Christmas Celebrations in Europe

European Christmas is all about spending holidays with family. Houses are decorated both inside and outside. It is a time for shopping and oftentimes, the celebrations are so prolonged that you find it difficult to get over the holiday hangovers.

Although, the underlying cause of Christmas celebrations is the same all over the world, there are few traditions that differ widely from one European country to another. Read on to know more about Christmas celebrations in Europe.

In Italy

Christmas in Italy is celebrated between December 26th and January 6th. The main day for exchanging gifts is Epiphany, which is observed on the 12th day after Christmas. Gifts for old and young are brought by La Befana who fills stockings with gifts. Dinner is usually meatless. Another very interesting feature of Christmas tradition in Spain is the ‘seven fishes’dinner. Christmas markets are quite common in Rome. Here you can buy a wide range of Christmas goods and gifts.

In Germany

 

The first time a Christmas tree was decorated in Germany was way back in the 17th century. Father Christmas, also known as ‘Der Weihnachtsmann’brings gifts and presents on December 24th. You will find these presents at the base of the Christmas tree. Germans love decorating their houses with candles and designer electric lights. Goose or a fish carp is oftentimes cooked on this festive occasion.

 

In Portugal

 

Scenes of Nativity are quite common in almost all the Portuguese towns. Christmas dinner referred to as ‘Consoada’is enjoyed with family and friends. The main food items include cabbage, potatoes, and boiled codfishes. This is followed by fried dessert. One of the most interesting features is Janeriras. This is similar to carol singing. There are singers and others who play the local musical instruments.

 

Austrian Christmas

 

The beginning of Christmas in Austria is marked by St Nicholas feast. The saint asks kids for all the good things they have done in the last one year. He has a gift for all the good children. These gifts are placed at the base of the Christmas tree and can be collected on the eve of Christmas. ‘Silent Night’was heard for the first time in 1818 in a church in the village of Oberndorf.

 

In Greece

 

‘Kalandas’or Christmas carols fill the air in Greece during Christmas. These ‘kalandas’date back to the Byzantine era and has been handed down over the years. Presents are exchanged on Feast of St Nicholas. Christmas in Greece lasts until Feast of Epiphany.

 

In United Kingdom

 

The first time Christmas cards were used in United Kingdom was when John Calcott Horsley popularized this tradition. Your Christmas in UK is incomplete unless you taste plum pudding, which is a concoction of spices, suet, flour, nuts, raisins, and sugar.

 

Caroling is quite common in England. Local musicians visit homes and castles. Children usually hang their stockings at the bedside with the hope of receiving gifts and presents from Saint Nicholas.

 

In Spain

 

Christmas celebrations in Spain begin from mid- December. It continues until January 6th. Mangers or the Creches are decorated in most of the houses. Instead of stockings, you will find shoes placed on balconies. It is believed that Wise Men fill these shoes with presents and gifts.

 

Christmas celebrations in Europe take place differently. Some believe in Santa Claus, some in the Wise Men while few believe in St Nicholas. What matters at the end of the day is how well you have enjoyed each moment of this festive season. This is the time when you can let your hair down and wait for one year when you can rejoice again.

Last updated on 14/07/2011