Are you curious about what some countries prepare or do during the Christmas holidays? Well, if you are, I have a shortlist of Christmas customs from all over the world that you can read through! Here is the list:

Philippines

If you think that the United States always goes all out when it comes to Christmas decorations, you should try visiting the Philippines during the holidays. Every Christmas of every year, San Fernando, a city from the Philippines, holds a “Ligligan Parul.” It’s basically a giant lantern festival and features lots of dazzling parols, which are lanterns in English. These parols symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. For every parol, they have thousands of spinning lights that illuminate the night sky so beautifully. With this festival, the city, San Fernando, was named the “Christmas capital of the Philippines.”

Sweden

As for Sweden, they have the Yule goat that has been a symbol of Swedish Christmas that dates back to the ancient pagan festivals. In the year 1966, the whole tradition got a whole new life after someone thought that making a giant straw goat was a good idea, and now it’s called the Gavle Goat. This giant goat made out of straw weighs 3.6 tons, 23 feet wide and 42 feet high, and it is constructed every year in the same spot. Also, people who are fond of this giant goat can even watch a live stream that begins on the Advent’s first Sunday and ends after New Year’s. That’s when they take it down.

Finland

When the morning comes during Christmas, families from Finland eat porridge made out of milk and rice topped with some butter, cinnamon, or some more milk as a tradition. An almond is placed inside one of the puddings, and the family member or friend who finds it is the winner. Some families also cheat and hide more than one almond so that the children do no become upset. And when the day comes to an end, some families visit the sauna together to warm up.

South Africa

In South Africa, the traditions can vary by the culture and region, but most families come together to prepare for a cookout. During the holidays of winter, they call it “braaing.” For the main course, they serve boerewors sausages, and marinated steaks followed by malva pudding served with custard with it.

Switzerland

Families from Switzerland create their own advent calendar just for the Christmas holiday. The calendars are given to the children or they are made altogether, like a super fun activity. There is a surprise or yummy treat for each bag that’s revealed, and then on Christmas, you have the last and biggest gift.

Brazil and Portugal

Portuguese and Brazilian families come together on the eve of Christmas so that they can eat dinner as late as 10 p.m. Then, after the clock strikes midnight, that’s when the exchange of gifts, toasts, and other kinds of festive things happen. Midnight masses are also held, and they are called “Missa Do Galo,” which is a “rooster mass” in English. This is the chance where you can meet up with your neighbors and some other relatives so that you can also wish them a very well holiday season. After that, fireworks will then fill the town’s sky.

What did you think of the countries that I have covered? If you were to choose from one of these, which one is your favorite among the ones I’ve listed? You can pour all your thoughts down in the comment section!