Happy Holidays from all of us here at RxHealthyHabits. As a token of our appreciation, we’ve made this blog all about Christmas Traditions around the world! Traveling and taking the time to learn about other cultures are great ways to enrich your mind and your life.
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Sinterklaas: The Netherlands
Despite common belief, the Dutch Sinterklaas is not the same as the American Santa Claus but rather fashioned after the Saint Nick himself. Because St. Nick is a Catholic Saint, he comes on his feast day to visit the children of the Netherlands on his way back to Spain. On December 4th, children everywhere leave out their shoes for Sinterklaas, and if they are good, they will wake in the morning to find a gift from the Saint. If they are bad, however, they will find a potato instead.
Gifts from Sinterklaas aren’t just physical, as he also usually writes a poem for each child discussing their accomplishments in the past year. Each child also receives a chocolate letter, typically the first letter of their name.
Sinterklaas also visits Belgium, Luxembourg, West Germany, and Northern France, but on the night of December 5th instead. On Christmas Day (December 25th in the US), most Dutch families simply share a meal as all gifts are usually exchanged earlier in the month, on December 5th.
Gavle Goat: Sweden
Gavle Goat is a 13-meter-tall goat that is built in Gavle Castle Square during advent in Sweden each year. For reasons we aren’t sure of, somehow, this tradition transformed into a new one in recent years in that people attempt to burn the goat down. Don’t worry, this is a good thing, as the goat burning fully is a sign of a good holiday season. Don’t believe us? You can check on the status of the Gavle Goat by looking at his live stream.
Krampus: Part of Germany and Austria
German folklore is typically terrifying, and the Christmas tradition is no different. Besides waiting for Sinterklaas or Santa Claus, many kids also fear the arrival of Krampus, the evil accomplice of St. Nicholas. But this isn’t just a fairytale in these countries, as many men take to the streets the first week of December trying to scare young children while dressed as Krampus.
Rollerblading to Church: Venezuela
In the United States, Christmas is a cold time of year. But on the opposite hemisphere, Christmas is a summer holiday, so what better way to get around than by rollerblading?
In Caracas, Venezuela, families everywhere head to church on Christmas Eve wearing rollerblades. Think you’d rather drive? Not an option, as even the roads are closed so everyone can rollerblade safely to their church service. Then everyone returns home and enjoys a dinner of Tamales for the rest of the evening.
Sauna Experience: Finland
It’s common knowledge that most homes in Finland come with a built-in sauna, but before you get too excited, know that they need these because it gets to -52°F! Therefore it should come as no surprise that most Finnish people don’t travel on Christmas Day. Rather they stay home and eat porridge, then hang out in their sauna as a family.
BBQ Evening: New Zealand
While on the topic of Christmas in the southern hemisphere, we must mention New Zealand, where Christmas is a traditional day of BBQing! The menu usually includes seafood, meats, and of course, some healthy vegetables. You can even find some families hanging out on the beach…how's that for a different Christmas tradition?
Celebrating Christmas on January 7th: Ukraine
If you thought Christmas was set in stone, think again! In Ukraine, much of the country actually celebrates this holiday on January 7th! Why they do so is unclear, but on the 7th, there is a parade, special meals, and all the normal activities you would find in other countries on December 25th.
And we should also mention that Christmas isn’t just a single day, rather it starts a whole week of fun which doesn’t come to a close until January 19th each year. While festivities may not be the same this year during the war, it is hopeful that Ukrainians everywhere can enjoy their regular Christmas traditions as much as possible.
Three Kings Day: Mexico
The reason Ukraine may celebrate Christmas Day on January 7th may have something to do with Three Kings Day. According to many Mexican Catholics, Three Kings Day is the day the Three Kings passed through their village on the way to see Baby Jesus and occurs on January 6th. The night before, children all over the country leave their shoes by the door for the three kings to fill them with chocolate candies. Some children will even leave out carrots or hay to feed the mounts of the Three Wise Men.
After the children wake up and find their surprise, there is the traditional eating of Three Kings Bread which typically has a plastic baby Jesus hidden inside. If you get the piece with the Baby Jesus, you will have luck for a whole year!
Fireworks: El Salvador
It’s interesting because Americans pull out fireworks for almost every holiday except Christmas. But in El Salvador, this is one of the few things they do on Christmas. Sure, they still spend time with family, but they also spend time lighting off every sort of firework imaginable. Even the younger children get involved with smaller versions of large fireworks.
It is also common in El Salvador to attend church with your family and possibly make a large nativity scene in your yard. Because El Salvador is also warm during Christmas, a beach visit is also likely when you live near the coast!
Traveling for the Holidays?
Whether you are staying home this Holiday season or off on a grand adventure, we hope you have a great time. If you need some holiday health tips, be sure to check our blog before you go. Otherwise, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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