T h e G u i d e • 1 2 - 4 - 2 4 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over the world. Christmas celebrations include various time-honored traditions that celebrants hold near and dear to their hearts. Depending on where someone lives, their Christmas traditions may look quite di erent from those in other parts of the globe. It can enjoyable to learn how Christmas is celebrated elsewhere and perhaps even incorporate a few new traditions into your celebrations. Take a peek at these customs near and far. Seafood and beachside celebrations Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, which means Aussies are enjoying the peak of their summer come December 25. A white Christmas is unlikely, unless the “white” refers to white, sandy beaches. Santa is probably swapping his thick coat for a pair of board shorts, and heavy, roast-laden meals are unlikely to make it on to the menu. Instead, Australians dine on seafood feasts and spend Christmas outdoors camping or at the beach. Krampus parade Some Christmas elves are not so jolly. Just ask residents of the Austrian, German and Hungarian Alps. Each year in this region, a true “Bad Santa” is the talk of town. Villagers believed that Krampus, a half-man, half-goat creature with a legion of ill-tempered elves, roamed the mountains wreaking havoc. Krampus was said to abduct miscreants and set unruly youth or even intoxicated adults straight. Today, Krampus is more the “bad cop” to Santa’s “good cop” persona. Krampus is celebrated as an antihero at parades and other events. Las Posadas According to scripture, Joseph and Mary had to make an arduous journey from their hometown to Bethlehem for census purposes while Mary was pregnant. When the couple arrived, they found lodgings were nonexistent, and Mary ended up giving birth to Jesus in a manger surrounded by animals. In celebration of that journey, people in Mexico and Guatemala celebrate Las Posadas, a procession representing Mary and Joseph’s journey and their struggle to nd lodging. La Befana In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch-like old woman who, like Santa, delivers gifts to children throughout Italy. Instead of this gift-giving taking place on Christmas, La Befana hands out gifts on the Epiphany Eve in a similar way to how the ree Magi brought presents to Baby Jesus. Le Befana also is believed to y through the night sky to sweep away all the troubles of the old year and clear the way for a fresh start. Move over reindeer Although reindeer often garner fanfare this time of year, the Yule goat is a Christmas symbol and tradition in Scandinavia and northern Europe. Each year in towns throughout Sweden and other areas, large statues of Yule goats are built on the rst day of Advent and stand throughout the holiday season. is tradition dates back to ancient Pagan festivals, and some believe the goat is connected to the Norse god or, who rode in the sky in a chariot pulled by two goats. Holiday traditions di er considerably in various regions of the world. Celebrants may want to consider incorporating foreign traditions into their own Christmas celebrations this year. Notable Christmas Celebrations Around the World
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