Christmas Around the World—Russia

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Russia below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Russia while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Russia

Because of the anti-religious policies of the Communist party, Christmas was practically eradicated in Russia for most of the 20th century. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day became the most important Russian holiday, although Christmas was reintroduced as a holiday in the 1990s following the dissolution of the USSR.

Adherents to the Russian Orthodox Church follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian, so they celebrate Christmas on January 7th. The centerpiece of Russian Christmas celebrations is the attendance of the Midnight Mass or “Vigil” on the night of January 6th. The service includes special prayers, hymns, and the symbolic blessing of water. Following the service, families gather in homes to share a special Christmas Eve dinner known as the Holy Supper. This meal typically consists of 12 meatless dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles. It includes items like mushrooms, pickled vegetables, dried fruits, and a special bread called kulich, served with honey.

Because the major winter holiday is related to New Year’s Eve, there are two characters characters associated with Russian winter folklore: Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). Ded brings gifts to children on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas. The arrival of the New Year is marked by fireworks, parties, and festive gatherings. For many Russians, New Year’s is a time of family
togetherness and gift-giving.

In a country as large as Russia, it’s understandable that Christmas celebrations can vary significantly by region and individual preferences. In some rural areas and more traditional households, Christmas may be celebrated with a greater emphasis on religious observance, while in urban centers, it may be more secular and similar to Western-style Christmas celebrations.

Christmas Recipes in Russia

Popular Russian Christmas desserts are a delectable part of the holiday season, reflecting a blend of tradition and regional flavors.

  • Kutya (Kutia) is a quintessential Christmas dish, made from cooked wheat berries mixed with honey, poppy seeds, and dried fruits.
  • Another favorite is Pryaniki, gingerbread-like cookies or cakes, often decorated with intricate patterns and designs.
  • Sushki, small, ring-shaped pastries, are a common treat, both sweet and crunchy.
  • Kolyadki are Christmas cookies/pastries that are baked for a ceremony of the same name. They are made to treat all the people who come to sing carols.
  • Additionally, Medovik, a layered honey cake, Vatrushka, sweet cheese-filled buns, and Russian Teacakes, buttery, nut-filled cookies coated in powdered sugar, make appearances on festive tables.

Download a Christmas Playlist

Russian Christmas music is a captivating blend of rich traditions and heartfelt melodies. The holiday season is marked by a plethora of carols, or kolyadki, and hymns that resonate through churches, homes, and streets. These songs often tell the story of Christ's birth, and they are passionately sung by choirs, families, and carolers who go door-to-door. Alongside the classics, Russia's renowned composers have contributed timeless pieces, like Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite, which has become synonymous with Christmas around the world. To watch a full performance of the Russian State Ballet and Opera House click here. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Russia and around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Russian traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—Egypt

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Egypt below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Egypt while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Egypt

Christmas is a religious holiday in Egypt, celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church, and is a time of cultural celebration and family gatherings. The Coptic Orthodox Church, an ancient Christian denomination with its roots in Egypt, traces its origins to the early days of Christianity in Egypt, with
traditions dating back to the first century AD. It is believed that St. Mark the Evangelist, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, brought Christianity to Egypt and is considered the founder of the Coptic Church. (The term “Coptic” is derived from the Greek word “Aigyptos,” which means Egypt.)

The Coptic Church follows the Julian calendar and thus celebrates Christmas on January 7th. Churches are beautifully decorated for the occasion, and the liturgy includes prayers, hymns, and scripture readings. Leading up to Christmas, many Coptic Orthodox Christians observe a 43-day period of fasting known as the Advent Fast or the Nativity Fast. It begins on November 25th and ends on January 6th, culminating
in the Christmas celebration.

While the exchange of gifts is not as common as in some Western countries, some Egyptian Christian families do exchange gifts. In recent years, Santa Claus and the concept of gift-giving have become more popular, especially in urban areas. Baba Noël climbs through the window to leave presents for the children in exchange for Kahk el Eid (traditional sweets).

However, Coptic Christians don’t follow this tradition. Instead of gift-giving, Coptic Christian families will give money to the younger members of the family on Christmas Eve. This popular tradition is done on most other Egyptian holidays too. On the Coptic Christmas Day, friends and family gather in homes, giving out Kahk as gifts. For many Christians in Egypt, Christmas morning usually means a cup of tea with a plate of Kahk el Eid.

Christmas Recipes in Eqypt

Christmas is celebrated on January 7th by Coptic Christians, and it is marked by church services, the exchange of gifts, and feasting on fatta, a traditional Egyptian Christmas dish made with bread soaked in a seasoned, slow-cooked meat broth.

Kahk (butter cookie covered in powdered sugar), Basma (shredded phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup dessert), and Ghryba (shortbread) are also served. Try adding these traditional Egyptian cookies to your family celebrations this year!

Download a Christmas Playlist

Christmas music is not as popular in Egypt as it is in predominantly Christian countries with more established Christmas traditions. However, among the Coptic Christian community in Egypt, Christmas hymns and carols hold significant importance and are sung in churches during the Christmas season. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Egypt and around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Egyptian traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—Israel

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Israel below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Israel while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Israel

Because the major religions in Israel are Judaism and Islam, Christmas is celebrated by a small percentage of the population. The Christian community, which is made up of predominantly Arab Christians, is roughly about 2% of the country’s population. Although Christmas is not a public holiday in Israel, some Christmas traditions are observed by Christians as well as some secular Israelis.

Many Christians in Israel attend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services to celebrate the birth of
Jesus. Two of the best-known churches for Christmas celebrations include the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. (Search YouTube for some fascinating virtual tours! See one below.)

While Santa Claus (Baba Noël) is known and recognized, the emphasis of Christmas tends to be more on religious observances, including attending church services and participating in nativity scenes. Gift-giving on Christmas is not as widespread as in some other countries, but it can still occur in some Christian households.

Since Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus, many Christians come from around the world to participate in the festivities and visit the Church of the Nativity. The town is crowded with processions by a variety of different denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Catholic, Protestant, and Ethiopian, that pass through Manger Square or the Shephard’s Fields. Some of these denominations do not
celebrate Christmas on December 24 or 25. Rather, they observe the day on January 6 or 7.

Nazareth also comes alive during this time with processions and parades, a Christmas market, lighting of the Christmas tree, and services in the Basilica of the Annunciation.

Christmas Recipes in Israel

In Israel, Christmas recipes reflect the diversity of its population, with various traditions and flavors coming together. While not a public holiday, Christmas is celebrated by the Christian minority, and special dishes are prepared. One of the most iconic is Maqluba, a flavorful layered dish with rice, meat (typically chicken or lamb), and an assortment of vegetables seasoned with aromatic spices. Traditional sweets like Kahk (Egyptian Eid Cookies) and Tamriyeh (date-filled pastries) are also popular during the holiday season. These recipes combine elements of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, creating a unique blend that adds a flavorful touch to Christmas celebrations in Israel.

Sufganiyot are round, deep-fried jelly doughnuts that are eaten during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. They are a cross between a beignet and a jelly donut. The doughnuts are injected with jam or custard and topped with powdered sugar.

Rugelach, a delectable Jewish pastry filled with ingredients like chocolate, nuts, and jam, is a beloved treat enjoyed alongside traditional Christmas festivities in Israel, showcasing the country's multicultural culinary tapestry. Try your hand at making this recipe here.

Download a Christmas Playlist

While not a dominant feature of Israeli culture, Christmas music does have its place, especially in Christian communities that celebrate the holiday. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Israel and around the world.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2CGFPwrLcmrkGtTANBGPim?si=34673b9b11af45a1

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Israeli traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—Argentina

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Argentina below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Argentina while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Argentina

Christmas traditions in Argentina are a blend of customs influenced by European traditions and the country’s unique cultural identity. Traditions from European influence include the celebration of Nochebuena and la Misa de Gallo (Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass), Christmas trees are also decorated even though these trees are not native to Argentina. Nativity scenes (presebres), Christmas lights, and singing Christmas carols are also popular traditions.

Some regional traditions, especially in the south, include having a parrillada or barbecue on Christmas Eve. Argentina is in the southern hemisphere so it’s their summer! Shooting off fireworks at midnight on Christmas Eve (December 24) is another Christmas tradition—one of the luxuries of a warm climate! In addition to fireworks, globos or paper lanterns containing small candles are also lit at this time. The paper lanterns are released into the sky where they float off like mini hot air balloons.

Like Boxing Day in the UK, Día de San Esteban (St. Stephen’s Day) is celebrated on December 26th with
gatherings, meals, and family time.

Christmas Crafts in Argentina

A popular activity to enjoy during Christmas in Argentina is making homemade gifts such as paintings, ceramics, ornaments, marmalade, and baked goods. People get together to make their gifts and give a unique and special gift to their loved ones during the holiday season. These homemade gifts reflect the spirit of giving and thoughtfulness during the Christmas season in Argentina.

Christmas Recipes in Argentina

The main dinner and celebration takes place on Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena. The most beloved Christmas meal in Argentina is vitel thonéThis Italian dish is made of slices of veal topped with tuna and anchovy sauce. It's only eaten around Christmas.

Additional foods served at Christmastime include Ponche Navideño—a traditional Argentine Christmas punch made with fruit and spices. It is often served as a warm, comforting drink during the holiday season. Get the recipe here!

Panettone (Similar to Italy, this sweet yeast bread is also popular in Argentina). Turrón is a Spanish-style nougat that is also enjoyed in Argentina during the holidays—see the recipes below. Finally, Mantecados de Anis (Spanish anise-flavored shortbread cookies) are commonly found on Christmas tables.

Download a Christmas Playlist

Christmas caroling is a popular tradition in Argentina, with people singing villancicos (carols) in the streets and door-to-door. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Argentina and around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Argentine traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—Mexico

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Mexico below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Mexico while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Mexico

In Mexico, the main celebration is called Las Posadas. This celebration that lasts 9 nights begins on December 16th and culminates on the 24th. Posada is the word for “inn,” and it reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a place of lodging in Bethlehem. Each night, friends gather for a procession. A man plays the part of Joseph, and a woman plays the part of Mary. The procession stops at someone’s house where they ask if there is room for them. They ask by singing traditional songs known as villancicos. The people in the homes play the role of innkeepers, denying them shelter until finally allowing them in. They celebrate the evening with food. At the last house, on Christmas Eve, Joseph is told there is only room in the stable where a nativity is set up. Traditional food such as tamales, buñuelos, and hot ponche (a warm fruit punch) are served.

Piñatas are a popular part of Mexican Christmas traditions, especially during Las Posadas as well as at other holiday celebrations. Children take turns trying to break open the colorful piñatas filled with candy and small toys.

Like other countries, Mexican families display nacimientos (nativity scenes), count down using an Advent Calendar, and celebrate Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with a festive meal. They also attend la Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass). They decorate Christmas trees and go caroling (villancicos).

In the town of Oaxaca, there is a unique tradition called la Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23rd. Residents carve figures out of radishes and other vegetables, creating elaborate scenes and displays that attract visitors from all over. Learn more about this tradition on the InquisiKids podcast at the beginning of this post.

Christmas Crafts in Mexico

The poinsettia, known as the Flor de Nochebuena in Mexico, holds significant cultural and symbolic importance during the holiday season. These Christmas flowers originated in southern Mexico and are named for Joel Poinsett, the first US Ambassador to Mexico. The plant reminds Mexicans of the story of a poor boy who was going to church to visit baby Jesus. He had nothing to bring as a gift, but on the way, he saw some plants on the side of the road. When he picked them something special happened: the top leaves changed to bright red. Add a touch of this enduring tradition to your holiday celebration by making this poinsettia pin craft.

Poinsettia Pin

These pins make a simple sweater look festive. You can also make it into a refrigerator magnet or a tree ornament with a few tweaks. Or make several and give them as gifts! Click here for instructions.

Christmas Recipes in Mexico

Christmas food in Mexico is a delightful fusion of traditional and festive flavors. The diverse and mouthwatering Christmas cuisine in Mexico is a reflection of the country's vibrant traditions and the joyous spirit of the season. Add one of these popular recipes to your celebrations this season.

  • Buñuelos (deep-fried dough drizzled with syrup or honey)
  • Polvorones (shortbread cookies dusted in powdered sugar)
  • Tamales (traditional Christmas dish made with masa and various fillings, both sweet and savory).
  • Ponche (a warm and fruity punch)
  • Rosca de reyes (sweet bread with a hidden figurine enjoyed on January 6th to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Día de los Reyes (Three Kings' Day)

Download a Christmas Playlist

Christmas music in Mexico is a vibrant and cherished part of the holiday season. Traditional tunes like Los Peces en el Río (The Fish in the River) and Noche de Paz (Silent Night) are often sung with great enthusiasm during posadas. Villancicos (Spanish Christmas carols) are a beloved part of the musical landscape, often performed in communities and homes. These songs, combined with the lively atmosphere of fiestas and colorful decorations, create a spirited and culturally rich Christmas music tradition that reflects the warmth and joy of the season in Mexico. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Mexico and around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Mexican traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—Spain

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Spain below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Spain while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Spain

Although Spain has a diversity of Christmas traditions that vary from one region to another, some well-known customs and celebrations are widely observed across the country. One of the most prominent Christmas traditions in Spain is celebrating Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) over an elaborate meal of roast lamb, seafood, and a variety of traditional sweets. Many Spaniards also attend Midnight Mass.

On December 22nd, Spain holds one of the oldest, world-famous Christmas Lottery, known as El Gordo (The Fat One). The draw is a major event in Spain with people gathering to watch the live broadcast.

Elaborate Nativity scenes, called belenes, often include not only the Holy Family but also extensive representations of local life, featuring figurines of everyday people, animals, and miniature landscapes.

January 6th, known as Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day, known elsewhere as Epiphany), is a significant day for gift-giving in Spain. According to tradition, the Three Wise Men bring gifts to children. Parades that feature the Three Wise Men are held across the country, and children leave their shoes out on the night of January 5th to receive gifts.

Christmas Recipes in Spain

The holiday season in Spain goes from Christmas Eve to January 6th. It is incredibly celebratory with a never-ending abundance of food and cheer. Two popular Christmas treats during the season are Turrón and Mantecados. Turrón is probably the most emblematic Christmas sweet in Spain.  It is a type of nougat. Add these beloved traditions to your Christmastime celebrations and try a new recipe below!

Download a Christmas Playlist

Spain's Christmas music traditions are rich and diverse, combining both religious and festive elements. Traditional Spanish carols, known as villancicos, are an essential part of the holiday season, with classics like Campana sobre campana (Bell on bell), Noche de Paz (Silent Night) and Fum, fum, fum being sung by choirs and families alike. The country's unique instrument, the tambourine, often accompanies these songs, adding a distinct rhythm to the music. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Spain and around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Spanish traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—Italy

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Italy below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Italy while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Italy

Italy is a very regional country because historically it was not a united nation but many little city states. Consequently, you find that traditions vary greatly from region to region. What is common in the north of Italy is not the same in the south and vice versa.

One tradition that is common throughout the country is the use of the nativity scene or presepio. The nativity scene is a central Christmas decoration in Italy. Families create elaborate presepi with figurines depicting the Holy Family, shepherds, angels, and various village characters. These nativity scenes are displayed in homes, churches, and public places, and they can be quite intricate and detailed. There is an entire street in the city of Naples with shops dedicated to these collectibles and there’s even a museum devoted to these elaborate scenes. Learn more about these presepi on the InquisiKids podcast above, and to see one watch the video below.

In southern Italy and Sicily, people carry statues of the Holy Family through the streets, accompanied by music, and singing.

Italy has a unique gift-bringer called La Befana. She is an old woman who leaves gifts for children on the eve of the Epiphany (January 5). To learn more about this folktale, and why La Befana leaves gifts for children, listen to the InquisiKids podcast above.

The gift-bringer in Italy varies by region.

  • Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) is the most universally recognized gift-bringer in Italy, similar to Santa Claus.
  • In some parts of southern Italy, especially in the Campania region, Gesù Bambino (Baby Jesus) brings gifts to children.
  • In other southern regions such as Sicily and Puglia, San Nicola (St. Nicholas) is the gift-bringer.
  • Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) leaves gifts for children in Lombardy, Veneto, and other northern regions

The extent of Santa Lucia's role in gift-giving can vary from one region to another and even from one family to another within the same region. Santa Lucia's celebration often includes processions, parades, and traditional foods in addition to gift-giving. While she is not as universally recognized as Babbo Natale in Italy, her feast day and associated traditions hold significance in certain areas, and her story is a cherished part of Italian folklore.

Christmas Recipes in Italy

Italian Christmas traditions are a harmonious blend of religious customs and festive celebrations steeped in deep-rooted culture. Panettone and Pandoro are two traditional Italian Christmas cakes. Panettone is a sweet, fruit-filled bread, while Pandoro is a golden, star-shaped cake dusted with powdered sugar. Both are enjoyed during the holiday season and are often given as hostess gifts. Both can be found in specialty stores in the US.

Add a new tradition to your holiday celebrations by making befanini cookies, a Tuscan specialty, for Epiphany, January 6! 

Download a Christmas Playlist

Italian Christmas music traditions are deeply intertwined with the country's rich cultural heritage and religious significance. Traditional Italian carols, such as Tu scendi dalle stelle (You come down from the stars), Astro del Ciel (Silent Night), Venite Fedeli (Oh Come All Ye Faithful) and Gesù Bambino (Baby Jesus), resonate through homes, churches, and festive gatherings, filling the air with a sense of spirituality and joy. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Italy and around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Italiantraditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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