Christmas Around the World

Christmas is celebrated throughout the world, even in places you may not think of when you think of Christmas. Here’s an interesting sampler of Christmas customs from other countries.

South Korea-Santa is often seen wearing either red or blue.

Egypt-not many people are Christians, but those who are celebrate Christmas on January 7, not December 25.

Democratic Republic of the Congo-People don’t give gifts. On Christmas Eve they have tremendous musicals often with five or six separate choirs. They have plays that begin with the Garden of Eden and end with the story of King Herod killing all the baby boys. In some places the plays last until dawn. On Christmas Day they have more musicals.

Russia- Sauerkraut is the main dish in the Christmas Eve meal. Vzvar is served at the end of the meal. It’s a sweet drink made from dried furit and honey boiled in water. It’s traditionally served at the birth of a child, in this case Baby Jesus.

Italy-a favorite way to celebrate Christmas is by having a nativity crib set up. They’re all very elaborate. The cribs are put out on December 8, but Baby Jesus isn’t put in the crib until December 24.

The manger scene above is one I made many years ago. We use it every Christmas.