We only celebrate it once a year, but Christmas traditions around the world make this awesome season interesting and fun to have! What are the different traditions that people of different cultures hold and how is it similar to how you celebrate your holiday?

Italyis perhaps the first nation to celebrate Christmas officially. In the chilly weeks of December, people would kill their cattle so they won’t have to feed them. The meat from these cattle and fermented drinks made for a festive celebration that remained for the next few centuries.

There were traveling musical groups from the mountains of Abruzzo that would regale the crowds with joyful Christmas songs. Nowadays, these Piferaris are more of a rarity than commonplace in Italian Christmas traditions, but they are much beloved anyway.

Yule logs are icons in the holidays, but did you know that it originated in Norway? Yule inNorwaymeans “wheel of fire” that ancient people gave much importance too. Families would congregate around fireplaces especially in festive seasons like the holidays.

Noel is a word we often hear during Christmas, and it actually comes from the French expression “les bonnes nouvelles” or the good news—which is the birth of our savior into the world. As with the tradition of many European countries, French children leave their shoes outside near the fireplace so that Pere Noel can stuff it with gifts and treats.

In Brazil, there is a popular Christmas tradition that is participated by family and friends and it is called “amigo secreto”. It is similar to secret santa. Each person writes their “apelidos” or aliases and drops it in a bowl. Everyone picks a name without revealing it to anyone. Throughout the month, that person gives the person correspondence or little gifts in secret. At Christmas, everybody reveals who their amigo secreto is and presents them with a special gift.

Christmas is a big event in the Philippines. Decorations with “parols”, “belens” and Christmas trees start early and crowd every street corner of this nation. Filipinos would go to midnight mass for several nights leading up to Christmas Eve where they will go home to their family and enjoy a delicious Noche Buena feast with their family and friends. If you want a long Christmas season, visit the Philippine Islands for the holidays.

Christmas traditions around the world are varied, but they are all beautiful. Discover the real meaning of Christmas and enjoy an even more memorable season this year. Happy Holidays!