The Holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year, and around the world, different cultures celebrate differently. This blog post will explore some of those festive celebrations and what they look like.
Christmas Celebrations Around the World
In the United States, Christmas is one of the most popular holidays celebrated during this time. On Christmas Day, families gather around a Christmas tree to exchange gifts and enjoy a meal together. From baking gingerbread cookies to decorating homes with twinkling lights and colorful decorations, there’s no shortage of activities that people engage in to celebrate. Special religious services are also held in churches across America for those who are Christian to recognize the true meaning behind Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Latin American countries like Mexico, many people celebrate Las Posadas from December 16th through the 24th leading up to Christmas Day. Las Posadas is a traditional reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with processions that sometimes last up to nine hours! Participants carry candles or lanterns while singing songs as they walk from house-to-house asking for shelter before finally arriving at their destination to enjoy a dinner feast with friends and family.
In many German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland , St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th every year as an alternative to Santa Claus on Christmas Day. On this special day, children clean their shoes so St Nicholas can leave them either treats or coal depending on how well behaved they’ve been! In addition, Advent calendars are also very popular during this time which countdown from December 1st until Christmas Day when children can open a little door each day for a unique surprise inside!
Hanukkah Traditions: Light, Latkes, and Dreidels
Another widely celebrated holiday is Hanukkah which originated in Israel thousands of years ago. Hanukkah is usually celebrated over eight days between late November/early December each year where candles are lit every night on a special menorah as well as games played such as spinning dreidels (a four sided top) with chocolate coins inside! Traditional dishes such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) are also eaten during this special occasion too!
Finally, Kwanzaa is another holiday that has become increasingly popular in recent years particularly among African Americans in North America. The seven day celebration takes place between December 26th – January 1st each year with participants lighting candles every night symbolizing African heritage over seven guiding principles – Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work & responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) & Imani(faith). It’s an inspiring holiday that celebrates African culture through music, dance & feasting alongside sharing stories about ancestors & teaching key values to young generations today!
Taking part in different festivities during the holiday season makes it an even more exciting time for all involved no matter where you’re located around the world! From traditional dinners shared together with friends & family through to exchanging gifts & playing games – there’s something truly magical about embracing our differences by celebrating diverse cultural heritages & customs!