We all know about the usual Christmas tradition that is celebrated with cakes, puddings, a huge decorated fir tree, the gifts and of course, our Santa Claus. However, this tradition is not followed everywhere in the world! Believe me; some countries have their own Christmas traditions. Keeping this in mind, we are here to tell you about the unique Christmas customs around the world.
1. Russia
You will be surprised to know that, in Russia, Christmas is celebrated on 7th January and not 25th December. Why? Well, the Orthodox Church in Russia uses the Julian calendar for religious celebrations. According to the Russian Christmas traditions, there are special prayers that are said and people fast for almost 39 days till the 6th January, which is the Christmas Eve. They break their fast by eating sochivo, which is a type of porridge. Orthodox Christian Russians prefer not to add any meat or fish to their grand Christmas Eve feast.
How to Reach: Reach Moscow in Russia by air from New Delhi.
Where to Stay: Lotte Hotel Moscow, Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre, Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow.
Places to Visit: Theatre Square, Revolution Square, Moscow Conservatoire
2. Austria
There is a period of Advent in Austria, which means the period of 4 weeks before Christmas. On each Sunday of Advent, the people light a candle and sing Christmas carols. The Christmas markets start setting up in late November and sell Christmas lights, gingerbreads, wine and the list goes on. The Christmas trees are decorated with gold and silver decorations and stars made up of straws. The actual celebration starts at 4 pm on Christmas Eve, with the people singing jingles, eating chocolate and jelly rings. Instead of Santa Claus, the children believe that the Christkind brings presents for them. One event that you should certainly not miss is the Ski Jumping Four Hills Tournament in Austria.
How to Reach: You can reach Vienna in Austria from New Delhi by air.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Vienna City, Hotel Sacher Wien, Vienna Marriott Hotel.
Places to Visit: Freyung, Museumsquartier, Weikersdorf Castle.
3. Japan
When it comes to Christmas in Japan, this country’s traditions are way more different than the USA. It is considered more like a romantic festival rather than a religious one. Couples prefer spending the day together, go on romantic candlelight dates and exchange gifts. The meals in Japan have to add fried chicken as Christmas is nothing without it. And when it comes to their traditional Christmas cake, it is a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream, unlike the rich and chocolaty Christmas cakes in USA.
How to Reach: Reach Japan’s capital city Tokyo by air from New Delhi.
Where to Stay: Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt Tokyo, Shangri-La Hotel.
Place to Visit: Roppongi, Odaiba, Christmas markets.
4. Ghana
Ghana celebrates Christmas from 20th December to the first week of January with people visiting their friends and family. The real celebration starts on Christmas Eve, when the Church services start along with music and dancing all night long. People enjoy the Nativity Play put on by the children, magnificent fireworks and wear their colourful traditional clothes. On the day of Christmas, people attend the Church services and then exchange gifts with family and friends. Their traditional feast includes the okra soup, porridge, meat rice and fufu.
How to Reach: Take a flight from New Delhi to Accra in Ghana.
Where to Stay: Labadi Beach Hotel, The African Regent Hotel, Fiesta Royale Hotel
Places to Visit: LoveB, Vittles Ghana Food Festival, Coco Beach
5. Georgia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp3nME3zusQ
Just like Russia, Christmas in Georgia is celebrated on 7th January because the Georgian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. Most people go for the Christmas Parade on the streets also known as Alilo, dressed up in colourful costumes. Christmas carols are sung, and the Georgian Christmas tree is decorated by the children with small fruits and sweets. On 19th January, this tree is set on fire to mark the end of that year’s problems.
How to Reach: You can reach Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia by air.
Where to Stay: Mia Guesthouse, Hotel British House, Holiday Inn Tbilisi.
Places to Visit: Sameba Cathedral, Rustaveli Square, Old Tbilisi.
While Christmas is celebrated with much enthusiasm by Indians as well, you can spend these holidays at these given countries, and participate in their unique traditions. So what are you waiting for? Start packing and get ready to jingle the bells all the way to uniqueness!
