Christmas Traditions Around the World

With Christmas less than a week away, we thought it would be fun to share with you some of the different holiday traditions from around the world. Do any of these sound like fun to you, or are they a little weird?

Belgium: St. Nicholas’ Day

In Belgium, the Christmas celebrations occur on December 5th and 6th. Children get their shoes and put them by the fireplace for Saint Nicholas. In some homes, biscuits and carrots are also left out. Sinterklass (St. Nicholas) comes to the homes with his horse Zwarte Piet and then climbs from the roof top down the chimney.

Philippines: Giant Lantern Festival

In the Philippines, The Giant Lantern Festival is held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. Eleven villages participate in the festival, which brings spectators from all over the world. Each village competes to build the best lantern.

Japan: Kentucky Fried Chicken Dinner

For the Japanese, Christmas is not as big of a deal as it is for other countries. The people do participate in gift-giving and light displays along with another strange tradition. On Christmas Day, families feast on Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner. In December 1974, KFC Japan ran an advertising promotion called "Kentucky for Christmas," and since then it's become quite customary to eat fried chicken for the holiday.

Colombia: Day of the Little Candles

To honor the Virgin Mary, the people of Colombia celebrate Day of the Little Candles. Paper lanterns and candles are placed in windows and front yards to honor the Immaculate Conception. Some neighborhoods have competitions to make the best arrangement.

Australia: Summer Time Christmas

During Christmas time in Australia, the weather is hot!  Kids have summer holidays, and some families choose to go camping and have BBQs to celebrate. Brush fires during Christmas are common and many volunteer to help save people and property from being destroyed. Christmas caroling, Christmas trees, and lights are also found in Australia, along with ‘Christmas Bush’ a flowering tree that is found in Australia.

Norway: Hide the Broom

The people of Norway try to avoid witches and evil spirits on Christmas. On the night of Christmas Eve, the people of Norway hide their brooms. It is believed that witches will not come around if the broom is hidden. In some homes, one member of the family will shoot a shotgun out the front door to warn away spirits.

Canada: North Pole Letters and Boxing Day

The Canadian post has a fun tradition of opening and replying to letters for Santa. All letters that say Santa Claus, North Pole, Canada, HOHOHO are replied to. The day after Christmas is known as boxing day in Canada and other countries that are connected to the UK. In the middle ages, collection boxes would be distributed to the poor on this day. Today, Boxing Day is similar to Black Friday, where many stores run discount prices and open early.

However, you choose to celebrate this holiday season, Summerset Boat Lifts hopes you have a very Merry Christmas! If you're in need of any boat lift services at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can trust us to get the job done right. With 30+ years of experience, we're your premier boat lift company at the Lake!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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