The Philippines holds the record for the longest Christmas celebration, which begins in September as Filipinos start putting up their Christmas Tree and play Christmas carols almost everywhere. For nine days starting Dec. 16, Filipinos attend the evening masses known as the Simbang Gabi, and the Christmas Eve mass known as the Misa de Gallo. After the mass, families gather around the dinner table to have their Noche Buena, followed by gift-giving. One of the traditional Filipino Christmas dishes is the embutido which is made with ground pork, onion, bell pepper, carrots, hard-boiled egg, and raisins.
Curious about how other countries celebrate this festive season, we asked our diplomat friends to share with the Embassies at Work how Christmas is observed in their respective countries.
Denmark
“Danes light real candles on their Christmas trees to create a warm, nostalgic, and hygge-filled atmosphere that honors tradition and togetherness.”
Glædelig jul og godt nytår
(Merry Christmas and Happy New Year)Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin
Embassy of Denmark
Norway
“Julebord translates to 'Christmas table' which is a buffet of Norwegian Christmas dishes such as ribbe (crispy pork belly), pinnekjøtt (cured lamb ribs), lutefisk (dried cod), cold cuts, smoked salmon, herring, riskrem (rice pudding), and multekrem (cloudberries with whipped cream). Norwegian Risengrøt or rice porridge is another traditional dish served during Christmas. Norwegians often hide a single almond in one of the servings of the porridge and whoever gets it wins a special prize.”
is often served with traditional side dishes.
God Jul
(Merry Christmas)
Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster
Embassy of Norway
Australia
“Unlike in the northern hemisphere where you may expect a ‘white Christmas’ with cold and snowy weather, Christmas Day falls during the summer in Australia! That is why Aussies try to be near the beach, river, or pool to cool down as they celebrate Christmas during the hot summer month of December. Australians love to eat seafood, salads, and cold meats on Christmas Day. Similar to Filipino celebrations, Australians spend Christmas Day with loved ones, looking after each other, and giving to charity. And the celebration spills over the next day, with Australians celebrating Boxing Day by having a barbecue and watching the Boxing Day Cricket Test.”
Happy Holidays!
Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu
Embassy of Australia
China
“While most Chinese people don’t celebrate Christmas as a religiously significant day, they celebrate it more like Valentine’s Day, especially for young people, wherein they go out with their significant others and exchange meaningful gifts. They also hang out with friends to go to a movie, karaoke bar, or shopping. Most malls in Beijing and Shanghai also put up Christmas decorations and Christmas trees to attract mall-goers and celebrate the Yuletide season.”
祝大家平安喜乐
(I wish you all peace and happiness!)Ambassador Huang Xilian
Embassy of the Republic of China
Egypt
“Egypt is historically linked to the biblical story of the Holy Family, and there are several sites associated with the journey of the Holy Family in Egypt. Families come together for Christmas celebrations, and they bring together grandparents, parents, and children. Muslims and Christians exchange holiday greetings and engage in acts of solidarity during the Christmas season in some areas with religious populations.
Like most Christians in Egypt, they belong to the Orthodox church which celebrates Christmas on January 7. Orthodox Christians use the older Julian Calendar which marks Christmas Day on January 7th, where the fast is observed for 45 days from November 25 until the eve of January 6. During the fast, people do not consume products of meat, poultry, or dairy products.
Before their Christmas Day, churches and Christian houses are decorated with trees, lights, and small cribs. Christmas Eve, in the majestic St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo, the Pope of the Orthodox Church begins the ceremony at 11 p.m. Churchgoers attend the ceremony wearing new clothes as if they are attending a party. After Christmas service, people go home to eat a special meal called fata, consisting of bread, rice, garlic, and boiled meat. Sweets such as "kahk" (shortbread-like cookies filled with nuts or dates) are also a staple during the holiday season.”
Eid Milad Saeed
(Happy Nativity Feast)
Chargé d'affaires, a.i. Dr. Amin Shaaban
Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Brazil
“Did you know that in Brazil Christmas takes place in the middle of summer and Christmas Eve is a greater event than Christmas Day? In fact, December 24th is a huge occasion, and they take Christmas very seriously by celebrating with family and friends with a supper (ceia de Natal), fireworks, exchange of gifts, games like Secret Santa (amigo oculto), and Christmas decorations. As Catholics (and there are more than 100 million in Brazil), many of them attend the midnight mass (Missa do Galo).
Regarding the dinner, although preparation starts on the 24th, it is usually served after midnight, which is considered the Happy Night (Noite Feliz). The supper is a feast: turkey, poultry (chester), sweet-and-sour ham (tender), cod fish (bacalhau), pork, toasted cassava flour with eggs and bacon (farofa), chicken salad (salpicão), other salads with potatoes and mayonnaise, rice with raisins, homemade desserts, fresh fruit and, of course, “Panettone” and "Rabanada". By the way, adding raisins to different dishes has even become a national joke, since people either love or hate them. And not to worry about the leftovers, they are going to be consumed on December 25th. They use the same traditional symbols that are so popular in the US and Europe, like Christmas trees (with artificial snow), Santa Claus (Papai Noel), stockings and nativity scenes (presépios), a Portuguese heritage. All Christmas decorations will remain in place until January 6th, the Three Kings Day (Dia de Reis), which marks the end of the magical season.”
“Feliz Natal!” “Boas Festas!”
(Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!)Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura
together with staff from the Embassy of Brazil
Romania
“In Romania, the Christmas season starts on December 6th, with the celebration of St. Nicholas Day. The evening prior to that day, every child must clean a pair of shoes and leave it by their doorstep, hoping that St. Nicolas will leave a present for them. They usually receive small gifts such as candies, chocolates, or small toys. The Christmas tree is decorated on St. Nicholas Day and stays lit up until January 6th, when they celebrate St. John the Baptist Day.
Colinde or Christmas caroling is a popular Christmas tradition in Romania. Children, as well as adults, go caroling on Christmas Eve, with some dressed in traditional costumes bearing bells, whips, and drums. As they go house to house, they receive special treats such as cozonac (traditional Christmas cake), covrigi (Romanian pretzels), fruits, nuts, and candies, among other gifts.”
Crăciun Fericit! La Mulți Ani! Sărbători Fericite!
(Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy Holidays!)
Ambassador Räduta-Dana Matache
Embassy of Romania
Germany
“One beloved German Christmas tradition is the Advent Calendar. Originating in the 19th century, the Advent Calendar helps count down the days to Christmas, starting from December 1st. Traditionally, each day features a small door that would open, revealing a sweet treat, a picture, or a verse. Today, Advent calendars have become more creative, with chocolates, toys, and even beauty products behind the doors!”
“Frohe Weihnachten, erholsame Feiertage und einen guten Start ins neue Jahr!“
(Merry Christmas, relaxing holidays, and a good start into the New Year!)Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke
Embassy of Germany
Switzerland
“Weihnachten or Christmas day in Switzerland is a mountain snowfall in abundance. Christmas Day begins in the winter sports season. Many head for ski resorts and or mountain chalets to try their hand at tobogganing, skiing, ice skating, Nordic skiing, and bobsledding. Many chilly evenings conclude with a delicious fondue.
Grittibänz, "Christmas bread men" also known as hanselmanne and bonhomme), are sold throughout Switzerland on December 5 and 6 (St. Nicholas Day). Made from a sweet and rich egg and milk dough, the same recipe used for Zopf, or braided Sunday bread. These baked Christmas treasures with raisin eyes smile from bakery windows and Christmas market stalls.
“Schöne Wienacht und es guets Neus»
(Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year)Dr. Nicolas Brühl
Ambassador to the Philippines, Palau, Marshall Islands, and Micronesia
Embassy of Switzerland
Japan
“In Japan, Christmas is a joyous day often celebrated with one’s friends or lovers. Lively parties, bustling Christmas markets, and spectacular light displays called “Illumination” mark the occasion with festive laughter and wonder.
Japan’s celebration of the New Year, I believe, resembles the spiritual and family affair of a Philippine Christmas. The last day of the year, "Omisoka,” is often celebrated through a variety of activities with one’s relatives and is followed by a trip to the shrine on New Year for “Hatsumode” (the first prayer of the year for good health and prosperity).”
From all of us at the Embassy of Japan,
メリークリスマス! (Merry Christmas!)Ambassador Endo Kazuya
Embassy of Japan