Christmas is a time for celebrating, and everyone celebrates Christmas in different ways. Of course, people who are Christian often think of Christmas as the biggest celebration of the year. However, Christmas is not something that is only celebrated by people of the Christian faith. Christmas is celebrated in many countries around the world. While most Christmas celebrations include some or all of the following: caroling, feasting, gift-giving, prayers, and family traditions, not all celebrations are the same. The following is a look at the ways Christmas is celebrated in various parts of the world.

You will find that while people celebrate Christmas around the world, the mode of celebration, the dates and the traditions vary. No matter how they vary, the spirit of Christmas remains the same.

Belgium

In Belgium, Sinterklaas or Saint-Nicholas is celebrated on the sixth of December. This is a different holiday from Christmas. Christmas has a celebration of Santa Claus, but in Belgium this person is called de Kerstman or le Père Noël. This character comes around on Christmas day to bring children presents. Different parts of Belgium celebrate Christmas in different ways. However, generally, small family presents are given under the tree, or in stockings near the fire-place. Usually the food is a big part of the celebration of Christmas. Christmas breakfast is a special sweet bread called 'cougnou' or 'cougnolle' - the shape is supposed to be like baby Jesus. And, many of the families will have a large meal and gathering on Christmas day.

Brazil

In Brazil there is a Santa Claus or Father Christmas called Papai Noel. The Christmas customs in Brazil are fairly similar to those in the US or UK. Usually the more affluent families will have a large meal that includes chicken, turkey, ham, rice, salad, pork, fresh and dried fruits, all washed down with beer. The poorer people still make a special meal out of Christmas, but it will just have chicken and rice.    Finland

Finnish people believe in Father Christmas. Many people send letters to Finland because it is believed that this is where Santa Claus lives. In order to celebrate Christmas everyone cleans their houses. They do their best to make it ready for the three holy days of Christmas, which include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. In Finland, Christmas Eve is very special, people eat rice porridge and a sweet soup made from dried fruits (plums, raisins, apples, pears, apricots and figs). The celebration includes eating this in the morning or at lunchtime. They also decorate a spruce tree in the home, and then at mid-day, there is a 'Christmas peace declaration' that is broadcast on the radio and television. Then, in the evening there is a big traditional Christmas dinner that includes foods like 'casseroles' containing liver, rutabaga, carrot and potato, with cooked ham or turkey. Some families eat liver pate. There are various food traditions at Christmas, and they change depending on the part of Finland you live in. Other Christmas traditions include watching the peace declaration, then eating a big meal, then going to church.  They have a Christmas tree, burning candles and hyacinthe and poinsettia's.  One other Christmas tradition and celebration include lighting candles and taking them to the graves of their loved ones. They go to church, come home, eat a festive dinner, and then Santa Claus or Father Christmas comes and brings presents to the Children. After that the presents under the tree are opened. So, most of the celebrating takes place on Christmas Eve.

 France

In France, Christmas is called 'Noël, but is celebrated with Christmas trees, lights, and an important family meal with meat and wine. In France some people send Christmas cards, but it is not as common of a tradition as it is in the US.

Germany

Germans celebrate Christmas by decorating their houses. They will put electric candles in the windows, and colored pictures or plastic. They hand wreathes of leaves and candles, then, on the four weeks before Christmas, called Advent, they will light one candle per week. On each Sunday of Advent, another candle is lit. Also in Germany, many homes display a little wooden cribs for the Baby Jesus. In Germany they have Father Christmas called 'Der Weihnachtsmann', who brings presents in the late afternoon of Christmas Eve. People go to church, then gather as a family, and the presents are under a tree. Usually a family member will ring a bell, and the family will gather. Then, on Christmas Day, they eat carp or goose for their meal.

Hungary

In Hungary Santa Clause is referred to as the Winter-grandfather, or Tel-apo or Mikulas. He comes on the 6th of December. In order to get his gifts, children put their shoes outside next to the door or window before they go to sleep. The shoes are filled with toys and candy in red bags. If the child is bad, they do not get coal like in the US stories, but instead get golden birch next to the treats. This is the symbol of a spanking, but is just for fun. On Christmas, the gift bringer is not Santa, but the Baby Jesus. So, on 24th of December, children go to their relatives, and when they return home there is a tree and gifts at their home. Usually the tree is decorated with edible items, like chocolates or cookies, and it also usually has candles. Families gather for a festive dinner for that night, usually fish, rice, pastries, etc. After they eat, they go see the tree for the first time, and sing songs and exchange gifts. They then attend midnight mass, then go home to bed. On Christmas day the children get to enjoy the edible part of the tree. And families reconvene for more festive food.

Latvia

Latvians believe that Father Christmas brings presents on each of the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas Eve. Usually the presents are put under a family Christmas tree. The families gather on Christmas Day for a large meal of cooked brown peas with bacon or pork sauce, small pies, cabbage, and sausage.

New Zealand

In New Zealand the Christmas holiday is celebrated with gifts under the tree, to be opened Christmas morning. Then Christmas Day family fathers and eats turkey or chicken with all the trimmings. Later in the day friends and family usually get together for a BBQ where they have some beers and wine, and enjoy time spent together.

Portugal

In Portugal people celebrate Christmas with the tradition that Father Christmas brings presents to children on Christmas Eve. The presents are left either under the Christmas tree or in shoes by the fireplace. A special Christmas meal is prepared to be eating on Christmas Eve, it is usually a meal of salted dry cod-fish with boiled potatoes. This is typically eaten at midnight on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, children open gifts from Father Christmas and anything else they are given.

Romania

People from Romania celebrate Christmas with stuffed cabbage on Christmas Eve, and again the next day for lunch. Usually on the 25th of December, the family goes to church together, eats stuffed cabbage, and spends time as a family in a festive decorated house.

Russia

Before Russia became Russia, Christmas was fairly ignored; New Years was the day that was celebrated. Father Frost brought presents to children on New Years. However, today Christmas can be celebrated openly. It is typically celebrated on January 7th because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old 'Julian' calendar for religious celebration days. To celebrate they prepare special Christmas foods, such as cakes, pies and 'meat dumplings'. They often give gifts, and dress in special attire. It is a family day.

As you can see Christmas is celebrated at different times and in different ways all over the world. In some cases the main figure of Christmas is a Santa figure. In other countries it is Christ or Baby Jesus. Some people celebrate Christmas by attending church, others celebrate by having parties. However, most people celebrate with special foods, fun decorations, and of course, family and friends gathered around.

Whether you celebrate Christmas for religious reasons or just because it is a perfect way to find excuses for taking work off and spending time with family. Some people give gifts, others just give love, but no matter how you celebrate Christmas, or whether or not you even do, just enjoy the time of year when children are filled with excitement, and the world is closer to peace.

Most people celebrate Christmas with special family traditions that cross over borders, typical customs, and traditions, and are just about what is fun and memorable for their family. Some try to keep their history alive, others try to start new Christmas traditions. Celebrate Christmas the way you want.