Christmas Tree
Christmas is arguably the greatest time of the entire calendar year for most, generally agreed to be a few days off work, some quality time spent with the family, nice pressies under the tree, and plenty of Bucks Fizz waiting to be drunk.
Not everyone is familiar with the naf Christmas cracker jokes and unbelievably humiliating frail paper hats that we simply must wear in a traditional British Christmas. So what would others from around the globe have to say about their festivities?
Because Christmas is traditionally a religious holiday, many take this on board and focus their days on their worship. The Philippines is said to have the longest Christmas season of all countries singing carols from as early as September and lasting up until the Epiphany in January. Christmas Day is traditionally the finale of their nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16th. This 'novena' of masses is the most important of Filipino Christmas traditions, referring to the Roman Catholic practice of devotion to the Lord in order to obtain special graces.
Although some countries do consider Christmas as important, others have had more of a struggle. Russia was never one to celebrate the holidays in the days of the Soviet Union, despite having such potential, what with it being so beautifully snowy. It was New Year that was important, where Father Frost would bring presents to the Russian children.
However, after the fall of Communism, Christmas was finally welcomed and was free to be celebrated openly. It was practised on either December 25th, or more often on January 7th. The unusual date in January is due to the Russian Orthodox Church which uses the old 'Julian' calendar for religious days.
Similarly, Poland places emphasis on combining people, religion and family with their Christmas holiday. It is a custom to fast on Christmas Eve and then feast on Christmas Day. Although gifts do play a major role as we would expect with anybody's Christmas, the importance is on making special foods and decorations for all to enjoy.
Many cultures do not cherish a Christmas all that different from our own. Although the meals may differ, and the weather is not always the same (Australia boats a sunny Christmas almost every year), there is nothing quite like the soggy British Christmas that we have all come to know.
If ever bored of our normal traditions, try somewhere else. But for some of us, nothing quite beats being at home, pretending to watch the Queens speech and losing at Trivial Pursuit to your Nan.
By Karen Asbury