When approaching the holiday season, it’s important to learn about other cultures and the way they celebrate. Did you know in Argentina they light off fireworks at midnight on Christmas? Or that in Indonesia they decorate their Christmas trees with chicken feathers? Countries all over the world celebrate in a variety of ways, along with eating interesting foods. Here are some of the coolest countries that I enjoyed learning about:
Australia:
In Australia, the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, in December they experience temperatures in the high 60s and 70s. That is why Boxing Day is celebrated on the beach, and it consists of family and friends gathering for a barbecue. A famous Yacht race also takes place from Sydney to Hobart, where the winner is awarded the Tattersall Cup. Australian families look forward to the holidays, and plan Boxing Day festivities all year round.
Dominican Republic:
In the Dominican Republic, it’s very common to eat cerdo asado, or roasted pork, as a main dish on Christmas night. It is served with pasteles en hojas, which are tamales cooked in banana leaves that are filled with meat and vegetables. For dessert, jalea de batata is served, which contains sweet potato, sugar, coconut milk, and spices. Dominicans have a lovely feast on Christmas night with all of their closest relatives.
Haiti:
On Christmas Eve, children in Haiti clean their shoes, fill them with straw, and then place them under their Christmas trees, which are located on the porch. In the morning, they hope to wake to the straw being removed from their shoes by Tonton Nwèl, or Santa, and replaced with gifts. Christmas Eve is when most of the celebration happens for the holiday. In fact, Haitians celebrate so energetically on the 24th, that they spend most of the 25th sleeping and resting. Although they still have a great Christmas dinner and play with toys from Tonton Nwèl.
South Africa:
Along with Australia, South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning Christmas is celebrated in warm temperatures. Most South African families celebrate the holidays at the campground. Their Christmas meal is typically either turkey, duck, or pig, with yellow rice, raisins, and vegetables. South Africa is also the home to a very popular Christmas dessert entitled Malva Pudding. Again, these meals are eaten outside in the warmth of the beautiful sun, and South African families are surrounded by loved ones and music.
This is only information about the Christmas season in four beautiful countries. All of this information was found on a website entitled Why Christmas. If you would like to learn more about different countries not talked about in this story, and how they celebrate the holidays, click here.
