This is how Christmas is celebrated in other parts of the world

BarcelonaWhile we celebrate the Tió de Nadal's defecation and adopt Santa Claus, in other parts of the world they await the arrival of Befana or the visit of Babouschka, according to the San Juan de Dios Hospital's School of Health. However, what all countries do share is that children and families experience the Christmas holidays with the same excitement, but how do they experience them?

Italy

Popular legend tells that the Three Wise Men, on their way to the manger in Bethlehem, became disoriented and asked an old woman for directions to the baby Jesus. The woman gave them incorrect directions, and Their Majesties got lost. The Wise Men arrived a few days late, which greatly saddened the old woman. Therefore, every January 5th, Befana arrives at Italian homes with a broom, carrying gifts to offer to the baby Jesus in case, by chance, they find him in someone's house. Furthermore, in Italy, Christmas Eve is celebrated as... Christmas Eve with a cenone (The grand dinner) is fish-based. For dessert, panettone reigns supreme.

Nordic countries

In Sweden, the holidays begin earlier than here, and girls are the main focus. On December 13th, Saint Lucia's Night is celebrated, during which towns, schools, and families choose a girl and dress her in a white robe and a crown of candles. The girls also participate in a festive procession in honor of Saint Lucia, singing traditional Christmas carols. In Finland, as here, they also celebrate Christmas Eve with their families and exchange gifts, but the 25th is a quiet day, and on the 26th they celebrate the holidays with their friends. It's worth remembering that the Scandinavian countries are home to Santa Claus (whom they call Joulupukki), and therefore, he can be visited year-round at his gift workshop in Rovaniemi, in the Lapland region within the Arctic Circle.

Germany

German children eagerly await the arrival of Saint Nicholas on December 6th. The night before, they leave their shoes outside their front door. If they have been good, he will bring them chocolate, sweets, and other surprises. If, on the other hand, they have been naughty, Krampus—a creature somewhere between a demon and a satyr—will leave them dry branches. On the 24th, many homes also receive a visit from Der Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas), who arrives with more gifts. However, in some parts of the country, as in Austria and Switzerland, children don't wait for Father Christmas but for...ChristkindThe messenger of the Christ Child. Most often, she is a very elegant young woman dressed as an angel, who leaves a small gift at the sound of a bell.

Russia

As in Italy, Russian homes receive a visit from an elderly woman called a Babouschka (grandmother). However, Christmas is not celebrated on December 25th, but thirteen days later, on January 7th, the date of Jesus' birth according to the Orthodox Church calendar, the country's religion. On that day, children eat a twelve-course meal and especially enjoy beetroot soup. Instead of Santa Claus, Russian children welcome Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), who arrives on New Year's Day with gifts.

Japan

Unlike most countries, Christmas Eve in Japan is not spent with family, as December 24th is officially Valentine's Day and is celebrated with a partner. It is on New Year's Day that children receive gifts. Tradition dictates that the first meal of the year guarantees good luck.

Australia

While it's cold in the Northern Hemisphere during Christmas, the holidays are celebrated in the middle of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. In Australia, this also coincides with the start of the school holidays. Australian families often celebrate Christmas Day outdoors, enjoying a fresh meal on the beach. On December 25th, for example, more than 40,000 people gather at Bondi Beach in Sydney, and as night falls, they watch the fireworks display at the Pont du Port. In this part of the world, Santa's sleigh isn't pulled by reindeer but by six white kangaroos (the Six White Boomers). Some homes also receive a visit from an alternative Santa Claus called Swag Man, a man in a t-shirt and hat who delivers presents dressed more appropriately for the warmer weather.

Brazil

The beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana sparkle with fireworks on Christmas Eve. Also in Brazil, Santa Claus delivers presents in the middle of summer and, therefore, wears lighter, silk clothing. He visits the children of Rio de Janeiro after dinner, which they call Ceia de Natal, where the family gathers to eat turkey.

Mexico

During the nine days leading up to Christmas, Mexicans celebrate Las Posadas, a religious tradition with a very solemn character for families, which ends with a piñata, a source of great fun for children. Blindfolded, the children hit the piñata to break it and knock out the fruit, sweets, and Christmas treats inside. The adults receive the new gifts, which they call "estrenos." Christmas bonusNuts, pine nuts, peanuts, and cookies. The party and music continue throughout Christmas Eve.