Christmas is probably the most beloved holiday for millions of people around the world, especially children. While, strictly speaking, it is a religious holiday which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas became a very popular public holiday in both Christian and non-Christian countries as well. Historically, many ancient cultures such as Roman, Mesopotamian, and Scandinavian held mid-winter celebrations long before the advent of Christianity to honor their various gods and enjoy their harvests. However, with the spread of Christianity around the world, church representatives decided to institute the birth of Jesus Christ as an official holiday. In the fourth century, Pope Julius I selected December 25 as a date to celebrate Christmas although it was not established that Jesus Christ was actually born on that date (most people think that Christ was born sometime in spring or summer). It is commonly believed that this particular date was chosen in order to coincide with traditional winter celebrations and consequently encourage more people to observe the holiday. By Middle Ages, Christmas was widely celebrated all over Europe.

The traditions generally associated with Christmas such as gift giving, caroling, tree decorating, eggnog drinking, and the burning of Yule log predate the birth of Christ by hundreds of years and stem from pagan winter celebrations. However, over the course of history, these customs were incorporated into the celebration of Christmas as we know it now. Although these traditions are readily embraced by the countries that celebrate Christmas, there are some interesting and sometimes amusing variations.

For example, Christmas comes to Australia in summer; as a result, many people celebrate it on the beach enjoying swimming, outdoor activities, and picnicking. Instead of traditional Christmas tree, Australians usually have Christmas Bush, a local plant with small red flowers. In Austria, the celebrations start on December 6 when an evil counterpart of Santa known as Krampus punishes naughty and misbehaving children. Nowadays, men dressed in scary costumes run outside and hit people with sticks. In Spain, people take a hollowed log, prop it on four stick “legs,” and paint a face on it. Starting on December 8, the log is continually “fed” some candies, nuts and other treats; and on Christmas Day the log is beaten up with sticks and encouraged to “poop” the treats. Usually, the beating is accompanied by funny traditional songs. This tradition is similar to one in Mexico where on Christmas Day children are given sticks to hit piñatas hung on the rope to get the candies hidden inside. In Great Britain, it is customarily to bake a pudding similar to a fruitcake – but if you want to ensure a happy next year for yourself, you need to partake in preparation of a pudding. Also, there is usually a coin hidden somewhere inside the pudding and good luck is guaranteed to a person who finds it! In Christian Orthodox countries such as Russia and Greece, Christmas Day is celebrated 13 days after December 25, on a day known as a Day of Epiphany. In Japan, traditional Christmas meal is Kentucky Fried Chicken, and it is very difficult to find a place in a KFC restaurant on that day! As for people in Baltic countries such as Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, there is no better treat on a Christmas Day for them than spending some time in hot steamy sauna.

As you see, there are some curious and sometimes strange Christmas traditions around the world. However, no matter what particular tradition your family follows, the main thing is to count your blessings and take time to enjoy your friends and family on this happy day!