• Fried Chicken Feasts and Gigantic Santas: Surprising Christmas Traditions from Portugal to Japan

  • Dec 28 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Fried Chicken Feasts and Gigantic Santas: Surprising Christmas Traditions from Portugal to Japan

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  • Summary

  • This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World," a festive journey through the diverse traditions and celebrations that make this holiday season so magical. I'm your host, and I'm excited to share with you the unique customs and stories from different corners of the globe. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let's dive into the spirit of Christmas.

    In Portugal, Christmas Eve is the start of the festivities. Families decorate their homes, set up nativity scenes, and attend Midnight Mass. But what's unique here is that children leave out their shoes for Baby Jesus, not Santa, and gifts are exchanged after the family has attended a Christmas service. And did you know that Lisbon boasts a huge artificial tree sparkling with thousands of green lights? Plus, there's the world's largest Santa display in Agueda, standing tall at 21 meters and adorned with 250,000 LED lights.

    Let's move to the Philippines, where Christmas is celebrated over three months leading up to the big day. A special tradition here is decorating homes with a Christmas lantern called a "paról." In Australia, it's all about Christmas picnics and singing carols on the beach, as the festive season falls during summer. And in Brazil, you'll find nativity scenes in front of churches, and Father Christmas, or "Papai Noel," travels from Greenland to bring gifts to Brazilian kids. The floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro is a sight to behold, and it's said to be the largest in the world.

    Now, let's talk about some more unique traditions. In Japan, Christmas Day feasts often feature Kentucky Fried Chicken, a tradition that's become super popular. In Germany, Saint Nicholas leaves small presents in the shoes of good children on December 5th, but naughty ones might find sticks instead. And in Poland, families wait for the first star to appear in the sky before starting their Christmas Eve dinner. In Ukraine, the traditional Christmas feast includes 12 courses, each dedicated to one of Jesus' apostles.

    As we wrap up this festive journey, I'd love to hear from you. Share your favorite Christmas tradition or a unique holiday custom from your culture. You can leave a comment on our podcast page or send us a message on social media. And don't forget to tune in next week for more holiday stories and traditions. Until then, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas, or as they say in Brazil, "Bom Natal." Stay warm, stay joyful, and keep the spirit of Christmas alive.

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