Have you ever wondered about the different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world? It’s quite an interesting topic to discuss with the kids, to help broaden their horizons and think about different cultures and traditions. Since they have some friends in Australia, my boys are quite fascinated with the idea that Australia has Christmas in Summer while we have it in Winter.
But climate is not the only difference in Christmases between the countries. Some places celebrate on slightly different days, for example a lot of places – including Argentina, Austria, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Quebec, Romania, Uruguay, Sweden, Switzerland and the Czech Republic – all traditionally open their Christmas presents on Christmas eve, while Russian Christmas is actually much later on the 7th January!
For even more interesting Christmas differences, have a look through this Christmas infographic and you can even learn how to say “Merry Christmas” around the world
Infographic supplied by Bright Horizons Nursery in Fulham
How to Say “Merry Christmas” around the world
In case you want to copy any of the Christmas greetings to pass to your friends around the world, here’s the list from the infographic, but to write it in the different alphabet scripts you’ll need to copy from the image. If you need to see it slightly larger, just click the infographic and it should expand for you.
- Greenlandic – Juullimi Pilluarit
- German – Froehliche Weihnachten
- Russian – Schastlivogo Rozhdestva
- Icelandic – Gleðileg Jól
- Finnish – Hyvää Joulua
- Japanese – Merii Kurisumasu
- French – Joyeux Noel
- Italian – Buon Natale
- Polish – Wesołych Świąt
- Spanish – Feliz Navidad
- Greek – Kala Christouyenna
- Hindi – Krisamas Kee Badhaee
- Portugese – Feliz Natal
- Afrikaans – Geseënde Kersfees
You could use these or the other Christmas facts in the infographic if you’re making a Christmas quiz, for something a bit different or a bit tricky
And whatever country you’re celebrating in – we wish you all a Merry Christmas if you’re celebrating!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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