Christmas is a holiday all about traditions. Whether that be cultural traditions, familial traditions, religious traditions, or even personal traditions, everyone has their own ‘special thing’ they do around Christmas that makes it special. But when you do a tradition so often, you grow to associate it with the holiday, and you may forget for a moment that other people have their unique traditions. So, in honor of the holiday season, let’s take a look at some different traditions throughout the world!
We’ll start with a familiar tradition for some: The Yule Log. Even if you don’t know the name, you may have an idea of what it is. It’s a single, large log burnt in a fireplace, usually near the Christmas tree. During my childhood, we would watch a TV channel showing a Yule Log with Christmas music playing over the sound of the crackling fire. After our move, we now have an actual fireplace where we burn an actual Yule Log, and the tradition has stayed strong in my household to this day. It’s a tradition that’s widespread throughout Europe and North America and for a clear reason. It’s simple, malleable, and adds some warmth to an already cozy Christmas morning.
Next, let’s take a look away from home, starting east. The Philippians, and specifically the city of San Fernando, is quite different from the US regarding a well-known tradition: Christmas lights. While people in the US usually use lights as either highlight for their homes or to make the shapes of Christmas characters such as Santa Claus, San Fernando has a yearly lights festival where floats showcase huge light shows reminiscent of the Star of David. These beautiful lights are an awe-inspiring twist on the holiday tradition.
Lastly is Poland. In Poland, Christmas Eve is marked by the consumption of a “Christmas Wafer”, which is a type of unleavened bread. Once the first star appears, dinner may begin. Some families will even make room for an extra person in case they decide to walk in uninvited.
The holidays are shared throughout the world. They may not always be celebrated in the same ways, or even at the same time, but the idea of celebrating the good in the world through compassion and kindness may be the most universal idea of all.
