Whether it’s buckets of fried chicken drumsticks from KFC or “caga tió” (shit, logs of wood) – there are endearing traditions and customs at Christmas in other countries. Here are the details.
Christmas is celebrated in Germany, but how will it be? Christmas celebrated in other countries? While some customs raise more questions – in Spain For example, there is “Caga Tió”, which translates as “poo, block of wood” – there are customs that are similar to those in Germany. All countries have one thing in common: there is an extensive Christmas dinner. Here you can read more about interesting traditions and unusual dishes.
Christmas in other countries: customs and dishes from all over the world
Christmas in France: In France brings the presents to “Père Noël”. The Christmas dinner is called “le réveillon de Noël” and usually consists of several courses. Traditionally, the French don’t celebrate the Advent season as extensively as the Germans, but some customs have spilled over to our neighbors: There are Christmas markets and Advent calendars are sold everywhere. On christmas eve there is a very special cake in France: the “bûche de Noël”, which is often decorated for Christmas and is said to be reminiscent of a tree trunk. Another special feature are the “papillotes”, small chocolates that are wrapped with a saying and colored paper. The popular confectionery is also sold beyond Christmas, but the season starts at the beginning of December. A peculiarity in France: the 26th of December is not considered Holiday.
We need your consent to display the video from YouTube
With your consent, external content can be displayed here that supplements the editorial text. By activating the content via “Accept and display”, Google Ireland Limited can store or retrieve information on your device and collect and process your personal data, even in countries outside the EU with a lower level of data protection, to which you expressly consent. The consent applies to your current visit to the site, but you can withdraw it again during this time using the slider. Data protection
Christmas in Sweden: In Sweden Christmas is called “Yule”. Thanks to Ikea, we also know a dish that is served for Christmas dinner in the north: “Kötbullar” (meatballs). Other popular main dishes in Sweden are pickled herring (“sill”) and Christmas ham (“julskina”). The “Julbord” (Christmas table) is accompanied by “Janssons frestelse” (Jansson’s temptation), a casserole with potatoes, anchovies, onions and cream. The Christmas season in Sweden begins with the first advent, but before December 24th there is a significant festival in the north: on December 8th the “Lucia” festival of lights is celebrated. The Swedes can also serve with a curious custom: on Christmas Eve, the windows are left open so that neighbors can throw in a present unnoticed and shout “Julklapp” (Christmas present). Incidentally, the imp custom from this Swedish tradition.
With your consent, external content can be displayed here that supplements the editorial text. By activating the content via “Accept and display”, glomex GmbH can store or retrieve information on your device and collect and process your personal data, even in countries outside the EU with a lower level of data protection, to which you expressly consent. The consent applies to your current visit to the site, but you can withdraw it again during this time using the slider. Data protection
Video: AFP
Christmas in Japan: During Christmas in Europe and the USA the family is in the foreground, the Christmas season is in Japan as a time for lovers, or those who want to become one. It is customary to spend Christmas Eve and also December 25th and 26th with your partner. The opportunity to invite the crush on a date is often used. Singles also organize so-called “Gōkons”, group dates at which a partner is to be chosen at the end. Surprisingly, the classic Christmas meal is a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) menu. With “Kentucky for Christmas” in 1970, the fast-food company probably had one of the group’s most successful advertising campaigns. Every year the demand for the bucket full of deep-fried chicken drumsticks is high, sometimes they have to be ordered months in advance.
We need your consent to display content from Instagram
With your consent, external content can be displayed here that supplements the editorial text. By activating the content via “Accept and display”, Meta Platforms Ireland Limited can store or access information on your device and collect and process your personal data, including in countries outside the EU with a lower level of data protection, to which you expressly consent. The consent applies to your current visit to the site, but you can withdraw it again during this time using the slider. Data protection
Christmas in England: Colloquially, Christmas in England is called “Chrimbo” – at least that’s how the more commercial aspect of Christmas is described. In England, “Father Christmas” brings the presents and is apparently quite choosy: he doesn’t climb down the stuffy chimney for milk and cookies, only “mince pie” and brandy can lure the old man. If he finally strays into the living room on the night of December 24th, he fills the Christmas stockings by the fireplace or by the bed, where they traditionally hang. If “Father Christmas” also finds himself under a mistletoe branch, he should give the frightened house cat a quick kiss, otherwise it will rain bad luck next year. A peculiarity in England: the shops are not closed on December 26th, quite the opposite. “Boxing Day” is considered a shopping day by the British and can be seen as the equivalent of “Black Friday” in the USA, which has meanwhile also crept in here in Germany. However, it will take place at the end of November. The royals also give a Christmas speech every year. The first was recorded in 1957.
We need your consent to display the video from YouTube
With your consent, external content can be displayed here that supplements the editorial text. By activating the content via “Accept and display”, Google Ireland Limited can store or retrieve information on your device and collect and process your personal data, even in countries outside the EU with a lower level of data protection, to which you expressly consent. The consent applies to your current visit to the site, but you can withdraw it again during this time using the slider. Data protection
Christmas in New York: In the USA, Christmas is celebrated in a similar way to England, although there are also key differences: for example, “Santa Claus” brings the presents, not “Father Christmas”. The traditional “Christmas Dinner” in the USA is traditionally served with “turkey” (turkey) with various side dishes – also in New York. The city is known as the Christmas city par excellence. Already in mid-November we decorate and many restaurants decorate the interiors lavishly. Many tourists visit the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. The tallest tree ever erected there was 30 meters high.
We need your consent to display content from Instagram
With your consent, external content can be displayed here that supplements the editorial text. By activating the content via “Accept and display”, Meta Platforms Ireland Limited can store or access information on your device and collect and process your personal data, including in countries outside the EU with a lower level of data protection, to which you expressly consent. The consent applies to your current visit to the site, but you can withdraw it during this time using the slider. Data protection
Christmas in Spain: Christmas in Spain ends on Epiphany, January 6th. Traditionally, the gift giving takes place on that day – although some families in Spain sometimes give their children the gifts earlier so that they can still deal with them during the school holidays. “Jamón” (ham) or “chorizo” (fried sausage) are a popular choice at Christmas. “Turrón” (almond nougat) and “polvorones” (lard pastries) are served for dessert. In Catalonia there is a particularly curious custom: “Tió del Nadal” or “Caga Tió”. It is a tree trunk with a happy face painted on it. In addition, two legs are attached and he is covered – an important detail, after all, the children ask “tió” (wooden logs) to “hand over” gifts that are hidden under the blanket. With the song “Caga, tió, ametlles i torró no caguis arengades, que són massa salades, caga torrons” (poo, log, almonds and turron, don’t poo herring, they’re too salty, poo turrons).
