It’s the festive season, and all our Aussie friends putting up their Christmas Tree and waiting for Santa to arrive with his sack of presents. However in France, its Père Noël that they await, and they celebrate Le Réveillon de Noël, a Christmas Eve Feast.
Across the globe there are hundreds of different Christmas traditions, for entire countries, to individual families or neighbourhoods. It truly demonstrates the diverse and fascinating cultures in our continents.
In Brazil, Christmas is a huge event. Bright lights are strung from house to house, candles are lit, and gifts are given. On Christmas Eve, whole communities come together and celebrate such an incredible night. Many Brazillians also attend Midnight Mass, a midnight church opening, as an abundance of Brazil citizens are Catholic. It is a custom to wear red clothes on the 24th and 25th of December, to bring out the bright colour of Christmas. Children also write letters to Santa, spreading hope and excitement throughout their community.
The Greek Christmas festivities begin on the 24th of December and finish on the 6th of January. Families begin by decorating their Christmas boat, a vibrant ornament. Gift giving is actually held on New Years Eve, where everyone gets together to swap presents and have their New Years feast. Instead, on Christmas Day they distribute food to their family and friends. Carols are not only sung to enliven the day, but also in memory and commemoration.
Despite the fact that Christmas is a big part of some Australians lives, it is not for some other cultures. This is mostly due to religion, or family traditions.
Unfortunately, there are many families who adore Christmas, but cannot take part in the gift giving or meal making customs. Luckily, there are many charities and foundations where you can donate Christmas gifts around the world to people in need.
In my household we celebrate Christmas by spending time with family and sharing gifts. I hope you have an incredible time this season!
Merry Christmas!
