Best Christmas Eve Traditions around the World
Christmas Eve is a magical time of year. It’s the eve of the most wonderful time of the year, and with it comes an abundance of traditions and customs that are unique to each country. From Christmas carols, to Santa Claus and even how people celebrate, there are so many different ways to spend Christmas Eve. Here are some of our favorites:
Norway
The Norwegians have a tradition of sending their children out for food on Christmas Eve, which is called Julebukk (Yule Goat). Children go out dressed as goats or trolls armed with sticks and bells to beat on doors until they receive treats such as candy, fruit or nuts. They then return home to share their bounty with other family members.
Sweden
In Sweden, Santa Claus is not called St. Nicholas but Julenissen (Yule gnome). This tradition dates back hundreds of years and has become an integral part of Swedish culture.
France
French families gather for an early supper and exchange small gifts called cadeaux de Noel (Christmas gifts). Children typically receive one gift from each adult family member, including their grandparents.
Germany
Germans traditionally do not open presents until Christmas morning — or on St. Nicholas Day (December 6), which falls on December 5 this year because December 24 falls on a Sunday this year. Families also go to church on Christmas Eve as part of their celebration.
United States
In the United States, families go to church on Christmas Eve and then have dinner together at home. Some families like to listen to music while they eat dinner and sing songs together. After dinner, children open presents and adults get ready for their family parties later that night or early in the morning on Christmas Day.
Latin America
In Latin America, people usually have a big meal with family members before going to church on Christmas Eve and then returning home for more food and drinks after church services end. Some families also visit houses of relatives or friends who live nearby before going back home again for more food and entertainment until late at night or even early next morning when everyone goes back home again to sleep.
England and Ireland
In England and Ireland, little boys and girls put their boots outside their front door on Christmas Eve so that Father Christmas can fill them with presents. If there is no snow on Christmas Eve, they’ll often sprinkle water on their boots instead so that when it falls overnight it will look like there has been snow everywhere!
Australia
In Australia, it’s traditional for children to receive gifts from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas Day itself (which falls on a Monday this year). Children also receive presents from their parents as well as grandparents and other relatives during this time period as well.
Australians celebrate Christmas with an evening meal — usually roast beef or lamb — followed by presents. A lot of kids go to bed at 7pm so they can get up early for presents!