December 25 is the day Christians celebrate as the birth of Jesus Christ… however, it is unknown when the birth actually happened, and the chances of it being in December are slim. December 25 was originally a pagan holiday in Babylonian times to herald the Son of the Goddess of Nature (Isis). It was celebrated with a huge feast and much merriment.

The standard Christmas traditions of the United States came from Great Britain. There is an interesting tale of the tradition of hanging stockings…. when Father Christmas came down the chimney, gold coins fell out of his pocket.  A stocking that had been hung over the hearth to dry caught the coins… hence hanging stockings in hopes of gifts. In Wales, mistletoe is believed to keep away evil spirits. Ireland remembers it’s daily service people (such as postal workers) with monetary gifts, while in Scotland, there is the custom of burning the Rowan tree which is to signify letting bygones be bygones for the season.

A visit to France during the Noel season, as it is referred to there, will find many homes with a crèche, or an elaborate Nativity scene. For many years a Yule log was burned in homes from the day of Christmas until New Years Day… although nowadays, most people simply make a cake in the shape of a Yule log (Buche de Noel).  Some parts of France have small gifts given on St. Nicholas Eve (December 6) and larger gifts on Christmas day.

Don’t like the cold? Celebrate Christmas in the Land Down Under! Australia is an extremely warm continent, and often celebrate the holiday at the beach or enjoying a family barbecue. To walk the streets, it looks like any traditional holiday scene, with the lights and the decorations… but don’t expect evergreens frosted with snow.

In Mexico, the celebrations start on December 12, in honor of the birth of the virgin Guadalupe. The Epiphany is on January 6, which ends the festivities, and this is the day children receive presents. Rather than stockings, the children place gift requests in their shoes.

Switzerland celebrates the tradition of the Advent Calendar, with each day having a small window with Christmas pictures inside for the month of December through the 24th. There is also a garland or a wreath containing candles which are lit on each Sunday of the Advent. These traditions are also celebrated in Denmark.

Russia has only officially recognized Christmas again since the early 1990’s. The revolution of 1917 had banned all religious holidays from being observed. Generally it is celebrated on January 7, as the Russian Orthodox church goes by the Julian Calendar rather than the Gregorian. Priests come to the homes and bless them with holy water and children go caroling, along with gatherings of family for a grand dinner.

South American traditions vary depending on the location. In Chile, there is the observance of Novena, which includes a nine day fast and prayer. This ends on Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, after which a festive dinner is prepared. Argentineans and Brazilians are more laid back, celebrating family and friends.

The country of Iraq only had the holiday of Christmas officially recognized in 2008. The Christian population of this country celebrates with a reading by the children of Christ’s birth, followed by the burning of dried thorns. The ashes are then jumped over three times and a wish is made.

Many Native American tribes were introduced to Christian concepts by the European settlers. They incorporated their own traditions with that of the new ones. In many tribes, a dance is done on Christmas Eve as the manger or “Christmas crib” is surrounded. Instead of angels, it is the great Thunderbird that brings the good news, and the wise men are represented by leaders of the different Nations.

In the town of Bethlehem, where Christ is to have been born, a place often visited is the Basilica of the Nativity which is to honor the holy Mother of God (Theotokos). With the nationalities in Bethlehem being so diversified, the celebrations last for several weeks. There are many visitors to Manger Square which is thought to be the actual location of Christ’s birth. As in many traditions shown here, there is an emphasis on celebrating with family and friends.

So as you hang the stockings, say the prayers, and recover from the Wal-Mart sales, think about how many different traditions there are for this season. Perhaps some can be incorporated into your own celebrations. And above all, please have a:

Merry Christmas
Nadolig Llawen
Nollaig Shona Dhuit
Feliz Navidad
Boas Festus

… and a Happy New Year!

Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2009 ChristmasChimney.com