CHRISTMAS traditions that bring families and friends together are part of what makes the festive season so special.
But when it comes to tradition across the world, they aren’t all Christmas puddings and leaving a carrot out for Rudolph to help him through his big journey.
From the days and the trees to different foods and events, there’s all kinds of traditions to celebrate Christmas around the world.
Ukraine has slightly changed its Christmas traditions.
In July 2023 a law was passed to officially recognise Christmas as December 25 in the country as it has previously been celebrated on January 7 as many of Ukraine’s Orthodox churches had historic connections with the Russian Orthodox church.
The change of calendar has also moved St Nicholas’s Day from December 19 to December 6 where children receive gifts from St Nicholas (known as Svyatyi Mykolai) on St Nicholas’s Eve and some children also might get presents from Did Moroz (Grandfather Frost) on New Year’s Eve.
The main Christmas meal, called ‘Sviata Vecheria’ (or Holy Supper) is eaten on Christmas Eve which is known as Sviatyi Vechir “Holy Evening” and isn’t usually eaten until the first star is seen in the sky – to represent the journey of the Wise Men to find Jesus.
In Italy Christmas celebrations are a month long beginning with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, the day on which traditionally the Christmas tree is mounted and ends on January 6 with the Epiphany.
In Italian folklore and folk customs, the Befana is a witch-like old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to Father Christmas.
Meanwhile St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City is typically filled with Catholics from around the world coming together for midnight mass on Christmas Eve and a special service on Christmas Day.
Christmas in Caracas, Venezuela, got under way early this year as the President, Nicolás Maduro, decreed the season would start in October to pay tribute and thank the people during political turmoil.
Along with the early festivities it is hoped traditions including roller skating to church over the Christmas period, which see residents singing festive songs while on their way. However, due to civil unrest this tradition has been pared back in recent years.
Main presents are given at midnight on Christmas Eve. In Venezuela presents are brought by San Nicolás (St Nicholas) and Niño Jesús (Baby Jesus).
Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, but over the past few decades the country has started to adopt some Western traits with present swapping and meals.
In Japan fried chicken is typically eaten and restaurants such as KFC get very busy, so many book their meal in advance.
Rather than enjoying a slice of cake made with dried fruit and soaked in brandy the Japanese have a sponge cake filled with fresh cream and strawberries.
New Zealand’s Christmas celebrations are very similar to how England celebrate the season – apart from the Australian country marks the occasion during the summer holidays.
Many towns and cities have Santa parades and Christmas light shows.
There are even Christmas carol services held in cities, towns and villages across the country for all to join in.
In homes there are often Christmas trees as we know them decorated with tinsel and baubles.
In Ghana, Africa, Christmas starts on December 20 and goes through to the first week in January.
Throughout this time people visit family and friends in different regions of the country.
Christmas Eve sees many Ghanians go to church where there is dancing, singing and music as well as sermons about the birth of Jesus.
The churches are also full again on Christmas Day with adults and children dressed in their tradition clothes and vivid prints to celebrate the occasion.
After the Church service people go back to their houses to start giving and receiving gifts.
