The many ways to celebrate Christmas

The season of multicoloured lights, frantic shopping trios, of the spirit of togetherness and the finest culinary treats is almost with us. When rejoicing knocks on the door, lighting up the houses with shades of red and green, we know that Christmas is approaching. But if out tables here are filled with the famous and traditional cod and boiled potatoes drizzled with olive oil, or the irresistible turkey, what will it be like in other countries? Will there also be a tradition of giving and receiving gifts? And watch the film «Alone at Home» with the family? V&G has travelled through four countries, on a quest to find out how Christmas is in some different cultures and brings you some curiosities. 

Norway: hide your brooms
It may seem strange, but in Norway they hide the brooms. This centuries-old tradition dictates that you need to find a safe place to camouflage your brooms. Why? In the olden days, people believed that there were witches and evil spirits and on Christmas Eve they were said to appear in every house to steal the brooms and fly away. Apart from scary stories, the Christmas menu includes sweets, such as goro, krumkake or berlinerkranser cookies. For main course pork chops and codfish. Other highlight include Gingerbread houses, made with the most popular sweet of the season, pepperkake, and Father Christmas, who actually has another name in Norway: Julenisse. 

Austria: escape the Krampus
Although it may seem like Halloween, Christmas in Austria features the appearance of a demonic creature called the Krampus. It is said that if you’ve been naughty, your punishment appears in the form of two horns, a wrinkled face and a terrifying expression. On Christmas Eve, youngsters dress up as the Krampus and roam the streets, frightening children with chains and bells. As to Father Christmas, known locally as the Weihnachtsmann, it must be said that he is not the only protagonist of this season. The Christkind or the ‘Christ-Child’ is another important figure, a kind of angel with golden hair, who is in charge of handing out the presents on Christmas Eve. Another fact is that Austrians aren’t particularly keen on artificial trees for Christmas purposes and traditional natural fir trees are sold in many outlets. 

January 7 is the day Ukraine celebrates Christmas

Ukraine: the 13 days behind
Yes, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas. And no, they are not late. January 07 is the day Ukraine celebrates Christmas, since Orthodox Christianity is governed by the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind its Gregorian counterpart. Christmas dinner takes place on the 6th and, the most impressive thing is that there is a tradition of 12 different dishes on the table, representing the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Traditional food varies between soup, dumplings, mushrooms, fish and many kinds of cookies. In a place of honour, there is also the didukh. This is a festive sheaf of wheat, a type of object that connects the spirits of the ancestors with the living. It is also said that the Christmas dinner only begins when the first shooting star of the night has been seen, and then a candle is lit, prayers are said and appetites are sated. The ceremony of the birth of Jesus takes place the following day and, contrary to common practice, presents are only exchanged on New Year's Eve. The 7th, 8th and 9th are public holidays, allowing time for what Ukrainian culture cherishes most: family. Just one more piece of information: the Christmas season ends perfectly, at the moment a spider in spotted on the Christmas tree. These creatures are seen as bearers of good fortune. Legend has it that whoever finds them will enjoy a year full of wealth.  

Austria’s Christmas features the appearance of a demonic creature called the Krampus

Finland: no sauna, no Christmas
Most of the celebrations take place on Christmas Eve. After a slew of beers and Christmas carols noon comes along, and it is time to watch the proclamation of «Christmas Peace», made by the municipal secretary of the city of Turku. This is a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, in which the true sentiment of peace is upheld in this Nordic Christmas greeting, in a speech that is broadcast every year by the media. This is followed by the Christmas mass, which takes place during the afternoon or early evening, and of course the main meal of the day: pork shank with mashed swede and carrots. And the day doesn’t end until the Finn has exchanged some Christmas tunes with a sauna. Thus is a pivotal moment, which brightens the Christmas spirit. The end of the evening is reserved for children, who receive the beloved Father Christmas in their homes.
It's fair to say that Christmas is truly magical here. Snow covers Finland with white and the sun only appears from 10 am to 2 pm, allowing the Christmas lights to take over the landscape like millions of twinkling fireflies.