Oh DEER, Christmas is here!

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”

~ Edna Ferber

The month of December has arrived and for many people around the world, it signifies the start of the Christmas holiday. In America, many families decorate pine trees with lights, ornaments, and tinsel, exchange gifts, and host large feasts. However, it is seen that not all countries celebrate this way. In fact, Sweden, the Philippines, Japan, and Norway have distinct traditions that differ greatly from those in America.

Sweden

In addition to eating a large feast consisting of cold fish and meat, cheese, salads, pickles, potatoes, bread, and pastries, Swedish families often gaze at the astonishing structure of the Yule Goat (otherwise known as the Gävle Goat). The Yule Goat is impressive in the aspect that it is 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, weighs 3.6 tons, and is made entirely out of straw! Every year during the Christmas season, the construction and the dismantling of the Yule Goat is broadcasted live for all families in Sweden to see.

The Philippines

The Philippines is definitely known for its extravagant efforts during Christmas because of the importance of this holiday for them. In fact, Filipinos are often seen to stay awake all night into Christmas Day! A Christmas tradition in the Philippines that is well-known around the world is their Giant Lantern Festival (otherwise known as Ligligan Parul). In this festival, huge lanterns litter and illuminate the dark night sky to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. It is quite a sight to see!

Japan

As previously mentioned, Christmas is often filled with lavish homecooked meals to create huge feasts. However, in Japan, the Christmas tradition is to order boxes of fried chicken and meals from KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). This tradition allowed Japan to open up to this holiday as Christmas wasn’t a widely celebrated holiday in this country before.

Norway

Norway still practices an ancient Christmas tradition where people hide any brooms that they may own in their homes. By doing this, they prevent witches and evil spirits from stealing the brooms to ride on.

Overall, although countries have different customs when celebrating Christmas, these traditions are utilized to bring families together in harmony and happiness. Keeping this in mind, have a safe and Merry Christmas!