Slovenia

For Slovenians, Christmas is a special time of the year when the whole family gathers together. In general, Slovenians tend to stay at home on the Christmas Eve. They usually visit their family and friends during the day. They would also bring each other presents and enjoy the special holiday delights.

Australia

Australia celebrates Christmas in a very special way, because it is summer time for them. In this time in Slovenia, we are hiding in houses and warming ourselves by the fireplace, while Australians go to the beaches. They brighten up Christmas day with outdoor picnics. Typical Christmas dishes are: cold chicken, duck or turkey, seafood, pasta, ham, cold cuts, salads and desserts.

What about their Santa?

In Australia, there is a legend that Santa Claus is replaced by "Swag Man", as there was a possibility that Santa Claus would suffer a stroke due to high temperatures. "Swag Man" is dressed in a blue sleeveless T-shirt and long wide pants, and visits only certain parts of Australia, as most of them swear by the classic Santa Claus. Before going to bed, the children put on socks, in which Santa puts presents for them.

Mexico

In Mexico, a few weeks before Christmas, they decorate stalls called “puesto” offering a variety of products, traditional Mexican food and flowers. The central Christmas celebration in Mexico is called “las posedas,” which shows Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging and a night in the Bethlehem barn. The search for accommodation begins nine days before Christmas, and all those gathered are divided into two groups, pilgrims and innkeepers. On the ninth day, the party begins, where the children take turns trying to open the piñatas with sticks, in which gifts and sweets are hidden.

Czech Republic

An interesting tradition takes place in the Czech Republic on Christmas Day. On December 24, single women are said to have stepped out of the house and taken off their shoes and then thrown them over their shoulders. If the heel of the shoe looked towards the door, it meant that the girl would still be single next year. However, if the heel is facing the street, it is a sign that she will get married next year and can start preparing for the wedding.

China

In China, they celebrate Christmas called “Sheng Dan Jieh,” which means Festival of the Holy Birth. They decorate their houses with paper lanterns and decorate the Christmas tree with chains, flowers and lanterns. Children hang large socks in a prominent place, in which Santa puts gifts.

Russia

Russian tradition dictates that Christmas is celebrated with fasting, which ends after the first church service on Christmas Eve. The Russians do not celebrate Christmas until January 7. Christmas dinner is meatless, and its most important ingredient is oatmeal. On Christmas Eve, the family is visited several times by a priest with minstrels, who sprinkles the premises with blessed water and protects the house from natural disasters.