Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.
Here’s How People Celebrate Christmas All Over the World
- Japan: KFC for Christmas Dinner
- Poland: People Share a Pre-Dinner Wafer
- Slovakia: Carp for Dinner
- Sweden: St. Lucia’s Day
- Greece: Christmas Trees and Boats
- Ethiopia: Christmas Processions
- Germany: Christmas Markets
- Philippines: Nochebuena and Lots of Lights
- Austria: Krampus Hunts for Naughty Children
- England: Stockings Hung on Bedposts With Care
- Singapore: Serious Light Displays
- Switzerland: Kids Get Advent Calendars
- Australia: Christmas on the Beach
- Iceland: 13 Santa Clauses Place Treats in Shoes
- Mexico: All-Night Parties With Piñatas
Treat Yourself To A Holiday In Wales This Festive Period For A Truly Unique Experience. Experience The Amazing Things Wales Has To Offer This Winter, Plan Your Trip Today! Event Search. Brochures Available. Luxury Breaks. Holidays & Short Breaks.
In the UK (or Great Britain), families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents! Most families have a Christmas Tree (or maybe even two!) in their house for Christmas. The decorating of the tree is usually a family occasion, with everyone helping. The precise date of Christ’s birth was decided as 25th December by Pope Julius I in the fourth century, long before the Anglo-Saxon invasion of England. The original Germanic invaders – Angles, Saxons, and Jutes – were not Christian, but were still engaged in celebrations on the 25th of December.
This is believed to be because “happy” took on a higher class connotation than “merry,” which was associated with the rowdiness of the lower classes. The royal family adopted “Happy Christmas” as their preferred greeting, and others took note.
How about you? How do you celebrate Christmas???