Significance of Celebrating Christmas around the World - By: Stuart Owens

Christmas is one the biggest festivals that is celebrated in many parts of the world today. Especially in the United States where the Christmas season is very cold, adds to the beauty of the glistening snow that is around. Snowmen and angels can be seen in abundance during this time of the year. Not all get this opportunity to celebrate Christmas like this. Every country has its own style and significance of celebrating this beautiful festival. Let's have a close look at how different people celebrate Christmas in different parts of the World.

Christmas in Africa is less commercial than you find in countries like The Americas and Europe. People here gather in groups to sing carols from Congo to down South Africa. Most importantly people present gifts to each other in honor of Jesus Christ. However, in some parts like the Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Egypt follow a different calendar and hence celebrate Christmas on January 7th rather than 25th December.

In Antarctica, People have parties on this day; sing carols and few people prefer some outdoor activities as well. Antarctica is situated on the South Pole and unlike other places, its summer season during this time of the year. However, the climate remains cold even though its summer. Christmas is celebrated by people working in different research centers and tourists who come here. The McMurdo Station being the most densely populated in this continent with 1,200 people, have their reservations for the Christmas buffet. The people here sign up ahead of time to have a get together for their dinner on this day.

Like the Antarctica, even in Australia the Christmas falls on the summer season however, hot. The Children are finished with their year of schooling and are ready for their vacation and to celebrate Christmas. People dress up in their summer wear and go for shopping. On the Day of Christmas Santa Claus also comes to their homes to give gifts. The most spectacular watch on the Christmas Eve is 'Carols by Candlelight'. This tradition started during the year 1937 in Melbourne. Since the year thousands of people gather together all night long to sing their favorite carols with candle in their hands.

Even though Europe as a continent has various types of cultures, the people there celebrate Christmas in common. In places like the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary, the celebration starts on Christmas Eve, December 24th. The people there fast for a day until the big Christmas dinner. After their dinner, people open their presents that they receive through a way which is called as 'Christ Kind' or' Little Jesus'. Mid Night Masses are led as a tradition to end the celebration. The other traditional celebrations include a Christmas tree, Mistletoe and Christmas Carols.

The United States and Canada celebrate Christmas in a very similar manner. Even though it is commercialized to a large extent, people there still maintain the sanctity of Christ's Birth and realize the true meaning of giving during this season. People get together during the Christmas Eve around a fireplace and Christmas tree. Santa Claus generally comes during the midnight to give gifts while the children are asleep.

Thus, we can see that around the world Christmas Celebrations are really grand. People are waiting for this day to give and receive gifts as this festival holds a lot of significance. Even though it is celebrated in different parts of the globe, some of the common elements you can find related to many areas of the world include the lighting of Christmas trees, the hanging of wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes. Having a Dish TV at home I have watched programs featuring the Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ and its celebration around the world.

About the Author

Stuart a freelance writer has written topics related to Christmas before. He likes spending time watching programs on this Dish Network. After his Christmas celebration wants to write about Christmas celebrations around the World.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Stuart-Owens/207270

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