I love Christmas. I love the lights and the presents, and I love to spend it in wintertime! Here are some of my more-memorable Christmases from around the world (so far).
Australia
I grew up in a beach city where Christmas was often 30℃ and the main dish was cold, unpeeled prawns. The food was cold: cold ham, cold sides … you get the point. Christmas Day was the big day—December 25th—when we opened presents first thing in the morning with a big breakfast, and then lunch/dinner. Basically, lunch was also dinner because you would eat continuously. Usually, my mum would host the lunch/dinner festivity, with families stopping by to do presents and eat. Meanwhile, us kids would be in the swimming pool trying to cool down.
Austria
The beautiful country of Austria loves Christmas, with their Christmas markets being mimicked all over the world, but nothing beats an Austrian one with Gluhwein (warm mulled wine), when it is below zero, and festive little stalls lined with lights and trinkets. I spent one Christmas in Vienna where the whole of December lights up with Christmas. The lights and snow and beauty of the old city are spectacular but scarce on Christmas Day, as everyone spends time at home with family.
Denmark
Possibly the strangest Christmas I’ve had (but still an interesting culture) is with the Danes. I was “adopted” by a Danish family for Christmas and spent it in Skagen, the farthest town north of Denmark. First, our trip to the Copenhagen and Tivoli markets resembled something out of a Hallmark movie. The lit castles and festivities were probably visible from space … okay, maybe not from space, but there were a lot of lights! In Skagen, I got to experience the real Christmas. Three days prior to Christmas Day, the Danes start their Christmas. This involves lots and lots of eating. Then more eating, then more eating. Then, for my first time, cutting a Christmas tree! We decorated it with Danish flags and with little holders filled with chocolates and candies. Then we ate some more.
Christmas Eve, December 24th, is Christmas for Denmark. We went to church and it was the first time I had heard “Silent Night” sung in Danish. Then, back at home was a rather odd tradition: first we each opened a present—one person at a time. In Australia, you’re lucky to even see someone open a present, with wrapping paper flying everywhere! Once each person has opened their present and everyone has watched, it’s time to sing Christmas carols while holding hands and dancing around the Christmas tree. Yes—each person picks a song. There is alcohol and food, and December 25th is a rest day!
Russia
Russia also has an odd Christmas celebration: for one thing, it’s in January. Yes, Christmas is January 7th. A lot of the ex-Soviet countries follow the Orthodox Church to this day. Moscow and (especially) Saint Petersburg go all out with lighting up the beautiful architecture. Vodka is popular, as well as traditional Russian treats (which are usually followed by vodka). There’s no turkey; there’s no ham.
Skagway, Alaska
Santa Train! Every year, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway provides a free Santa Train that travels through the White Pass! Yes, you get to meet Santa! I went last year, while pregnant, and it was so fun to go down for the day. I highly recommend it.
Canada (a.k.a. Meeting the in-laws and being grown-ups)
Canada follows the same traditions as the U.S. on Christmas Day (December 25th), with a large turkey dinner. Ryan and I attempted these things when we first hosted Christmas. But it’s not like how your parents made Christmas dinner!
My first time meeting Ryan’s in-laws was a special occasion because they don’t follow the Canadian Christmas traditions (they are Danish!). So, every year, we go down to Nanaimo and have Christmas on December 24th!
