European Christmas Traditions

Christmas is an enjoyable period of the year where one can have parties, feasts and family get together. The entire atmosphere is full of gusto happiness and festive fervor. People start preparation for the festival as early as last week of November. Homes are cleaned and decorated with wreaths, light and twigs. Christmas tree is brought home and decked up. Everyone is eager to welcome the festival and enjoy the festivities. The festival of Christmas has universal appeal. A lot of traditions are associated with Christmas all over the world.

Traditions change from one nation to other. The Christmas traditions are the age old customs followed in the culture of that nation. As per the geographical conditions, weather and food habits, the traditions of Christmas change. In Central European countries, Christmas is celebrated with great joy and happiness. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve. The people from countries like Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany fast on the Christmas Eve. The children are told that if they fast for the entire day then they will be able to see a golden pig in the night. The family comes together to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner. The food varies from one region to other.

The dinner is served with traditional dishes like fried carp with potato salad, fish, soups, porridge with mushrooms and so on. A variety of cakes, cookies and puddings are prepared as desert. The food is served with wine and other drinks specially made for Christmas. On the Christmas Eve, people go to church to attend midnight mass. The homes are decorated with wreaths, twigs of mistletoe and holly. A Christmas tree is well-lit and decked up with decorations. There are flower garlands used to decorate homes anf the surroundings. Gifts are opened after the Christmas dinner. Everyone gets a gift that is placed down of the Christmas tree.

In German speaking countries of Europe, Santa comes in form of “Christkind”. No one has seen him but he rings bell to announce that the Christmas tree and gifts are ready on the evening of Christmas Eve. The Christmas tree is elaborately decorated and displayed on Christmas Eve. People attend church for late afternoon service. The service is followed by feast and gifts distribution. People enjoy carols and Christmas music. In Germany, Santa Claus asks small children to sing a song or poem. After that he gives them a gift or sweets. There is a custom in some families to sing carols sitting around the Christmas tree before opening gifts.

In Hungary, one can observe people enacting the scene of Christ’s birth. The actors use special costumes to play the roles of Mother Mary, Joseph, shepherds and so on. These actors get gifts after their performance. In Poland, feasting starts on the Christmas Eve when the first star appears in the sky. The entire Christmas is spent with family enjoying the celebrations.