the southwest of Ireland and in the counties of Cork and Kerry is Nollaig na mBan on January 6—Women's Christmas Day, when men take over the household chores while women celebrate and relax.

And those who are brave enough take part in the Christmas Swim – a dip in the freezing cold sea, which is simply part of New Year's Day for many Irish people.

Mexiko: Von der Herbergssuche zur Piñata

In Mexico, the posada is an integral part of Christmas Eve on December 24, explains exchange student Sofia. Posada means inn, and the traditional asking for posada symbolically refers to asking for accommodation – just as Mary and Joseph did.

After Christmas dinner, the ritual begins: the guests divide into two groups. Some stand outside with candles and sing the parts of Mary and Joseph, while the other group takes on the role of the innkeeper inside the house. Only when the request for shelter is granted is the Posada complete.

This is followed by the most joyful part of the evening: breaking the piñata. It has seven points, symbolizing the seven deadly sins. Many families even have two piñatas—one for the children and one for the adults—so that everyone can have fun. It is a heartwarming tradition that combines music, community, and genuine Christmas cheer.

USA: A Christmas Story

In the US, the Christmas season officially begins after Thanksgiving—and the big gift-giving frenzy starts on Black Friday at the latest. From then on, entire streets are transformed into sparkling seas of lights: decorated houses, giant inflatable Santas, and festive Christmas trees everywhere you look.

Children hang their stockings over the fireplace, leave cookies and milk out for Santa, and are watched daily by Elf on the Shelf. Many cities also hold impressive Christmas parades—most notably the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

A particularly charming tradition developed rather by chance: around 25 years ago, the TV channel TBS decided to give its entire team the day off on Christmas Day. Instead of shutting down the station, they decided to broadcast the somewhat cheesy but much-loved film A Christmas Story on a 24-hour loop. This became a cult phenomenon: many families tune in every year and leave the film playing in the background all day long.

And because the US is so vast, Christmas doesn't look the same everywhere: while snow falls in the north, many families – like employee Mark's – celebrate under palm trees in tropical South Florida.

Bulgaria: Badni Vecher – an evening full of symbolism

Badni Vecher (Christmas Eve) is one of the most important family evenings in Bulgaria and is traditionally celebrated with close family, explains exchange student Vladislav. On this evening, only meat-free dishes are served. Typical dishes include stuffed peppers with beans, sarmi (grape or cabbage leaves stuffed with rice) and sweet dishes such as tikvenik or apple strudel.

The tradition of serving seven, nine, or eleven meatless dishes is deeply rooted and strictly observed in many families. Before the meal begins, the family gathers around the table and the oldest family member says a prayer.

A central element of the evening is the ritual bread Pitka. Symbolic objects are baked into the bread, such as a coin for luck and prosperity, a bean for fertility, or a twig for health and long life. The object found is supposed to accompany the coming year.

After dinner, the table is not cleared. The food remains on the table overnight—for the souls of deceased relatives and as a sign of good luck, abundance, and fertility in the coming year.

On Christmas Day, it is traditional to eat banitsa with fortune slips. These predictions for the new year are often humorous, for example:

– “A new pet (cat)”
– “Time to take responsibility”
– “You will gather the family for a wedding.”

No matter how and where Christmas is celebrated, the many traditions around the world connect people across cultures and borders. The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol wishes all students, employees, partners, and readers a happy, relaxing, and peaceful holiday season.

Häid jõule! ¡Feliz Navidad! Nollaig Shona Daoibh!
Merry Christmas! Весела Коледа! 

Links:

• International Relations Office | Website