The Magic of Christmas and Its Traditions

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, serving as both a sacred religious holiday and a global cultural and commercial phenomenon. For over two millennia, people around the world have observed it with religious traditions and practices.

Christians celebrate Christmas as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the foundation of their faith. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, sharing meals with family and friends, and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

How Did Christmas Begin?

The midwinter season has long been a time of celebration across the world. Centuries before the arrival of Jesus, people celebrated light and birth during the darkest days of winter. Many communities rejoiced during the winter solstice when the harshest part of winter was behind them, and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrate Yule from December 21st, the winter solstice, until January. Fathers and sons brought home large logs to set on fire to honor the sun’s return. People feasted until the log burned out, which could take up to 12 days. They believed that each spark from the fire symbolized a new pig or calf to be born in the coming year.

Who Invented Santa Claus?

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named Saint Nicholas, born around 280 A.D. in Turkey. Saint Nicholas gave away all his inherited wealth and traveled to the countryside, helping the poor and sick, and became known as the protector of children and sailors.

Saint Nicholas entered American popular culture in the late 18th century in New York, where Dutch families gathered to honor the anniversary of “Sinter Klaas,” or Saint Nicholas. The name “Santa Claus” evolved from this nickname.

Christmas in Bulgaria

Winter is a time for celebration for Bulgarians.

In the past, most Bulgarians were engaged in farming and livestock breeding, so they had lots of free time during winter. Winter season began with St. Demetrius’ Day and ended with St. George’s Day. Many saint’s days, name days, and Christmas were celebrated during this period.

Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays in Bulgaria. Like everywhere else in the world, the Christmas spirit in Bulgaria is vibrant, and people come together to celebrate. Here are some of the most popular facts and traditions about Christmas in Bulgaria:

In Bulgaria, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. Many Eastern European countries celebrate Christmas on January 7th, as most Orthodox churches use the old Julian calendar. However, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church follows the Gregorian calendar, so Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.

For many Bulgarians, preparations for Christmas begin with Advent, which lasts 40 days in the Orthodox Church, starting on November 15th.

One Bulgarian legend states that Mary began her labor on “Ignazhden,” December 20th (Saint Ignatius’ Day), and gave birth on Christmas Eve, but the birth of Jesus was announced only on Christmas Day. December 20th is also considered the traditional "New Year" in Bulgarian culture. It’s customary to eat a special ring-shaped bread on this day.

Christmas Eve (called "Budni Vecher") is a significant day, and the main Christmas meal is eaten in the evening on this day.

What’s on the Table for Christmas?

The meal traditionally consists of an odd number of dishes (usually 7, 9, or 11)(Salt, pepper, and sugar can each be counted as separate dishes!).

Straw is often placed under the tablecloth, and you might even bring a wooden plow into the house and place it behind the door! These are meant to bring good harvests in the coming year.

There is a special round and decorated bread called "pita," which contains a baked coin. Whoever finds the coin will have good luck in the coming year! Typically, the bread is cut by the eldest person at the meal, who then distributes it around the table.

The meal is usually vegan. It includes dishes such as:

• Bean soup
• Stuffed grape leaves
• Peppers stuffed with rice
• Boiled wheat with sugar and walnuts
• Various pastries
• Kolaks (traditional buns)
• Lots of fruits and nuts, such as dried plums, apricots, oranges, mandarins, and dried fruit compote.

Only after midnight are non-vegan dishes served and eaten! These include foods like "banitsa" (a pastry filled with yogurt and feta cheese) and "baklava" (a dessert made with filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and soaked in syrup or honey).

5 Unique Features of Bulgarian Christmas

1. We Celebrate Christmas on December 25th.

Bulgarians are predominantly Eastern Orthodox, but we follow the Gregorian calendar, so for us, Christmas is on December 25th. Other Eastern Orthodox countries, like Russia or Serbia, celebrate Christmas on January 7th.

2. Christmas in Bulgaria Lasts for Three Days!

It begins on the 25th, the day we believe Jesus Christ was born. The next two days are dedicated to honoring those named Hristo, Hristina, and Joseph on the 26th and Stefan, Stoyan, and Stefka on the 27th.

3. Christmas Follows the Last Day of Fasting – December 24th or Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve, we eat only vegan dishes (just like during the fast) and serve an odd number of dishes. Popular dishes include stuffed peppers with rice or beans, stuffed grape leaves, pumpkin dishes, and traditional bread.

4. Christmas Eve Midnight Brings Another Tradition – Caroling.

Caroling is a ritual that happens at midnight on December 24th, marking the start of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. Carolers, usually young, unmarried men, dress in traditional clothing and visit homes, singing carols and wishing prosperity to the household.

5. Christmas in Bulgaria Is Usually Spent with Family and Loved Ones.

Like everywhere else, we have a Christmas tree and gifts, the most exciting part for everyone. After gift-giving, families gather for a Christmas feast, which may now include meat dishes. Traditionally, this would be pork, though modern tables offer more variety.

10 Strange and Wonderful Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Our favorite Christmas traditions from around the globe are delightful—sometimes peculiar—and guaranteed to fill you with holiday cheer.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. For a few weeks every year, the world glows with magic, people seem happier, and even winter somehow feels cozy.

Whether you celebrate a religious festival like Hanukkah or Christmas or a more secular occasion, you’re sure to have your own set of rituals or customs that make the holiday season special. Here are some of the most fascinating Christmas traditions worldwide, showcasing their beauty and unique charm.

The Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines

The Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul Sampernandu) takes place annually on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando, dubbed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” This festival attracts spectators from across the nation and around the globe. Eleven villages (barangays) compete to build the most elaborate lantern.

Initially, the lanterns were simple creations, about half a meter in diameter, made from “Japanese paper” and lit by candles. Today, they are crafted from diverse materials, reaching up to six meters in size, and illuminated by electric bulbs, creating kaleidoscopic patterns.

Sweden’s Gävle Goat

Since 1966, a 13-meter-tall Yule Goat has been built in Gävle’s Castle Square for Advent. This Swedish Christmas tradition has inadvertently inspired another “tradition”—attempts to burn the goat down. Since its inception, the goat has been successfully burned 29 times, most recently in 2016.

Fried Chicken for Christmas in Japan

Christmas was never a major event in Japan, with only a few secular traditions like gift exchanges and light displays. However, a new and quirky tradition has emerged in recent years—celebrating with Kentucky Fried Chicken. The festive menu will soon be advertised on KFC Japan’s website, featuring everything from standard holiday-themed buckets to premium roasted chicken feasts.

Iceland’s Mischievous Yule Lads

In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, Iceland is visited by 13 mischievous troll-like characters known as Yule Lads (jólasveinar). These tricksters, dressed in traditional Icelandic attire, leave small gifts for children—or potatoes if they’ve been bad. Each lad is known for a specific type of mischief:

• Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod)
• Giljagaur (Gully Gawk)
• Stúfur (Stubby)
• Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker)
• Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper)
• Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker)
• Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer)
• Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler)
• Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper)
• Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper)
• Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook)
• Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer).

Visit Iceland this Christmas and see if you can spot them all!

Norway’s Hidden Brooms

One of the most unorthodox Christmas Eve traditions can be found in Norway, where people hide their brooms. This custom dates back centuries and stems from the belief that witches and evil spirits emerge on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride. Many Norwegians still hide their brooms to this day.

The National Menorah in Washington, D.C.

The Jewish festival of Hanukkah is celebrated with much fanfare in the United States, including the lighting of a giant Menorah on the White House grounds. This annual event, which began in 1979, includes speeches, music, children’s activities, and, of course, the lighting of the Menorah.

The ceremony is free to attend, though tickets must be reserved in advance.

Roller-Skating to Church in Venezuela

If you love Christmas and roller skating, visit Caracas, Venezuela. On Christmas Eve morning, locals head to church on roller skates. This unique tradition is so popular that roads are closed to cars, allowing people to skate safely to church before returning home for a festive meal of “tamales” (corn dough filled with meat and steamed in corn husks).

Day of Little Candles in Colombia

The Day of Little Candles marks Colombia’s start of the Christmas season. In honor of the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies, and front yards. Some of the best displays can be seen in Quimbaya, where neighborhoods compete to create the most impressive arrangements.

Cavalcade of Lights in Toronto

In wintry, magical Toronto, the annual Cavalcade of Lights kicks off the holiday season. The event began in 1967 to showcase the newly built Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square. The square and Christmas tree are illuminated by over 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights, sparkling from dusk until 11 p.m. nightly through New Year’s Eve. On top of that, you can enjoy spectacular fireworks and participate in outdoor ice skating.

What Everyone Should Do for Christmas

Whether you’re staying home or traveling for Christmas, there’s no doubt that the holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of the year.

Christmas is filled with festive traditions, from decorating gingerbread cookies to opening advent calendars. Whether you celebrate the religious aspect of the holiday or not, there are some things you should always do to ensure you have the best season yet.

• Have fun in the snow, no matter your age. Whether you’re skiing, sledding, or simply strolling through your neighborhood, there’s nothing quite like a white Christmas to help you appreciate winter.
• Be creative with your gift wrapping. Sure, one of the main events of Christmas is unwrapping presents, but part of the fun beforehand is wrapping them.
• Spend time with loved ones. Christmas is the perfect time to gather with friends and family to enjoy each other’s company while exchanging gifts.
• Spend an entire day relaxing. This is the perfect excuse to stay in your most festive pajamas... all day.
• Drink warm beverages. There’s no better way to warm up from the cold than with a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
• Visit a Christmas market. Christmas markets are a festive destination throughout the holiday season. They’re also a great place to pick up last-minute gifts.
• Cozy up by the fire (real or fake). Whether you have a wood-burning fireplace or a holiday video of a crackling fire on your TV, the image of flickering flames will make your entire house feel cozy for the holiday.
• Watch your favorite Christmas movie. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Elf,” there’s no shortage of holiday-themed movies to get you into the festive spirit.
• Visit or create a Nativity scene. Whether you visit a live Nativity scene at a local church or set up a smaller display at home, these experiences of the first Christmas are a cherished tradition if you celebrate the religious aspect of the holiday.
• Listen to Christmas music. Christmas music only comes around once a year, so there’s no better time to enjoy your favorite holiday tunes.
• If you love your favorite Christmas songs, why not sing them with friends and family and spread cheer throughout your neighborhood?
• Bake Christmas cookies. The holiday season is full of delicious treats, including Christmas cookies that are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
• Attend a Christmas party. There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than with a festive Christmas gathering of friends and family.
• Chances are, you’ve been decorating your tree as Christmas approaches, but Christmas Eve is the perfect time to finish what you started by placing the star on top.
• Whether you’re traveling or staying in your hometown for the holidays, there’s bound to be a holiday ceremony or event to fill your family with Christmas cheer.
• Complete your advent calendar. Advent calendars are a fun way to countdown to Christmas, so checking off the final day on the list is the best way to kick off Christmas.