Many countries celebrate Christmas but the way they do this varies. Find out how these festive days are celebrated in the English-speaking world, namely in the USA, the UK, in Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Christmas in the US
Since the USA is a multicultural country, Christmas customs vary in different states and also from place to place, depending also on the heritage of individual families. However, in almost every town or city you will find a large Christmas tree with decorations.
Typically, American families eat turkey for their main course, but there are many side dishes like cranberry sauce. The Italians in America usually eat traditional Italian food like lasagne, while families of Eastern European origin may opt for soups, cabbage dishes and sausages.
Catholic communities attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and even those who do not regularly attend church often come along.
In the southern parts of the country, traditions are influenced by their neighbouring country Mexico.
With children believing that Santa Claus delivers the presents the night before, gifts are typically exchanged in the morning of Christmas Day (25th December).
Christmas in the UK
In the United Kingdom, Christmas celebrations are usually fairly close to those in the United States. Streets in the UK are decorated with Christmas lights and these are often switched on by a celebrity or popular local person.
Like in America, the main Christmas meal often consists of turkey. It is normally served with a lot side dishes like roast or mashed potatoes, four vegetables and stuffing.
Churches offer Christmas carol services, where people gather to sing well-known tunes. In the countryside you may also see children going from door to door throughout December, singing Christmas carols to their neighbours.
There is a strong emphasis on family, and gifts are exchanged on Christmas Day (25th December). The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day and this is a bank holiday.
Christmas in Ireland
Generally, Christmas celebrations in Ireland are close to how the Brits or Americans celebrate this festivity. Santa Claus is known as Saint Nicholas.
Christmas meals are very similar to those served in the UK, although some families include spiced beef as the main part of their meal.
In Ireland, Boxing Day is known as St. Stephen’s Day (since it is a Catholic country). Many people go to church, so Christmas is more religious in Ireland than it is in the UK.
However, as far as other aspects are concerned, things are done in a similar way to the UK or US, eating leftover food, and spending the day with family.
Christmas in Canada
Christmas celebrations in Canada share many similarities with the United States. However, one widespread tradition in the English-speaking parts of the country is the use of real fir or pine trees, which is especially common in the eastern province of Nova Scotia, where huge trees can be seen in towns and cities.
Many Canadian families choose to exchange their gifts on Christmas Eve, rather than on Christmas Day, while others open one present on Christmas Eve and the remaining ones on 25th December.
As with the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is a recognised holiday in Canada and many people use it as a shopping day.
Christmas in Australia and New Zealand
Christmas occurs at the height of the summer season, in both Australia and New Zealand. There is no snow and you don’t need a coat to go outside.
Like in other English-speaking countries, the Christmas tree is central to household Christmas decorations. Once again, the traditional Christmas meal consists of turkey.
Both Australia and New Zealand recognise Boxing Day and workers in both countries usually get both Christmas Day and Boxing Day off.
You will see Santa, of course, but he will rather be wearing shorts and a T-shirt.
by Lea-Sophie Stockhorst, 5ck
English School Newspaper 