“When I think about Christmas, I think about presents and spending time with family,” said 8th grader Aarif Ahmad. Christmas in the United States is one of the biggest celebrations all year. People decorate their houses with inflatable Santa Claus’ and reindeer and bright, illuminating lights galore. We decorate our living rooms with stockings and Christmas trees containing ornaments and even more lights. And most importantly, we give presents to our friends and family. But to different countries, Christmas means something a little different–and each country has its different traditions.

South America

In South American countries like Argentina and Brazil, things are run a bit differently. People begin preparations for Christmas earlier than us, in early December and late November. Firework shows are common as Christmas Eve passes onto Christmas day at 12:00 a.m. However, it is mostly summer during the holiday season for these countries, which is different from the “Winter Wonderland” we like to associate with Christmas. A very similar tradition in Brazil is a Secret Santa, called “amigo secreto”.

Europe

In Germany, Christmas trees are very important, as they have similar traditions as the US, with der Weihnachtsmann or “Father Christmas” giving out presents, and even a St. Nicholas who gives out presents earlier in the month in children’s’ shoes. In France, people wish each other “Joyeux Nöel” and many candies and treats are made and consumed. In England, families celebrate Christmas together and occasionally experience snowy Christmases. They also have the tradition of “Boxing Day”, which is the day after Christmas, and some of the most traditional Christmas foods around.  

Africa

In the Democratic Republic of The Congo, Christmas is more of a religious holiday than a commercial one, as presents are rarely given out. People participate in church choirs and sometimes a nativity play at night and the early morning of Christmas day. But people sometimes will get off work and only return to work on the 26th, and have a bigger meal than usual on Christmas. In Ghana, people also participate in nativity plays and choirs and people travel around the country at that time.

Christmas, although celebrated differently around the globe, is a true worldwide holiday. Even though people may do different things, they all celebrate the same thing, creating a joyous day on Earth.