The Heart of Christmas: Celebrating Traditions Around the World

Christmas is such a special time of year, and one of the things I love most about it is how uniquely it’s celebrated around the world. Every culture adds its own beautiful traditions to the season, blending universal joy with local customs that reflect history, family, and community. Learning about these different ways people celebrate always fills me with a sense of wonder—it’s like seeing Christmas through a new lens each time.

Take the Philippines, for example, where Christmas is more than just a day; it’s practically a way of life for months. I once learned from a Filipino friend that the celebrations there start as early as September. Can you imagine four months of Christmas? Homes and streets light up with colorful parols, those iconic star-shaped lanterns, and the air fills with music and caroling. Families gather for Noche Buena, a feast that takes place after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The idea of sitting around the table late at night with your loved ones, sharing dishes like lechon (roast pig) and sweet rice cakes, feels like the perfect way to honor the season.

Iceland, on the other hand, has a Christmas tradition that feels like stepping into a storybook. Instead of one Santa, children there are visited by 13 Yule Lads, playful troll-like characters who come down from the mountains one by one in the days leading up to Christmas. Each Lad has a distinct personality—some leave treats in shoes left by the window, while others might leave a potato for kids who’ve been naughty. It’s such a fun and whimsical twist on the season. Then there’s the Yule Cat, a giant feline who, according to legend, rewards those who’ve received new clothes for Christmas and ignores anyone without. It’s such a quirky custom, but one that makes the holiday even more memorable.

And then there’s Mexico, where Las Posadas brings the community together in a beautiful way. For nine nights leading up to Christmas, people reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, walking from house to house in a joyful procession filled with music, candles, and laughter. It’s not just a tradition; it’s a celebration of togetherness. Afterwards, everyone gathers to break piñatas, share food, and enjoy the company of neighbours and friends. It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t just about gifts—it’s about community, connection, and the joy of being with others.

What I love most about learning about these traditions is how they all capture the same essence of Christmas, even though they’re so different. No matter where you are in the world, Christmas is about coming together, creating memories, and spreading joy in ways that are deeply meaningful. It reminds me that while we may celebrate in different ways, the heart of the season is something we all share.