Christmas around the world

Panduru Andrei patrick

 Every culture that
celebrates Christmas also has its own
festive ways to make the holiday special.
Some of those involve dishes or treats
that only appear once a year. Others give
gifts that carry a particular meaning, and
still others decorate in a particular way,
hold festivals, parades or parties to ring
in the season.
 This year, the holiday might look different for a lot of us, but that
doesn't mean we can't keep many of our most treasured traditions.
Maybe you'll even want to try out some of the most beloved
Christmas traditions from around the world in your own home.
1. Japan: KFC for Christmas Dinner
In Japan, celebrating Christmas is still relatively new. It's only been
widely recognized for the past couple of decades, and is typically seen
as a time to spread joy and cheer, or even a romantic couple's day,
instead of a religious holiday. Many order KFC for Christmas dinner, or
make a reservation at a restaurant instead of cooking a big feast.
2. Slovakia: Carp for Dinner
All over Central Europe, people enjoy carp for Christmas Eve
Dinner, according to NPR. But rather than picking it up from the
supermarket, traditionalists let the fish live in the bathtub for a couple of
days before preparing and eating it. Legend has it, the scales bring luck
and good fortune for the coming year.
 3. Sweden: St.
Lucia's Day
In Sweden, Finland, and Norway, St.
Lucia's Day is a special part of the
Christmas season that commemorates a
woman said to be one of the first Christian
martyrs. Celebrations involve candlelit
processions, with the eldest girl in each
family dressed up like St. Lucia in white
gowns, often wearing a wreath with candles.
The girls will also serve the family S-shaped
Lucia buns and coffee or mulled wine.
4. Greece: Christmas
Trees and Boats

In the seafaring country of Greece,

decorating Christmas trees and boats
has been popular for centuries. The
first known Christmas tree in Greece
was put up by King Otto 1833 next to a
large decorated boat, which families
traditionally erected to celebrate men's
return from sea voyages. Today, in
cities like Athens and Thessaloniki,
large lit-up boats appear alongside
trees.
5. Germany:
Christmas Markets

In Germany, you can do your

Christmas shopping with a mug of
mulled wine in one hand and a
bratwurst in the other at festive
outdoor markets. The sprawling
seasonal markets pop up all over the
country with artisans selling gifts
for everyone on your list.