• Home
  • About Me
  • Work with Me
  • Advertising for Bloggers
  • Become A Subscriber
  • Freebie Library
  • Disclaimer and Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Main Categories
    • My Personal Journey
    • Minimalism
    • Self Care
    • Mental Health
    • Parenting
    • Teaching
    • Pregnancy/Babies
    • Books/Reading
    • Crochet
  • Gumroad
Tidbits of Care

Lifestyle blog for self care, mental health and personal growth

Travel  /  November 21, 2020

Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Christmas is not that far off and I’ve decorated my house already, although I haven’t started shopping. Gift giving is the most commonly known Christmas tradition, but there are so many others. In my family for instance, we open gifts on Christmas Eve, as do many Europeans. In fact, traditions are ever evolving and have traditions now that previous generations did not. Elf on the shelf anyone? That little guy never showed up for Christmas at my house.

Christmas is many people’s most favourite holiday, but there are so many different ways to celebrate Christmas that don’t involve gifts, Santa or candy canes. Let’s take a trip around the world together now and find out about some absolutely wonderful traditions.

The Book Flood, Iceland

I feel cheated that I live in Canada, not Iceland because this is one Christmas tradition that is perfect for me. Iceland sells more books per capita than other nation in the world and the bulk of these sales is near Christmas, which they call the Book Flood. That’s because it’s a tradition for everyone to receive at least one book for Christmas to take to bed with them on Christmas Eve. So they spend Christmas Eve reading. This sounds so cozy and exciting! Waiting to see what books you get, reading into the early morning hours.

Check out Corrine’s post 10 Family Traditions to Start this Year over at Your Perfect Christmas blog before you go.

A Lover’s Holiday, Japan

I was surprised to learn that in Japan, Christmas is thought of as a romantic holiday. Couples will often spend Christmas Eve together enjoying dinner at a special restaurant and also, admiring the many light illuminations that lit up to celebrate the winter season. Christmas is more like the North American Valentine’s Day than a holiday for family. Couples do exchange gifts as well.

The Biggest Holiday, Italy

My parents were born in Italy and immigrated to Canada back in the 1960s. Christmas was always a huge event for me growing up and for Italians, Christmas is a holiday about family and about Jesus’ birth. You will see nativity scenes everywhere, along with wreaths and other decorations. Italians do not eat meat on Christmas Eve but rather eat fish and many attend midnight mass. Christmas Day is a gathering of family and friends and a meal including meat and traditional sweet breads. And, the celebrating doesn’t end here. December 26 is St. Stefano and families once again gather to eat leftovers. How you exchange gifts in Italy depends on where you live. La Befana, the Christmas witch (who is good obviously) may give you gifts, or Babbo Natale may bring gifts. Christmas is quite the holiday in Italy!

The Light of the World, India

We may not think of India as an especially Christian nation, however in areas were Christians do reside, Christmas is devoutly celebrated. Families walk together to church for midnight mass, clay pots are lit on the flat roofs for homes to remind neighbours that Jesus is the light of the world, and paper lanterns in the form of stars are hung. Meals are eaten together with family, and some even decorate trees. Father Christmas or Santa Claus comes to visit children with gifts in a cart and horse.

A Family Holiday, Nigeria

In Nigeria Christmas is, like it is for so many cultures, a family holiday. People will travel great distances to visit family. Traditional meals of goat, sheep or chicken are served as well as turkey. Firecrackers are popular during this season, and church choirs may visit to sing carols. Children are also dressed up in new outfits to see Santa Claus. It is also not uncommon for Nigerians to ask those perceived as being a bit higher up on the economic ladder to assist with Christmas celebrations. This also a time of rest and relaxation as prices are discounted during the season to attract commerce to resorts.

A Joyful Time

For so many of us, Christmas is a joyful time, a time to gather with family and friends, to express gratitude and a season of hope. Why else do we light up trees and windows and display sparkling decorations?

Did you learn something new in this post? Share in the comments below.

Related posts:

Top 5 Haunted Houses that Will Thrill You
The Best Ever Romance and Relaxation Getaway
What You Need to Know About Old Montreal

Tags:

  • christmas
  • ,
  • life
  • ,
  • travel

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn
  • Pocket

Post navigation

Why I am Becoming More Minimal and You Should Too
Burnings

Meet the Blogger

Hi! I'm Giulia
I write a lifestyle blog that seeks to inspire others to begin to their own journey into self care, one tidbit at a time. I am passionate about sharing my own journey from the last decade, and what I've learned along the way. I love chips and dip and Tudor ficiton.

Follow Me

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Ravelry
  • Etsy
  • Goodreads
Buy my product

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Translate

Topic Bits

I’m Looking For…

Let's Connect: Instagram

Today has been a wonderful, quiet day—after all the cleaning was done that is. I cherish quiet days. It’s nice to just melt into them and enjoy the sense of peace that comes with them. I love to read, or crochet on quiet days, or watch the baby as he plays. Who else loves quiet days? #tidbitsofcare #peacefulday #selfcaresunday🌸 #quietdayathome #lifestyleblogger #blog #selfcareblog #timetoreflect🙏
I really want to see green things and flowers again. We had a mild winter until March hit, then snow and wind and rain. I know it’ll be a while till I see green and springs blooms, but who says I can’t indulge in spring like things? Or delight in the longer days? It’s spring in my mind today. When life gets too blah, your imagination can really lift your spirits! Do you imagine warmer days, upcoming vacations or yummy dinners? #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #bloggerlife #springiscoming #spring2023☀️ #springtime🌸 #lifestyleblogger
Yesterday I ran errands and did some housework but I also got on me time and got my nails done. I’ve been doing more light, neutral shades lately. They just feel more me and more elegant. But if I’m in the mood, I splash into colour too! It’s all about just being myself. Because it’s okay to just be me ☺️ #tidbitsofcare #personalgrowth #selflove #selflovemoments #blogger #lifestyleblogging #bloggers #selfcareblog #bloggerlife #bloggerstyle
Life needs living. But each moment doesn’t have to be a blur. Take time to just be. It’s easier than you think! #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #personalgrowth #bloggers #blogging #blogs #bloggerlifesyle #bloggingcommunity #mindfulness #mindfulmonday #mindfulnessmoments
I try to live my best life everyday; be the best mama I can be, but also enjoy the little things, like these. What little things have you enjoyed lately? #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #lifestyleblog #bloggers #blogs #personalgrowth #selfcareispriority #selflove #selflovesaturday #bloggingcommunity #bloggerlife
Change is life, is living. #tidbitsofcare #personalgrowth #selfcarebloggers #selfcareispriority #blogggers #blogs #aspiringblog #selfcarepost #blogger #lifestyleblog

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to get more content and access to our freebie library.

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
    Built with ConvertKit

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

    16 Comments

    • Jodie | that happy reader says:
      November 21, 2020 at 3:00 pm

      I love christmas and appreciate learning about how others around the world celebrate the season. Great post! Thank you for sharing!
      Jodie | that happy reader recently posted…Book Review – Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa UngerMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        November 21, 2020 at 4:34 pm

        My pleasure!

        Reply
    • Sophie says:
      November 21, 2020 at 10:46 pm

      This was so interesting! I only knew of two of these so there was a lot of new information in here for me. It’s great to learn about how other people celebrate x
      Sophie recently posted…Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes RecipeMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        November 22, 2020 at 12:19 am

        I agree!

        Reply
    • Jaya Avendel says:
      November 22, 2020 at 8:54 pm

      The book flood sounds like an amazing and enchanting tradition I want to experience! I love the power in good words, as well as their ability to transport.

      Christmas in Italy is a thing I have only experienced through Frances Mayes memoirs. 🙂

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        November 22, 2020 at 11:44 pm

        It’s a huge eating holiday. You eat so much for three days straight lol But it’s also wonderful because families gather and it’s so special.

        Reply
    • Clarissa Cabbage says:
      November 23, 2020 at 2:45 am

      What a great topic for a post Giulia! I love learning about other people’s cultures. I’m with you, the Icelandic book flood sounds amazing. I would love to do that with my own family. Here in Hawaii we say, “MELE Kalikimaka!” Merry Christmas and thank you for this informative post!

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        November 23, 2020 at 2:47 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed the post! Buon Natale! That’s Merry Christmas in Italian 🙂

        Reply
    • mind.beauty.simplicity says:
      November 30, 2020 at 5:16 pm

      This post was really interesting! I love learning about different traditions within cultures. I found it quite interesting that japan treats christmas eve like north american valentines day.
      mind.beauty.simplicity recently posted…Blogmas Day 1: An Introduction!My Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        November 30, 2020 at 5:21 pm

        So glad yo u enjoyed this post!

        Reply
    • Britt K says:
      November 30, 2020 at 10:34 pm

      Alright, I’m with you… Why don’t we do the book flood in Canada? Maybe if we decide it’s a thing and just start talking about it like it is, the idea will catch on? lol
      Britt K recently posted…Celebrate the Holidays with This Festive Holiday Portrait FundraiserMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        December 1, 2020 at 3:24 pm

        Let’s do it Britt! I am sooo down for it 😀

        Reply
    • Tiffany McCullough - metaphysical Mama says:
      December 4, 2020 at 3:39 pm

      This is great! I love the Book Flood! I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland, now I have one more reason to go. Thanks for sharing all these traditions!
      Tiffany McCullough – metaphysical Mama recently posted…The Ultimate Spiritual & Personal Development Holiday Gift GuideMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        December 4, 2020 at 4:07 pm

        I really want to go to Iceland too!

        Reply
    • Simona says:
      December 5, 2020 at 4:40 pm

      THIS WAS A GREAT POST – I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT MOST OF THESE TRADITIONS AND LOVE THE ONE FROM ICELAND! Italy is indeed very different all around, but very different from japan as you said! loved reading this x
      Simona recently posted…The Best Christmas Cookies EverMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        December 5, 2020 at 4:57 pm

        I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I think Iceland is my fav too!

        Reply
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

    ConvertKit Form

    I’m Looking For…

    Like My Facebook Page

    Like My Facebook Page

    Tags

    anxiety baby blog blogging blogs books christmas crochet crystals fall food gifts goals gratitude happiness haunted health hobbies home intentional living journalling life lifestyle love mental health minimalism movies parenting personal growth pets poems pregnancy reading selfcare self care shopping stress teachers teaching travel wedding wellness worklife writing yarn

    Archives

    • March 2023
    • December 2022
    • October 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • July 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    © Copyright Tidbits of Care by LyraThemes.com. All rights reserved.
    Cressida Pro by LyraThemes.com