Christmas Around the World!
Though we might gather in different ways, Christmas for many brings meaningful days. Learn about different celebrations from around the globe.
Text and illustration adapted from Joy to the World: Christmas Around the Globe (Barefoot Books) written by Kate DePalma and illustrated by Sophie Fatus
Colombia The Day of Little Candles
Dia de las velitas, the Day of Little Candles, is celebrated as a public holiday in Colombia on December 7. It marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Families light lanterns called faroles and small candles for Mary. These lights are placed on the streets, in windowsills, in parks and anywhere they can be seen. Many people walk through the cities, admiring the candles and festive decorations outside shops and homes.
Ethiopia Genna
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 and is called Genna. Most Christians fast for 43 days before Genna, eating simple meals only once a day with no meat, dairy, eggs, or oil. When they break their fast, families eat around a basket-like table called the mesob. When the lid is removed, the mesob holds a feast for everyone to share. The practice of gursha is when one family members feeds another a large bite of food by hand.
Australia Beach Picnic
Australia is in the southern half of the world, so it is summer at Christmastime. Over 80% of Australians live on the coast. Many families like to eat their Christmas meal outdoors, because the beach is often the coolest place to be on a hot day. The Boxing Day Test – one of the most anticipated cricket matches in the world – is held the day after Christmas. It features the Australian cricket team and an international team. Tickets sell out months in advance!
Lebanon Nativity Scene
Families work together to create a large Nativity scene in their homes, complete with fresh bean sprouts for greenery. These works of art often show the entire city of Bethlehem surrounding a cave where Mary and Joseph rest. At midnight on Christmas Eve, Jesus is placed in the crib to symbolize his birth. In Lebanon, Babe Noel brings gifts to children, especially those most in need. He doesn’t sneak in to hide gifts – he meets children face to face!
Serbia Christmas Straw
Before Christmas Eve dinner, a badnjak is chosen and brought inside. A badnjak is an oak branch with its leaves still attached that is used in the fire on Christmas Eve. Once the badnjak has been collected and properly blessed, straw is scattered over the floor of the home, while the grown-ups imitate hens saying “kvo kvo kvo!” and drop little treats on the straw. The children peep “piji piju!” like chicks and search for the treats.
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