Christmas around the world is not just celebrated in the United States but around the world. In fact, many of the traditions we now have come from immigrants who came across the ocean and celebrated Christmas with their own customs.
Below is a list of countries that celebrate this holiday.
Christmas Around the World: Countries
Angola - A blend of European and African traditions. Most of the country recognizes some form of Christianity, which makes it a more traditional Christmas celebration.
Argentina - The primary celebrations take place on Christmas Eve with Fireworks and the release of globos into the midnight sky. It is a beautiful tradition to behold as the lanterns gently rise and light up the night.
Armenia - Christmas is celebrated on the same day as Epiphany, on January 6th. There is a week of fasting prior to Christmas Eve when they eat a light meal known as khetum in preparation for their Christmas Feast on Christmas Day.
Australia - Christmas takes place in the summer in Australia, so they get to enjoy many of the same Christmas traditions but with warm weather and the beach. Many towns have their own festivals, parades, and fireworks, and Santa Claus may be spotted riding a kangaroo!
Austria - Christmas is a large and long celebration in Austria that begins at the beginning of September, enjoys traditions such as Santa and Krampus, and ends on February 2nd. During this long celebration, there are town Christmas Trees, the singing of Carols, Advent, and, of course, time to spend with family and friends.
Bangladesh - The only Christian holiday celebrated in this predominately Muslim country is Christmas. It is celebrated with singing, dancing, and spending time with family and community.
Belarus - located to the west of Russia, this country has a long celebration around Christmas. While their main holiday is New Year, which is when Father Frost comes to visit, they also celebrate Christmas on December 25, and the Orthodox Church celebrates it on January 7. This leads to a long Christmas holiday, and it is spent with many friends and family.
Belgium: Christmas in Belgium is similar to other European countries. They celebrate the birth of Christ, have an early visit from St. Nicholas, give presents, spend time with family, and bring in the New Year.
The children are visited by St. Nicholas or Pere Noel, depending on their location and language. Religious services are also common on Christmas Day as Christians head to the church to celebrate.
Bolivia - Christmas in Bolivia is similar to other Roman Catholic countries in that they celebrate from Christmas Eve until Epiphany. Nativity scenes play a large role in their decorations, with very few Christmas Trees or Christmas Bells being used. Epiphany still remains a fun tradition, and the children leave their shoes out in order to receive gifts.
Botswana - Christmas is celebrated in a similar way here as it is in America. Locals enjoy putting up a Christmas tree, giving each other Christmas presents, having gatherings with family and friends, going to a Christmas Eve service and celebrating the Birth of Jesus, and, of course, relaxing the day after during Boxing Day.
Brazil - The largest country in South America has some of the largest celebrations during Christmas. Christmas in Brazil begins on Christmas Eve and has its pinnacle at Midnight when fireworks shows can be seen throughout the country. Time with friends and family and of course, a 13th salary is given to all the workers.
Cuba - Christmas in Cuba was banned for many years under the dictator and tyrant Fidel Castro. He allowed it for political reasons when the Pope came to visit the Caribbean Island in 1998. However, he allowed it with restrictions. After his death, there have been Santa Claus sightings that did not occur before.
Zambia - Christmas celebrations are often at a church but are small. Much of the country lives in poverty, so there is not much in the way of gift-giving. However, there are small celebrations with their family that do occur.