Christmas Around the World: How 6 Countries Celebrate the Holidays

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🎄 What We’re Using This Christmas (Amazon Favorites)
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🎄Kids’ Christmas Activity Book (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Playdough Kit (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Book Set (Amazon)
🎄Easy Gingerbread House Kit (Amazon)
🎄Washable Christmas Stampers (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Fun Game (Amazon)
🎄Kids’ Christmas Craft Set (Amazon)

Every December, my kids and I love diving into Christmas traditions from around the world. It’s one of those homeschool (or family) projects that feels more like a festive adventure than a lesson — and honestly, that’s my favorite kind of learning!

This year, we explored how six countries—Mexico, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Australia, and the Philippines—celebrate Christmas, and it turned into one of the most fun global lessons we’ve ever done.

If you’ve ever wondered how other cultures deck the halls, what they eat, or how they bring their communities together, you’re in for a treat. Grab some cocoa, pull out your world map, and let’s take a magical trip around the globe.

Mexico: Las Posadas and the Joy of Community

In Mexico, Christmas isn’t just a one-day celebration — it’s a nine-day event called Las Posadas that starts on December 16th and ends on Christmas Eve. Families reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, visiting different houses each night while singing traditional songs.

Each evening ends with food, music, and of course, a piñata shaped like a star, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Kids love this part (and so do I, honestly). It’s a beautiful mix of faith, fun, and togetherness that reminds us how important community is during the holidays.

If you try this at home, you could set up your own mini Las Posadas walk or decorate a star piñata as a hands-on craft. My kids loved labeling Mexico on our world map and then creating their own “fiesta night” with traditional foods like tamales and ponche (a warm fruit punch).

Germany: The Sparkle of Christmas Markets

Germany is often credited with starting many Christmas traditions we now enjoy worldwide — like the Christmas tree! But one of my personal favorites is their Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte.

These markets pop up in towns and cities throughout Germany in late November and are filled with twinkling lights, the smell of roasted nuts, handmade gifts, and steaming mugs of spiced cider.

For homeschoolers or families learning about world cultures, you can recreate your own mini market at home. Have your kids make crafts or homemade ornaments to “sell” at your family market. You can even bake Lebkuchen (German gingerbread) together — it’s a cozy way to bring this German tradition to life while sneaking in a little geography and cultural learning.

Japan: A Modern Twist on Christmas Cheer

Japan celebrates Christmas a bit differently — it’s not a religious holiday there, but more of a season to spread happiness and love. Think twinkling lights, romantic dinners, and lots of festive displays.

But here’s the fun part: KFC (yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken) has become a huge Christmas tradition in Japan! Families place their orders weeks in advance for their Christmas “party buckets.” This started as a marketing campaign in the 1970s but quickly became a beloved tradition.

When my kids learned this, they couldn’t stop laughing — and of course, we had to make our own “Christmas dinner” inspired by Japan. It’s a great way to talk about how cultures adopt and adapt traditions in creative ways.

Sweden: The Festival of Lights – St. Lucia Day

In Sweden, the holiday season begins with St. Lucia Day on December 13th, a celebration of light during the darkest time of the year. Traditionally, the oldest daughter dresses in a white gown with a red sash and a wreath of candles on her head (battery-powered is totally fine 😉). She serves coffee and Lussekatter, which are saffron-flavored buns, to her family.

This beautiful tradition honors St. Lucia, a symbol of hope and kindness. It’s one of those celebrations that perfectly captures the magic of Christmas — the idea of bringing light to others.

At home, you can celebrate by baking sweet rolls and reading stories about St. Lucia. My kids love making paper candle crowns while learning about the symbolism behind them.

Australia: Christmas in the Summer Sun

When you think of Christmas, you probably picture snow and cozy fireplaces. But in Australia, Christmas happens right in the middle of summer! Instead of snowball fights, families have barbecues on the beach and decorate with seashells, surfboards, and sun hats.

One of my favorite Aussie traditions is Carols by Candlelight — outdoor concerts where communities gather at night to sing Christmas songs under the stars.

This one is such a fun twist for kids to learn that Christmas doesn’t always mean snow — it’s about joy, no matter the weather! You can bring the “Aussie spirit” home by making beach-themed ornaments (think starfish and sand designs) or hosting a “summer Christmas” family night with outdoor games and a picnic dinner.

The Philippines: The Longest and Brightest Christmas Season

If there’s one country that truly goes all out for Christmas, it’s the Philippines. They start celebrating as early as September — yes, you read that right — and continue through January!

One of the most iconic traditions is the Parol, a beautiful star-shaped lantern made from bamboo and paper, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Homes, schools, and streets glow with hundreds of them, creating one of the most magical Christmas scenes in the world.

We made our own paper parol at home using simple craft supplies, and it instantly became a favorite project. The light shining through the paper gave our room such a warm, peaceful feeling. It’s also a wonderful way to connect art, geography, and cultural appreciation all in one.

Bringing It All Together: A Global Christmas Learning Experience

Learning about Christmas around the world isn’t just fun — it helps kids see the beauty in diversity, empathy, and tradition. It’s a hands-on geography lesson that doesn’t feel like “schoolwork” at all.

That’s exactly why I created my printable mini-lesson, Discover Christmas Around the World: A Fun and Educational Mini-Lesson — to make this global exploration easy, interactive, and meaningful for families and homeschoolers.

Here’s what’s inside:

✈️ Map and geography activity – Kids label each country and connect geography with cultural exploration.
🍪 Global recipe ideas – Try simple Christmas treats inspired by each country.
✂️ Hands-on crafts – From a Filipino parol lantern to Aussie beach decorations.
📝 Reflection pages – Kids can compare traditions and share their favorite discoveries.

Whether you’re a homeschool family, teacher, or parent looking for festive learning fun, this printable helps you bring the world home for Christmas.

Why This Matters

In a world where Christmas can sometimes feel all about presents, exploring how other cultures celebrate helps kids (and us!) rediscover the heart of the season — connection, gratitude, and creativity.

Every tradition tells a story. And when kids understand those stories, they start to see how big and beautiful the world really is.

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Which country’s tradition would you love to try with your family this year? Have you ever celebrated a global Christmas before?

Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear your favorite traditions or how you plan to bring a little international magic into your holidays this year!

Ready to explore the magic of global Christmas traditions with your kids?
👉 Get your Discover Christmas Around the World: A Fun and Educational Mini-Lesson printable here!

It’s a fun, meaningful way to combine geography, culture, and holiday joy — and create memories your family will never forget.

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