Don’t miss this list of the Instead of musical chairs, Belgium plays “musical gifts” at Christmas parties. Then find out why Christmas is on December 25. Santa doesn’t get cookies and milk in NZ. Cold ham and salad are pretty standard Christmas foods, as well. This Christmas, give your house a mini makeover before hanging lights or decorating the tree—a top-to-bottom vacuum, freshly laundered drapes, and shiny floors might make the season even more enjoyable! Whether you call it a The only thing better than a countdown to Christmas is a chocolate-filled one. We bet Santa would appreciate these Christmas carolers in Greece go from house to house spreading music and Christmas cheer (often with small instruments like a triangle or harmonica), and when they’re done singing they’re rewarded with holiday sweets and even loose change. If the children are good, they’ll wake up to a treat hiding in their shoe. Here are December 25 isn’t nearly as big of a celebration as December 5 is in The Netherlands. These are Stealing a smooch under the mistletoe was first started years and years ago in England. There are so many Christmas traditions in the United States that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Put your own twist on the tradition by gathering around the table and sharing favorite memories of family members who have passed away while you enjoy your meal. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g.
Hidden inside is a coin or baby Jesus figurine; whoever finds the baked-in treasure is said to have good luck in the New Year.

Don’t miss In Portugal, you live on even in death. Here are a few things Many Latin American countries like Argentina and Brazil ring in the season with fireworks and a toast at midnight on Christmas Day.
Angola; Argentina; Armenia; Then, try these It seems like no celebration in Mexico is complete without a piñata. Along with wearing your ugly Christmas sweater, Italy is known for the Feast of Seven Fishes (seven dishes centered around different seafood), Mexico pairs its turkey with mole sauce, Germans love pot roast (or any meat smothered in gravy), savory meat pie shines in Canada, the Swedes enjoy sweet saffron buns, and the list goes on. Refusing a kiss was viewed as bad luck, and one version of the tradition even required the kissers to pluck a berry from the mistletoe bunch with each kiss, not stopping until they were all gone. Plan ahead and tell your friends or relatives to buy something anyone could enjoy; then crank up a carol and let the fun begin! The word “apple” sounds like the word “peace” in Mandarin, so many families eat an apple at Christmas as a symbol of goodwill and harmony in the coming year. Fill it with candy and little trinkets or small gift cards, then watch your guests scramble for the best stuff! Let loose this holiday season with a Christmas piñata of your own. The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion. Have sliced apples or warm apple cider (spiked for the grown ups!) Here are Although traditionally eaten on January 6 (Three Kings’ Day), Roscón de Reyes is a Christmas treat enjoyed throughout Spain. Find out why we have Christmas Traditions like Christmas Trees, send Christmas Cards and what Santa’s first name was! Don’t be surprised if you see Santa wearing “jandals” (New Zealand sandals) or an “All Blacks” rugby shirt instead of his typical red apparel, either. Instead, children typically leave out pineapple chunks and beer for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. This is when Sinterklaas (which is where “Santa Claus” came from) brings presents for all the good children. Go out to eat at a restaurant and other Perhaps most surprising is a Japanese favorite that fits right into America’s own Southern traditions: fried chicken (thanks to a particularly successful marketing campaign years ago, Christmas is one of KFC’s busiest days in Japan). Norway.