Global Winter Holidays: Traditions & Joy

The winter season brings with it a mosaic of customs and traditions, varying greatly from one region of the world to another. While the essence of the holiday season—like reuniting with loved ones and adorning our homes in lights—remains universal, the specific holidays and how they are observed can differ significantly from one country or community to another.
During this festive season, it's a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse holiday customs practised globally, and perhaps find inspiration in these varied traditions for your family celebrations.

Spain and Latin America: The Celebration of Three King’s Day

Famously known as the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas, which commence on Christmas Day, the twelfth day, celebrated on January 6, is referred to as Three King’s Day. This day marks the arrival of the wise men to see the infant Jesus.
This holiday, originating in Spain and Latin America, is observed by Christians worldwide. Children often leave out food for the wise men's camels the night before. In Spain, it's common for children to place their shoes near the front door for the wise men to fill with presents. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the day is marked with a grand feast ending with a special sweet bread containing a hidden baby figurine.
This tradition offers a reason to extend the holiday festivities beyond Boxing Day, continuing the spirit of the season with Three King’s Day.

The United Kingdom: The Tradition of Christmas Pudding

A unique British holiday practice involves a bit of culinary flare. After Christmas dinner, it's customary to douse a Christmas pudding in brandy and then set it alight. The family's eldest, or the head of the household, parades the flaming dessert around the home, followed in a procession by other family members, singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." This spectacle continues until the song concludes or the flames are extinguished.
As the brandy burns off, the pudding becomes safe for all to enjoy. This dessert, akin to fruitcake, is a treat for those with a penchant for sweets.

India: The Festival of Diwali

Diwali, or Deepavali, known as the Festival of Lights, originated in India as a Hindu celebration but is now observed by over a billion people globally, including Jains and Sikhs. The festival's significance varies across religions and regions in India. In northern India, Diwali commemorates King Rama, while Jains honour the enlightenment of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.
Spanning five days, Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, featuring traditional dishes like ladoo and samosas, fireworks, and lantern displays. The festival, aligned with the lunar calendar, typically occurs in October or November, peaking on the third day, the darkest of the lunar month Kartika.
Diwali begins with prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune. Rangoli, an Indian art form of creating intricate patterns with coloured sand or rice, is a customary part of the celebrations. These patterns are often unique to families, akin to a heritage emblem.

Germany's Festive Season: Weihnachtsmarkt

Germany is well-known for Oktoberfest, but it's the Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, that are equally enchanting. These markets, which have been a part of German tradition for centuries, spread holiday cheer across various towns. While similar markets have emerged across Europe, recent global events have sadly interrupted this historic practice in recent years.
In major German cities, these markets are set up outdoors during the evenings leading to Christmas. They offer an array of traditional foods and beverages like glühwein (hot spiced wine), roasted chestnuts, and sweets including christstollen (a fruit bread) and bethmännchen (a marzipan pastry). Local craftsmen also sell beautiful Christmas ornaments and unique art pieces perfect for holiday gifting.

Sweden and Italy: Commemorating Santa Lucia Day

On December 13, Sweden and parts of Italy welcome the Christmas season with the celebration of Saint Lucy's Day, or Santa Lucia Festival. This day honours St. Lucy, an early Christian martyr from Italy.
St. Lucy, who lost her life for her faith, is remembered for bringing food to Christians in Roman catacombs using a candle-lit wreath on her head to light her way. In modern celebrations, a young girl represents St. Lucia, dressed in white with a red sash, leading a candlelit procession.
Swedish families often have the eldest daughter dressed in a white gown with a candle crown to symbolize light amidst the darkness, leading a family procession before a grand breakfast. A traditional treat for the day is lussekatter, a saffron bun, with debates about the use of raisins as toppings being a common festive discussion.

The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: Boxing Day Traditions