Christmas is one of the most important celebrations of the year, and all over the world it is experienced in different ways. Knowing these traditions helps us to understand the importance of this date and to appreciate its cultural richness.
ITALY
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2
In Italy, Christmas is celebrated with a big family dinner and the arrival of Santa Claus is expected. In addition, the tradition of Christmas sweet bread originated there. In Austria, children who have misbehaved during the year are frightened by a demonic creature called Krampus, who parades through the streets together with Nikolaus (Santa Claus).
ISLAND
"The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:35
In Iceland, the Yules or Jólasveinarnir are thirteen little elves who live in the mountains of the country and come out two weeks before Christmas to bring gifts to children.
GERMANY
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11
In Germany, it is said that the tradition of decorating Christmas trees arose in the 17th century in Strasbourg, thanks to St. Boniface, the evangelizer of Germany. Since then, this custom has spread throughout the country and has become one of the hallmarks of German Christmas. The ornaments placed on the tree are usually made of wood, instead of the plastic or metal ornaments used elsewhere..
POLAND
"and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2
In Poland, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 24, and is called Wigilia. It is a special dinner where 12 dishes are placed on the table, representing the twelve apostles of Jesus. In addition, the spirits of the ancestors who come to visit their families on this date are expected..
MEXICO
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
In Mexico, Christmas is a very special time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but also pay homage to the ancestors and the spirits of the earth.
One of the most prominent traditions is the decoration of Christmas trees with a figure of a baby Jesus instead of a star at the top. In addition, candles and flowers are placed on the altars that are built in the houses and churches.
UNITED STATES
"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship." Galatians 4:4-5
In the United States, Christmas is a time of gifts, carols and Christmas trees. One of the most popular traditions is the sending and receiving of Christmas cards, which often feature Christmas pictures and messages. In addition, this time of the year marks Thanksgiving Day, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
This day is characterized by a large family dinner and the tradition of giving thanks for all the blessings received during the year.
"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1
You can find different ways to celebrate this worldwide tradition.
Regardless of place or culture, we all have one thing in common: the coming of the Savior.
The birth of Jesus and the importance of family togetherness, friendship and the practice of forgiveness over those who offended us and those we offended.
Knowing these traditions helps us to appreciate the richness of the Holy Spirit and deepen our bond with the Heavenly Father, learning its true essence of healing and faith.