Christmas Here and There
What does Christmas look like around the world? I can tell you about my own childhood and the wonder of coming downstairs, turning on the tree, checking my stocking, and then waiting (sometimes for hours) for the rest of my family to be ready to have some Christmas together. My parents set it up so that we were allowed to open anything in our stockings and play with it while we waited on everyone else to wake up. Or more accurately, my mother made sure there was something that would keep me quietly busy because everyone else would be sleeping. This year I thought we’d take a look at Christmas around the world and see how others celebrate the day.
Christmas in Angola:
At one point Angola was colonized by the Portuguese, so many of their Christmas traditions reflect this imperialism and colonialism, but the modern population is still majority Christian and thus celebrate many of the same religious aspects as we celebrate here in Texas. One of the big things in Angola are midnight masses, known as “Missa do Galo”. Another tradition is enjoying certain foods that are special for the holiday and a part of large family gatherings. Ring-shaped cake, goat stew, and a dish with dried and salted cod called bacalhau are especially popular. Caroling is also especially popular in large parts of Angola. Another thing to note is that a big part of traditions in Angola involve gatherings with family. It is the part of the celebration that seems to be the most important, though the food, music, and religious aspects are also highly valued as part of the season of Christmas traditions.[i]
Christmas in Antarctica:
Antarctica does not represent any one group or people or peoples because it has not been historically habituated by anyone by researchers. However, there are still unique Christmas traditions celebrated on the fifth continent. Some traditions, like extra rations and merrymaking, have been around for over one hundred years. Others, like the Race Around the World are newer, but still cherished as a part of how to celebrate the season. This race is a two-mile circuit around the geographic South Pole which passes through all time zones making it a race around the world. Even with three laps, this race around the world takes much less than eighty days. Also, you’d think that there would be no reindeer or caribou or moose in this part of the world, but thanks to some human intervention, there are still small batches of wild caribou who live near the south pole, though often limited to the islands nearby rather than the main continent.[ii]
Christmas in Argentina:
Argentina has many Christmas traditions that would sound familiar until you dig a little deeper. They have Christmas Eve gatherings with food and family, but that is also when they exchange gifts, not Christmas morning. There are Christmas trees, but they are often decorated with cotton balls or other substances to look like snow since there likely won’t be any snow outside. They celebrate with religious services on Christmas Eve, usually at midnight, but many of these services include tango music as a combination and integration of cultural and religious celebration making for a fun and festive time. Also, although red and green might be considered the traditional Christmas colors (despite it being purple or blue on the liturgical calendar), red and white is the predominant combination of Christmas colors in Argentina. [iii]
Christmas in Australia:
One of the most immediate things to know is that it is summer in Australia during Christmas. The whole other hemisphere thing means that a White Christmas would be alarming, not delightful for those in Australia. Because of this, things like playing cricket in the backyard with family and friends make a lot of sense. The weather is warm and delightful, why not get outside and have some fun? Part of this fun is having a grill out- much like we might here in the States for Memorial or Independence Day. Steak and seafood fresh off the grill sound like a good time to me. Christmas is also a popular time to go to the beach because people are given time off work and the weather is right for it. Even with the warmer weather and sunshine, nativity plays and holiday decorations of evergreens remain much the same. What is different is that instead of a warm, fur-lined suit, Santa is more likely to be depicted in swim trunks and flip-flops to match the weather. Secret Santas or Kris Kringles are also popular with gifts being given anonymously.[iv]
Christmas in Austria:
According to a very pro-tourist website, Christmas in Austria is all about biscuits. And by biscuits I mean cookies. Gingerbread and vanillekipferl are two popular options, but there are many other Christmas cookies. As someone who has made lebkuchen, I can tell you that Christmas cookies are worth the effort that it takes to make and share with family and friends. Christmas markets are also a big part of the festivities in Austria and include things like variations on mulled or spiced wine and spirits. Christmas markets often feature booths with special gifts, toys, or other treats that cannot be purchased elsewhere. Austria is also one of many countries that include celebrations of Krampus, made famous in the United States by at least one horror film. Austria is also the birthplace of a Christmas favorite hymn- Silent Night. Some other Christmas traditions, like creating stars out of straw, have not been carried around the world just yet. Austria also loves Advent wreaths and they can be found in many homes, not just in churches or chapels.[v]
No matter how you choose to celebrate Christmas this year, we hope that you’ll be able to gather with loved ones, worship Christ the new-born King, and experience hope, peace, joy, and love.
Merry Christmas!
[i] https://www.expatexchange.com/ctryguide/21238/14/Angola/Christmas-in-Angola
[ii] https://www.antarcticacruises.com/guide/christmas-and-new-year-in-antarctica#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20best%2Dknown,the%20globe's%20time%20zones%20and
[iii] https://www.thespanishacademy.hk/top-9-christmas-traditions-in-argentina/
[iv] https://amberstudent.com/blog/post/top-10-christmas-traditions-in-australia
[v] https://www.austria.info/en-uk/inspiration/christmas-time-in-austria/#intro
