Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the saint of Christians. It is of relatively recent origin for English speakers to refer to Christmas as “mass on Christ’s day.” Since the 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular holiday, celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by increasingly elaborate gift exchanges. The mythical character Santa Claus plays a central role in this secular celebration of Christmas.
Celebrations across different parts of the globe
During Christmas time in Greece, decorated Christmas trees and boats are a tradition going back centuries. King Otto of Greece unveiled Greece’s first Christmas tree in 1833, placed next to a large decorated boat, which Greek families erected to mark men’s return from sea voyages. Large illuminated boats appear alongside trees in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki today.
The Christmas markets in Germany are full of festive food, mulled wine, and bratwursts to go with your shopping. The national seasonal markets feature various products from artisans to satisfy everyone on your gift list.
Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping district buzzes with activity throughout the year, but it sparkles with some of the most impressive decorations on earth each holiday season. The stunning Christmas village display at Gardens on the Bay is also a favorite for residents. Passing the time in traffic with that view would not be a problem.
Australians enjoy a barbecue on the beach during the sweltering summer months when Christmas falls. Until next time, people may want to play backyard cricket, grill fresh seafood, and play backyard cricket, writes one Insider writer. Despite their enthusiasm, they won’t ever see one outside their front door when they sing “White Christmas.”
Families celebrate Noche Buena on the eve of Christmas in Mexico and many other Latinx and Hispanic countries. The festivities usually include an enormous feast, music, dancing, and often a market. Even though more religious observers attend midnight Mass, it’s always a family and togetherness occasion.
Scandinavian countries, such as Finland and Norway, celebrate St. Lucia’s Day on the day after Christmas, in honor of a woman believed to be one of the first Christians. Every family organizes candlelight processions, in which each eldest girl dresses as St. Lucia with a white gown and a wreath of candles. Aside from Lucia buns and coffee, the girls will serve the family mulled wine or coffee.
Christmas Decorations
Various ornaments are used during the Christmas season and the more significant holiday season as Christmas decorations. Colors traditionally associated with Christmas include pine green (evergreen), snow-white, and heart red. The standard metallic color palette provides gold and silver as well. In addition to Baby Jesus, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, and the star of Bethlehem, Christmas decorations commonly include images of these characters.
As early as the very first day of Advent in many countries, like Sweden, people start putting up their Advent and Christmas decorations. There is a liturgical practice in some parishes called the Hanging of the Greens. Christian churches generally remove Christmas decorations during Twelfth Night and Candlemas, or both if the decorations are not removed on the Twelfth Night. In some Christian denominations, Candlemas mark the end of the Christmas-Epiphany season. As a historical tradition, it is considered inauspicious to take down Christmas decorations before Twelfth Night or to leave them up beyond Candlemas.
In Conclusion
The holiday is celebrated worldwide, bringing together families and allowing them to enjoy themselves. Here I wish you all a pleasant holiday.
