Winter holidays are a time of celebration in many countries around the world Although there are many similarities, each culture has its own unique way of celebrating the winter season. From Christmas markets in Germany to snow festivals in Japan, winter holidays offer something special in each country.
One of the most popular winter holidays is Christmas. It is celebrated on December 25th in most parts of the world, although some countries celebrate it at a different time of year. Christmas is usually celebrated with family and friends, as well as exchanging presents and decorations. It is also common for countries around the world to have a special Christmas meal or feast.
In Germany, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th, and is known as Weihnachten. On the evening of December 24th, families gather around a decorated tree to open presents and eat a special meal of fish, potato salad, and fruitcake. The streets of German cities are lined with Christmas trees, lights, and decorations, and Christmas markets are full of handcrafted goods.
In Norway, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th and is known as Jul. Norwegians celebrate this special day by baking a traditional Christmas bread called julekake, which is then cut into thin slices and served with butter. On Christmas day, families gather around a decorated Christmas tree to exchange gifts and enjoy a special dinner.
In Japan, Christmas is called Kurisumasu and is celebrated on December 25th. Christmas is not particularly a religious holiday in Japan, but it is still celebrated in several ways. Each year, Christmas Eve is celebrated by Japanese families eating a special Christmas meal at home, such as fried chicken or a Christmas cake. On Christmas Day, many people go to popular spots like Tokyo Disneyland for a festive outing.
In Sweden, Christmas is called jul and is celebrated on December 24th. On the night of December 24th, families gather for a special meal, usually comprising of julbord, which is a smorgasbord of traditional Swedish dishes. This is followed by a round of gift-giving, where presents are typically kept hidden until Christmas morning. Afterward, families sing carols and enjoy a cosy evening by the fireplace.
In Poland, Christmas is called Boże Narodzenie and is celebrated on December 25th. On this special day, Poles attend religious services at church, and then gather with family and friends to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner. Afterward, children go to bed with the expectation that they will find presents under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.
In conclusion, winter holidays are celebrated differently in many countries around the world. German cities are decorated with lights and Christmas markets, Norwegians bake a special Christmas bread, Japan celebrates by going to Tokyo Disneyland, and Swedish families enjoy a cosy night by the fireplace. Finally, in Poland, Christmas is celebrated with a traditional dinner, church services, and gifts. These five countries are great examples of the different ways winter holidays can be enjoyed around the world.