Christmas around the world for kids: 10 interesting facts

1. France

In France, Christmas celebrations start on December 6^th marking St Nicholas Day. Children get sweets and small gifts.

On Christmas Eve, children put their polished shoes out in front of the chimney for Pere Noel (Father Christmas). He leaves sweets inside the shoes.

A special outing families enjoy during the festive period is visiting the illuminations at Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

2. Italy

Another interesting fact about Christmas around the world for kids is how Italy marks the season.

A nativity scene is displayed in churches and town squares. This one of the most important part of the Christmas decorations.

Children are handed gifts by Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) on Christmas Day. However, many families exchange gifts on January 6^th. This is known as the Day of Epiphany.

3. Germany

Christmas markets are a major celebration in Germany and have inspired Christmas markets around the world.  The markets have various stalls including scrumptious food, handmade gifts and Christmas decorations.

German homes are often decorated with fairy lights and festive ornaments. However, the Christmas tree is usually only put up and decorated on the morning of Christmas Eve.

December 26^th is a public holiday. Many families mark the day by visiting church or spending the day in the park.

4. England

Christmas around the world for kids is celebrated in many different ways, but what are the traditions in England?

In England, the build-up to Christmas usually starts in November. Many families put up their Christmas trees and decorate the outside of their homes in fairy lights and sparkling displays. People are big on displays in England and families make this an annual outing visiting all the glistening lights. It really brings out the magic of Christmas!

Some displays will often display charity buckets to collect money for worthy causes like foodbanks or homeless shelters.

Families celebrate Christmas on December 25^th, most commonly with a turkey dinner. December 26^th is known as Boxing Day, when most people visit family.

5. Iceland

In Iceland, 13 days before Christmas Eve, children place their shoes on the windowsill for Juletide Lads (Father Christmas). He fills the shoes with treats.

Christmas celebrations start on December 24^th. Families get together to enjoy food. Many people visit midnight mass to celebrate the holiday.

Children in Iceland enjoy the festive period as Christmas lasts 26 days. There is always snow at Christmas time in Iceland. Children love this as they can spend their time sledging or building snowmen.

During the holiday season children bake delicious cookies with their parents and serve or give them to guests. We like the idea of receiving some crispy cookies too!

6. Portugal

We hope you’re enjoying reading our guide to Christmas around the world for kids. There’s still more to come.

On Christmas Eve, Portuguese families decorate their homes and set up a nativity scene. Children put out their shoes for Baby Jesus and gifts are exchanged after they’ve attended a Christmas service.

In some towns and villages across Portugal, people gather around a fire in a church car park. They wish each other Feliz Natal (Merry Christmas).

7. Japan

Only 0.5% of the Japanese population are Christians. Despite this, Christmas is still a popular holiday. Japanese people decorate their shops and homes with Christmas trees and lights.

The main celebration takes place on Christmas Eve when they eat Christmas cake and exchange presents. Children receive presents from their parents. Once they no longer believe in Santa, they no longer receive presents.

8. Poland

Christmas in Poland is celebrated with a lot of food (the best way to spend Christmas in our eyes). On Christmas Eve, families gather for a meal, known as Wigilia. They will begin eating their meal when they see the first star in the night sky. The meal has 12 courses which traditionally includes carp. Families will also share a special bread called Oplatek which symbolises forgiveness.

Adults will exchange gifts with each other on Christmas Eve. Children will receive presents at the start of the month on Sw Mikolaj (St Nicholas) Day on December 6^th.

9. Greece

 In Greece, children go from house to house on Christmas Eve playing music and singing carols in exchange for treats.

Before Christmas, children wrap fresh basil around a wooden cross. It is used to sprinkle water around the house and keep away mischievous goblins called Killantzaroi.

Some people choose to keep a fire lit as they believe it will stop those naughty goblins from causing trouble.

10. Brazil

The people of Brazil are big on the nativity scene and often display them in front of churches. Children in Brazil believe Papai Noel (Father Christmas) travels from Greenland to deliver them presents.

In the month leading up to Christmas, many cities across the country display Christmas trees. Children enjoy seeing the floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro. It is believed to be the largest in the world.

At the end of the year, families gather to watch a fireworks display.

Are you all clued up on Christmas?

We hope you enjoyed our fact file on Christmas around the world for kids. We trust you’ve learnt some interesting Christmas facts you can share with others or even turn into a quiz.

If you’re still in the Christmas spirit, why not discover Lacus Island? The magical land where Christmas comes to life featuring festive characters.

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