By: Brandon Ruggiero

   As Thanksgiving comes and goes, and December starts to approach, the time of everyone’s particularly favorite holiday has arrived. You got it right, Christmas. Each year, Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. It is a Christian holiday usually celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. This holiday is celebrated in many different ways. By becoming a worldwide holiday, and being observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, the traditions vary. Here is a list of other Christmas traditions around the world.

1

Children Sing Kalanta – Greece

   On Christmas Eve in Greece, children flock from home to home in their neighborhood to sing Greek Christmas Carols also known as Kalanta. As a result of singing, these children are rewarded with sweets, dried fruits, and small change. 

2

Carols By Candlelight – Australia

   Most cities in Australia host their own ”Carols by Candlelight,” and there is also an additional  event hosted in the major cities. Usually, a few celebrity performers are called in to help celebrate. The proceeds from the performances are donated to charity. Families pack blankets, picnics, and mosquito spray, to spend the evening outdoors listening to music.  

3

A Thirteenth Salary – Brazil 

   In Brazil, during the holiday season, most urban, rural, and domestic employees receive twice the normal amount of pay in December. This policy was put in place by Joao Goulart in the 1960s as a bid to boost the economy around Christmas time by increasing sales and tax collection. 

4

Nochebuena – Cuba

   Nochebuena in Cuba is a time to get together with your family at home, cook, and enjoy an evening meal. This tradition includes roast leg of pork, congri rice, yucca with garlic dressing, fried plantains and salad; however, most people cook whatever they have available. 

5

Displaying A Ceppo – Italy

   In most Italian households, during the holidays, there are most likely Ceppos on display. A Ceppo is a pyramid shaped wooden frame, which can be up to a few feet high. Within the frames are shelves, one frame displays a small Nativity scene, and the other has candy, fruits, and small gifts which decorate them. Everyone adorns their Ceppos differently, but the premise is the same, and it is a popular decorative tradition in Italian homes during the holidays.

    Sourceshttps://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/