The Cutest Christmas Traditions From Around The World—As Told By Our Readers
One of our favorite parts about Christmas is the traditions we celebrate and the diversity of traditions from around the world.
We asked our readers about some of their favorite Christmas traditions, and all of them have us excited to get into the Christmas spirit this weekend.
Christmas Lights
Whether you drive through Christmas light exhibits or put on elaborate lights at your own home, the magic of Christmas lights is fun for all ages. From the lights on your family Christmas tree to the decorative lights on city streets, we all know that the start of the Christmas season is when the lights go up.
Christmas Carols
From singing in church to caroling with your neighbors to the annual Christmas concert at school, there’s something both festive and comforting about coming together to sing Christmas music. We love rocking out to Christmas music in the car like anyone else, but it’s impossible to deny the warmth of the communal aspect of Christmas caroling.
Decorating the Tree
Whether you have an artificial tree or cut a new one down every year from a Christmas tree farm, decorating the Christmas tree never gets old. We all have fond childhood memories of this, making it a fun and timeless tradition to pass on through the generations.
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
Going to Mass at midnight on Christmas Eve is a popular tradition in many Catholic cultures and communities, but any Christmas Eve church service (watching the kids put on the nativity play is always fun) reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. It’s easy to get caught up in the commercial aspect of Christmas, making this tradition important if you’re a woman of faith.
Christmas Baking
From baking cookies to traditional desserts that you only enjoy once a year, there’s something magical about Christmas baking. It’s not only fun for the whole family (many of us have fond memories of Christmas baking as kids), but it’s a tasty tradition to pass down to the next generations, and getting to eat the delicious treats at the end is an added bonus.
Christmas Morning Brunch
As kids, Christmas morning is all about presents, but we’d argue it’s almost more fun as an adult because of Christmas morning brunch. Whether you like breakfast casseroles, waffles, pancakes, or mimosas, it’s the perfect time to gather around the table with your family and embrace the Christmas spirit.
Watching Christmas Movies
Who doesn’t love watching Christmas movies? From classics like Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas to kid-friendly ones like The Polar Express and Elf, there’s a Christmas movie for everyone. Some of our readers’ favorites seem to include The Grinch and It’s a Wonderful Life, and we can’t help but be proud of having readers with such great taste.
Exchanging Gifts
A favorite among both children and adults, there’s nothing quite like exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. As kids, it’s fun to receive the top gift on your list that you’ve wanted for weeks, but as an adult, nothing warms your heart quite like watching someone you love open a gift that you put plenty of love and thought into.
La Befana
Two weeks after Christmas (January 6), Catholics celebrate Epiphany, but Italians and Italian-Americans take it a step further. Children can expect candy from La Befana, a famous figure from Italian folklore, an old woman who is believed to have met with the Three Wiseman before they went to meet Jesus in Bethlehem.
Gingerbread Houses
Though many of us bake gingerbread cookies during the Christmas season, nothing beats decorating a gingerbread house. Whether it’s from homemade gingerbread or a store-bought kit, this is a fun activity for people of all ages. You can make a contest out of it or simply decorate one with family members – either way, this is a tradition that is fun for everyone involved.
Reading Christmas Stories
This tradition is mostly reserved for children, but we’d be lying if we said that it wasn’t just as much fun as an adult. From reading famous Christmas novels like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to children on Christmas Eve, it’s impossible not to love this wholesome tradition.
Christmas Pajamas
Whether you wear matching pajamas with your family or buy yourself a new pair every year, there’s something extra cozy about Christmas pajamas. They’re perfect for family photoshoots and oh-so-comfy for Christmas mornings spent exchanging gifts, drinking mimosas, and spending time with family.
St. Lucia’s Day
This tradition originated in Sweden and is celebrated in several European countries and among Swedish Americans. On the feast day of Saint Lucy on December 13, it’s often celebrated with children wearing white gowns with red sashes and a crown of candles. Families celebrate by eating foods like saffron buns, sweet bread, and traditional Swedish ginger cookies.
Christmas Drinks
From hot cocoa to eggnog to Christmas cocktails, there’s nothing better than sipping a Christmas drink by a cozy fire. Some of our favorites are ones that are extra festive like peppermint hot cocoa and boozy hot chocolates, and who can forget holiday drinks from Starbucks?
Closing Thoughts
From St. Lucia’s Day to decorating the Christmas tree, there’s something fun, cozy, and festive about carrying on our favorite Christmas traditions. Whether you’re a Christmas fanatic or a borderline grinch, there’s a fun activity for everyone on this list.
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