The magic of the holiday season is extraordinary because, for just a few weeks in December every year, the world celebrates. It’s a moment of joy and wonderment to behold for kids and adults alike. Though the particular holiday may vary from culture to culture, there are common threads within each that include feasting, caroling, celebrations, and presents. Here in the states, Santa Clause and his elves make gifts in his workshop and deliver them to kids across the country with help from flying reindeer on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is when presents are opened, time is spent with family, and a delicious meal is enjoyed. Below are some unique yet wonderful traditions other cultures celebrate.

Columbia – Day of the Little Candles

Dia de las Velitas, Little Candles Day, is celebrated each year in Columbia on December 7th and indicates the start of the Christmas season. In honor of the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, Columbians adorn their balconies, windows, and front yards with pretty paper lanterns and candles. This tradition has become quite popular in recent years with entire towns competing with extravagant displays and impressive arrangements. It’s a wonderful sight to see.

Venezuela – Rollerblading

Christmas Eve for the residents of Caracas, Venezuela, includes heading out to church in the morning – on roller skates. It’s not clear how this tradition started, but it’s so popular that the city has to close down several roads so people can skate their way to church safely. After church, they return home for a very non-traditional Christmas meal full of tamales.

Italy – Feast of the 7 Fishes

A notable Christmas tradition in Italy has kids dressed up in shepherd hats and sandals singing carols and playing songs. On Christmas Eve, a dinner of only seafood only is enjoyed (no meat) and then the citizens go to a Midnight Mass service. Afterward, they have “Panettone,” an Italian Christmas cake. On Christmas Day, the main meal consists of “the feast of the seven fishes,” which includes seafood such as calamari, sardines, baccala, eel, and clams.

Sweden – St. Lucia Day

The Christmas tradition in Sweden starts on December 13th, Saint Lucia Day, which is a day that honors a third-century martyr who took food to the Christians hiding in the catacombs. St. Lucia is known for using a candle-lit wreath to light her way in the darkness. In honor of this, Sweden’s Christmas tradition involves the eldest daughter dressing up in a white garment wearing a crown of candles, and serving cookies, coffee, buns, and wine to her family.

England – Christmas Cracker

On Christmas Day in England, guests and family gather for a midday feast. On the table are colorfully decorated Christmas crackers. The cracker is a wrapped paper tube that has tabs on both ends. When pulled apart, the cracker makes a loud cracking or popping sound. Inside are small trinkets such as a tiny toy, candy, and a paper hat. There is also typically a piece of paper with a motto, joke, or riddle that everyone must read aloud.

Here at Allan’s Flowers, we know that no matter where you live in the world, flowers are a universally well-received gift. Make someone’s holiday brighter with a gift of flowers.