Christmas, in particular, is steeped in tradition. Customs vary from family to family, but even more so from country to country. A little journey of discovery.
“Once again, every year, the Christ Child comes ...” So far, so good. Presumably, at least all Christians can agree with this line from one of Germany’s best-known Christmas carols. But how and when people celebrate and exchange gifts varies greatly from country to country.
Here in Germany, there are several firmly established traditions surrounding Christmas. From one Advent Sunday to the next, one more candle is lit on the Advent wreath, and from December 1 onward, another door is opened each day on the Advent calendar until December 24 finally arrives. Before that, there is one important stop along the way: St. Nicholas Day on December 6. On the evening before, boots are placed by the fireplace or outside the front door, which St. Nicholas then fills with sweets. (By the way: BÄR makes some models in sizes up to 48.5, so it might be worth borrowing Dad’s shoes.) On Christmas Eve itself, the family gathers, eats carp or roast goose, possibly attends Midnight Mass—and somewhere in between, it is finally time for the presents!
Christmas is celebrated differently in other countries. In neighboring France, for example, it is not the Christ Child who comes, but Père Noël—the French Santa Claus. December 24 is an ordinary working day, although in the evening there is often a more elaborate festive meal, traditionally turkey with chestnuts. Then, at midnight, people go to Mass. The children have to wait until the morning of December 25 for their presents—they are brought by Père Noël during the night, who, like our St. Nicholas, is fond of coming down the chimney.
In Spain, the gifts are brought not by St. Nicholas, the Christ Child, or Santa Claus, but by the Three Wise Men. This means that the gift-giving does not take place until January 6! This tradition goes back to the story that although the infant Jesus was born on December 24, the Three Wise Men did not arrive with their gifts until January 6, after their long journey from the East. A figurine is baked into the “Three Kings’ cake,” which is then eaten. Whoever finds it in their slice may call themselves king for the entire day. On Christmas Eve, the family has a meal together, and at midnight they go to church for the “Misa del Gallo,” or “Mass of the Rooster.”
The idea of celebrating Christmas in the sunshine on the beach may seem rather strange. In Australia, Christmas falls in the middle of summer, when temperatures of 30 degrees and higher are not unusual. Bitter cold and mulled wine therefore play no part, yet the atmosphere is still festive: artificial fir trees are put up, front gardens are decorated, and houses are illuminated for the occasion. Christmas carols by candlelight are especially popular—public sing-alongs of Christmas songs. People bring candles and sit by the thousands in parks, squares, or even on beaches, where pop stars or opera singers lead Christmas carols. The Santas in attendance wear shorts!
Well, different countries, different customs. But everywhere is beautiful when people come together to celebrate Christmas. With that in mind:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
P.S. Are you still looking for the right gift?
At our stores, you can still find a last-minute gift: BÄR gift vouchers presented in a beautiful gift box and accompanied by small care products. Simply visit your BÄR store or shop online.
