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Among the religious holiday in the Western tradition Christmas can be safely given the top priority. But in Moldova the situation is slightly different, and the main religious holiday here is usually considered to be Easter. One possible explanation for it could be the fact that Christmas is really close to New Year, and the two holidays sort of mingle together, while most of the people prefer to celebrate New Year. This does not imply however, that proper respect to Christmas traditions is absent in Moldovan culture.

Moldova is an Orthodox country, and as such celebrates Christmas on the night of the 6th of January passing into the 7th of January. One of the most common traditions is the Christmas tree, although people in Moldova usually decorate the Christmas tree on New Year’s Eve, and some call it the New Year Tree. And the presents brought by Santa Claus are also sometimes called New Year gifts rather than Christmas gifts. Something unique for Christmas in Moldova is the tradition of carols. The idea is that children, and some adults walk door to door to congratulate their neighbors, friends, or relatives with the coming of Christmas. They sing carols and receive gifts. Many people also go to church on this day, since Christmas is a religious holiday after all. Others simply visit their relatives and friends to break bread together during a Christmas dinner.

Christmas in Moldova is the last holiday in the cycle of New Year holidays that starts on the 31st of December and ends on January 7th. Although some people celebrate the Catholic Christmas on the 24th, as well as the so-called old New Year on the 14th of January, making the holiday cycle slightly bigger.

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Greece is a christian  orthodox country, but differs from Moldova because in Greece Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, as in other christian churches (catholic, protestant etc). Christmas and Easter are the main religious holidays for us. Our traditions are taking place between December 24th and January 6th (day in which we celebrate Epiphany). This is also the time off of our school.  During that period of time are celebrated Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. You will have the chance to know more about our traditions from the posts below.

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In Greece there is a very old myth about Christmas. The saying is that deep down in Earth are living 18 weird creatures called Kalikantzari (=trolls). They spend all year cutting the tree that holds earth and when they are about to make it, it is Christmas Eve and they have to leave their place and go up to the surface of the earth. They stay among humans from December 25th until January 6th and they are making lots of little disasters inside the household. They go back on January 6th, because it is the day that we celebrate Christ´s baptism and priests are doing a ceremony to hallow the water and when they do back they find out that the tree is whole again, so they start cutting again…

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The melomakarono is an egg-shaped greek desert made mainly from flour, olive oil, and honey. Along with the kourabies it is a traditional dessert prepared primarly during the Christmas holiday season. They are also known as finikia. Historically, melomakarona are thought to be delivered from the ancient and medieval makaria, which were eaten during funerals. Gradual changes in the recipe and the addition of dipping them in honey led to melomakarona which etymogically is derived from the Greek word honey <<Meli>> and <<Makaria>>. Typican ingredients of the melomakarono are = flour or semdina, sugar, orange juice, cognac, cinnamon, crushed or ground clove, olive oil. During rolling they are often filled with ground walnuts. Immediately after baking they are immersed for a few seconds in cold syrup made of honey and sugar dissolved in water. Finally, they are decorated with ground, as well as bigger pieces of walnut. Dark chocolate - covered melomakarona are also a more recent variaton of traditional shape

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Vasilopita is a New Year's Day bread, cake or pie in Greece and many other areas in eastern Europe and the Balkans which gives good luck to the receiver, like the Western European King Cake. It is associated with Saint Basil's Day, January 1, in most of Greece but in some regions, the traditions surrounding a cake or pita with a hidden coin are attached to Epiphany or to Christmas. It is made of a variety of dough, depending on regional and family tradition including tsoureki. In some families instead of dough, it is made from custard base called galatopita. In the Thessaly region a pork filled phyllo pie is made with a hidden coin during winter holidays exists, but is not associated with Saint Bill at all.

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The Breaking of the Pomegranate: On New Year's morning, the family goes to church for the Holy Mass of Basil the Great and the householder carries a pomegranate with him to "officiate". On returning home, the householder must ring the front doorbell - not open it himself with his key - and thus be the first to enter the house to do the good deed, pomegranate in hand .Entering, with his right hand, he breaks the pomegranate behind the front door, that is, he throws it down with force so that it breaks and its seeds are thrown everywhere and at the same time he says: "with health, happiness and joy in the new year and as many seeds as it has pomegranate, so many pounds to have in our pocket all year". The children gather around to see if the rice is crispy and red. As strong and beautiful as the crops are, so happy and blessed will be the days that the new year brings with it.

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hello, in greece we have many customs such as diples, they have a mass of honey, walnuts and a lot of pastry. It is a very popular food in greece

its verry delicious desert .Diples is a dessert with a lot of syrupit's very nice and we make it at Christmas.many people preferred it, the supermarket also has this dessert because this sweet has a pastry and you can make it at home to make your house smell nice from Christmas

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Christmas tree, an evergreen tree, often a pine, spruce, or fir, decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of Christmas festivities. Christmas trees can be fresh-cut, potted, or artificial and are used as both indoor and outdoor decorations. While the trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism, their modern use is largely secular. In Greece we often decorate the cristsmas tree in the beging of December.Ιt is a nice activity where the whole family can participate and many people choose to decorate the exterior of the house as well.In Greece, on the islands, most people choose to decorate a boat, which is one of the oldest Christmas traditions in Greece

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In Greece there are lots of costums for Christmas and New Year's Eve. One of them is the tradition of Ai-Vasilis (=Santa Claus).I notice that there are some differnces with other orthodox countries. For example, Santa Claus in my country give us our gifts at midnight of New Year's Eve.By comparison with Moldavia where Santa Claus gives their gifts at Christmas.In addittion several myths claiming that Santa Claus used to be thin and wearing total green outfit.Other myths claiming that coca cola take advantage of him and made an advertisment represent him wearing red and of course drinking coca cola.But I guess we'll never know the truth.

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Traditions of Albanian people living in Greece (Gloria)

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Traditions of Albanian people living in Greece (Gloria)

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Christmas in my country is very beautiful because we have many different things from other countries. in the beginning, all the close people gather and celebrate together, there are different foods, for example turkey, baklava, etc. and they also celebrate the new year and not a lot of crackers when it's 12 o'clock on the new year, the country or city is lit up with fireworks. is very bearifull and i love the most. ALBANIA is very beatiful country.

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Christmas tradition in my country Quercia Emanuele

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Like most local folk music (demotika), Greek Christmas carols date back to the Byzantine times and are still mostly sung in the purist katharevousa form of the Greek language. The word “kalanta” derives from the latin “calenda”, which is defined as the start of the month.

On Christmas Eve morning and in some areas after sunset, children across the land would gather (and fortunately still do, especially in rural Greece) – gloves, caps and triangles in hand, some would even hold Greek Christmas boats and would visit every household and shop in the village or town. “Na Ta Poume?” (Shall We Sing?), they would yell waiting for that special “nod”.

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Χορωδία Δημήτρη Τυπάλδου - Κάλαντα Χριστουγέννων (Official Video Clip)

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Festive family lunch (spyridoyla, areti)

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Festive family lunch (spyridoyla, areti)

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Every year in Grecce the most families are choosing to celebrating Christmas all together. The relatives usually gather in one house to eat the christmas delicacies and have fun. Family gatherings also take place on new years eve and new years day. Famous greek foods for this day are: stuffed turkey, chicken soup, grilled pork and traditional pies.

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At Christmas, I celebrate with my parents in a small circle. We enjoy the serene atmosphere and focus on what truly matters. On Christmas Eve, we have potato salad with sausages. It's our traditional Christmas meal that we really enjoy. We unwrap our gifts on the 24th and delight in the surprises. We like to listen to Christmas songs while doing so, creating a festive ambiance. Instead of attending church, we take the time to reflect on our inner selves and express gratitude. Our intimate family celebration allows us to cherish quality time together and appreciate the essence of the holiday. This is how we celebrate Christmas - with our loved ones, relishing a delicious potato salad and sausages, unwrapping presents, and embracing the joy of Christmas songs. It's a special time of gratitude and togetherness that we truly cherish. ~lina

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German Christmas traditions are steeped in centuries-old customs, creating a magical and heartwarming holiday experience. Advent marks the start of the festive season, with families lighting candles on an Advent wreath each Sunday leading up to Christmas.

The Christmas markets, or "Weihnachtsmärkte," are a cherished tradition where streets transform into bustling hubs of festivity. Stalls adorned with twinkling lights offer handmade crafts, delicious treats like "Lebkuchen" (gingerbread), "Stollen" (fruitcake), and warm mulled wine called "Glühwein."

Decorations play a significant role. Traditional wooden ornaments, intricate nutcrackers, and hand-blown glass baubles adorn Christmas trees, accompanied by lit candles or electric lights.

On December 6th, children eagerly await St. Nicholas (or "Nikolaus") who rewards good behavior by leaving sweets and small gifts in polished shoes left outside their doors.

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When it‘s the season of baking cookies and going outside in the snow, my family and I are very excited. We like the cold season because of seeing our family and friends on the holidays. Mostly we are buying our christmas tree one or two weeks before Christmas. My mother and my sister had been decorating it this year. We always decorate it with string of lights and tree balls, which have a different colour every year. This time it‘s black and white. On Christmas eve, I go with my grandparents and my little sister in the church. After that, we first get home and wait for our parents to get ready, in reason of going to our grandparent’s house. When we arrived, my sister and I are running to the big table, where all the food is. We eat fondue very often on Christmas Eve. It’s not really a tradition but my whole family loves to eat it. After we’ve had finished dinner, everyone goes to the Christmas tree. Everyone is unwrapping their presents. The family is happy! At mostly 10 p.m. me, my sister and my parents get home. Then we are unwrapping the presents which are at our house. Our dog is also happy. She also got good presents. At the next day, the 25th December, we go another time to our grandparent’s house to eat the rest of the meat , that we haven’t finished eating the last day. It’s even more delicious! Yep, that’s my Christmas! Happy holidays!

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Every year, it’s like the same ! The Advent and Christmas season is this magical time when my family gets a break from the crazy year we’ve had. Usually, we spend this time cozied up at home, with our family—more like, my awesome grandparents! Christmas, to me, is super special because it’s when I get to hang out with them and make new memories. That’s the ultimate gift for me!

And guess what? It’s finally here! December 24th is knocking on the door, and on that morning, the typical Christmas madness kicks in! My mom practically owns the kitchen all day, whipping up the food for tonight. It’s Christmas after all, and Christmas is like super special—well, at least for us, my family and me!

My grandma, let me tell ya, makes the best dumplings ever! A classic German dish that’s a must-have at our buffet! And my other grandma, she’s the queen of the dessert world, serving up her famous chocolate pudding every single year.

Everybody’s on full hustle mode! Dad’s doing a house cleanup and hanging the lights on the trees, and me? I’m on a mission too! Each year on the 23rd of December, I hit the town for a last-minute Christmas shopping spree. Got to pick out a little something for my parents and grandparents.

Church is a must for us on Christmas, always has been. But thanks to Corona, things changed a bit. We decided to skip the in-person service and decided for a cozy time in front of the TV with a cuppa tea. Usually, we follow it up with our all-time favorite Christmas movie, ‘Christmas Vacation.’

Man, it’s a blast every time! Lots of giggles and before you know it, the afternoon’s flown by! By around 5 p.m., my grandparents are here! We always celebrate Christmas at our house—our special spot!

The grandmas and my mom team up for dinner preparation, while I’m mostly up in my room or chilling with my dog. We usually sit down to eat around 6 p.m., diving into roasted wild boar, grandma’s dumplings, and of course of salads and dips.- Yummi!

Back when I used to play the recorder, I’d perform Christmas songs for my family in the evenings. But I stopped learning the instrument, so that tradition’s out the window.

Around 8 p.m., it’s present time! All the gifts under our Christmas tree get unwrapped, and everyone dives into their own stash!

On the first day of Christmas (December 25th), we usually visit my grandparents’ house, and on the 26th, we hang out with my aunts. And thats literally how I celebrate Christmas! I often look forward to it every single year!

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On Christmas Eve, my parents, my older brother, and I go to church every year. I used to participate in the nativity play, but now I'm too old for it. Afterward, we drive home and go to the living room, where we see the decorated Christmas tree and the presents underneath. Usually, we eat something first, like Raclette or other dishes. Then, we exchange gifts together. After that we’re not doing anything special.

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In the evening, our Christmas celebration Beginns...

At first we got to church and celebrate the “Christ vesper” after that we go hone and talke on the way. When we are home at first we talk and celebrate. Then at round about eighteen o’clock we get our gifts and give our gifts.
at least we eat tomato soup with whipped cream every X-Mas.

on the following days we invite our family and celebrate together :)

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My Christmas starts that I‘m cleaning the house with my mom and dad. Since last year I go at 14 o’clock to the church to prepare everything for the Nativity play. At 15 o‘clock it starts. After that I go with my parents, grandparents and my moms aunt home. When we arrived all the presents are under the Christmas tree. We start to open some of them and after that we eat Raclette together. When finished the dinner we open the last presents. I often do something with my gifts and play games with my family.

And of course I have a lot of fun.

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My family (my sublings and my parents) and I celebrate Christmas on the 24th december. We sing christmas songs and give presents to each other. On the 25th and 26th december we go to our grand-parentsand celebrate Christmas almost similar to how we do on the 24th december. We don't go to a church, neither on christmas, nor on other days. On the 25th december we typically make raclette and on the 26th potatoes with roulades. On the 24th there is not typical food we eat every year. Sometimes, some of us sing the song and other make the music on instruments they are able to play.

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That‘s how we celebrate Christmas

At December 24th my grandparents and my aunt and uncle come to our house to celebrate Christmas. In the evening we eat schnitzel with potato salad. After that we open our presents and then we go to the couch and talk about a lot of different things. At December 26th we celebrate again at my grandparents’ house where we eat Fondue

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In Germany, the Christmas season is a waltz of enchanting traditions that paint the towns and homes with a rich tapestry of festivity and warmth. The journey begins with Advent, as families eagerly light candles on wreaths and open tiny doors on advent calendars, each day a sweet anticipation leading to Christmas Eve.

Ah, the markets! The heart and soul of German Christmas. Weihnachtsmärkte, they're called, bustling with life, vibrant colors, and the aroma of mulled wine dancing in the air. Handcrafted ornaments, delicate glass baubles, and nutcrackers vie for attention among stalls adorned with twinkling lights, creating a magical wonderland for visitors.

The art of decorating is a cherished tradition. Trees don their finest attire, adorned with wooden ornaments and twinkling lights, casting a spell of wonder in homes. Gingerbread houses, Lebkuchen, and marzipan treats tempt taste buds, adding a delicious touch to the season.

December 6th, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, finds children shining shoes and eagerly anticipating a visit from Nikolaus, who rewards good behavior with small treasures and sweet delights.

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Me and my family celebrat Christmas at the 24th December at our House. My Grandparents, my great Grandmother and my aunt usually come over around 6 o’clock. Then we have a special Dinner, which my dad always cooks. After that we open presents and talk a lot until it's 12:00 p.m. because then is my Birthday and we celebrate it.

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Germany is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and this is reflected in its many Christmas traditions. Some of the most popular and unique customs are:

St Nicholas Day (Sankt Nikolaus Tag): On the night of December 5, children polish their boots and leave them outside the door, hoping to find them filled with treats from St Nicholas the next morning

Advent calendar (Adventskalendar): A special calendar with 24 windows, each containing a surprise for every day of December until Christmas Eve. The surprises can be candy, toys, poems, or parts of a story

Advent wreath (Adventskranz): A circular wreath made of pine branches, decorated with four candles. One candle is lit every Sunday of Advent, symbolizing the anticipation of Christmas

• Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte): Festive outdoor markets that sell food, drinks, crafts, and gifts. They are usually open from late November until Christmas Eve, and often have live music, rides, and entertainment

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• Christmas Eve (Heiligabend): The main day of celebration in Germany, when families gather for a festive meal, exchange gifts, and decorate the Christmas tree. Some families also attend a church service or watch a Christmas movie together

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• Epiphany and the Sternsinger: On January 6, the end of the Christmas season, children dressed as the three wise men go from house to house, singing songs and collecting donations for charity.
They also write a blessing on the door

These are some of the most common and beloved German Christmas traditions, but there are many more regional and personal variations that make Christmas in Germany a unique and joyful

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My Christmas

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During German Christmas, families come together for a special time. They decorate a Christmas tree with ornaments and lights, exchange presents, and have a delicious meal. Traditional treats like gingerbread cookies and warm spiced wine, called mulled wine, make the holiday even sweeter. People also love to visit Christmas markets, where they can enjoy the festive lights, buy gifts, and taste different seasonal treats. Carol singing is another cherished tradition, bringing a joyful spirit to the season.

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On the 24th I celebrate with my father's family and the next day with my mother's family because my parents are separated yes yes yes

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My familiy and I don’t celebrate Christmas, because we are Muslims.

Christmas for our family is like a normal day. Sometimes my brothers and I get like a small chocolate from our mother but nothing more.

We do celebrate other things like „Eid“. Eid is a day after the Muslims fastet for one month because of Ramadan. Ramadan is every year in a different month. It is one month long and we don’t eat or drink from the sun rise till the sunset. The first 3 days of Ramadan are really hard because fasting isn’t usual.

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In Germany, Christmas is traditionally celebrated on December 24th. Festive preparations often begin weeks in advance with decorating the Christmas tree and making decorations. On Christmas Eve, the family gathers for a festive dinner, which often consists of goose, duck or a traditional Christmas roast. This is followed by the gift giving, where the presents are unwrapped under the decorated tree. In many places, people also visit church or take part in traditional Christmas markets to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Christmas in Germany is characterized by family cosiness, festive food and the joy of giving gifts.

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At Christmas, I celebrate with my parents, my brother and my grandparents. At the 24th December, my mother makes a very delicious breakfast. At the afternoon I get ready for the family. Then my brother and I get preasents. After that, my family comes and we eat.

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Christmas

In my family christmas begins in the morning of the 24.12. because of my little brother which is very exited and impatient for his presents, we open the presents in the morning and not in the evening. We also eat our christmas meal for lunch because its easier for mum to cook then. The food can be different, but there is duck and red cabbage almost everytime. Most people here go to church at christmas but we dont because my father says its boring. At the evening we mostly look a christmas film like the nutcnacker and the four realms. At the two days After christmas we celebrate First by my mothers and then by my fathers whole familys.

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13 of us took part in a little survey about Christmas traditions. Here you can see which movies we typically watch during Christmas.

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13 of us took part in a little survey about Christmas traditions. Here you can see which movies we typically watch during Christmas.

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Here you can see how many of us go to church on Christmas.

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Here you can see how many of us go to church on Christmas.

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Mina tells her family traditions in Spain

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Mina tells her family traditions in Spain