CHRISTMAS COSTUMES IN

ANGLOPHONES COUNTRIESS
CHRISTMAS IN AMÉRICA
Due to the large number of cultures that mix in this immense country, the precise customs of
Christmas in the United States vary from place to place depending on the country of origin of each
family. That said, there are certain practices that are widespread. For example, almost every town
and house will have a Christmas tree with corresponding Christmas decorations. It is also typical to
decorate the facades of houses with lights and figures.

Most families take their traditions from Western European culture and will typically have turkey or
ham as their main Christmas meal, possibly accompanied by different sauces and garnishes
depending on the recipe. For example, families from Eastern Europe might opt for soups, cabbage
dishes, and sausages.

Catholic communities attend the “massa del gallo” on Christmas Eve, attracting a larger number of
people than usual due to the importance of the date. Meanwhile, in some parts of the south of the
country, traditions have been adopted from Mexico, including the lighting of 'luminaries' or
candles, which are placed on the side of the road to represent 'illuminacion del camino' for Mary
and Joseph.

Gifts are typically exchanged on the morning of Christmas Day (December 25), and children believe
that Santa Claus delivers the gifts the night before. The next day, December 26, is known as
"Boxing Day" and is a holiday throughout the country. Some communities have a custom known as
'Mummering,' and cities like Philadelphia have a Mummer's Day parade, including costumes,
music, and a procession of floats.
 CHRISTMAS IN CANADA
Although Christmas celebrations share many similarities with those seen in the United States,
Canada has several distinctive cultures, which means there are notable differences as well.
However, a widespread tradition in English-speaking parts of the country is the use of royal fir or
Christmas pines, and this is especially common in the eastern province of Nova Scotia, where huge
trees can be seen in towns and cities.

Many Canadian families choose to exchange their gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day,
although others open one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on December 25.

As in the UK, Boxing Day is a recognized holiday in Canada and many people use it as a shopping
day as stores open early and offer discounted prices. In some parts of the country, such as
northern Ontario, stores are not allowed to open on Boxing Day, and in these areas, an equivalent
sales day occurs on December 27.
 CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND
Generally, Christmas celebrations in Ireland have many points in common with those in the United
Kingdom, although, for Catholic families, the Christmas period encompasses from December 8 to
January 6, the day that marks the feast of the Epiphany., sometimes known as 'Little Christmas'.
Santa Claus is known as Saint Nicholas and Christmas meals are very similar to those in other
countries, although some families include spiced beef as the main course of their meals.

In Ireland, Boxing Day is known as Boxing Day and many celebrate it in the same way as in the UK
or USA, eating leftovers and spending the day with family. An old Irish tradition, which also takes
place on this day, is that people dress up and go from house to house singing songs and playing
musical instruments. This is known as the Procession of the Wren Boys. Traditionally, horse races
are held, as well as football matches to celebrate these dates.

Christmas has a stronger religious component in Ireland than in the UK and church services are
often extraordinarily crowded at this time of year, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
In many Irish homes, a traditional crib is used as a decoration next to the Christmas tree.
 CHRISTMAS IN THE UK
In the UK, Christmas celebrations are often very similar to what can be seen in the United States.
There is a strong emphasis on family and gifts are exchanged on Christmas day itself. Once again,
the children believe that the presents are delivered by Santa Claus, who leaves them under their
Christmas trees or in his Christmas stockings. It is also traditional to attend plays or classical music
recitals that offer a Christmas theme.

As in America, the main Christmas meal often consists of turkey, usually enjoyed at lunchtime on
Christmas Day and served with roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Some families opt for goose
or beef instead of turkey and "pudding," Christmas cake, and mince pies.

During the month of December, the streets of the United Kingdom are decorated and prepared for
this special date, it is customary that some "celebrities" are in charge of lighting them and officially
beginning these celebrations. Churches have Christmas carol services, where people often sing,
and it is also common to see children going door to door throughout December singing Christmas
carols to their neighbors.

The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day and is a national holiday. However, it is primarily
regarded as a shopping holiday, with many retail stores open before 7am, offering discounted
Boxing Day sales. Winter in the UK typically brings bad weather, but around Christmas time many
people expect snow - especially on Christmas day itself. When this happens, they refer to it as
'White Christmases'.
 CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND
One of the most curious facts about Christmas in Scotland is that it has not been celebrated for a
long time. Christmas Day has only been an official holiday since 1958 because religious
celebrations were banned in the country for almost 400 years. Many of today's Christmas
traditions originated in the 19th century, popularized by Queen Victoria and her husband Prince
Albert. Others are closely related to the country's Celtic past and the pagan celebration of the
winter solstice known as Yule.

The monarchs introduced traditions such as decorating the Christmas tree, Christmas stockings in
which candy is stuffed, gingerbread cookies, turkey for Christmas dinner, Santa Claus, Christmas
carols and Christmas cards, a tradition that apparently was born in Edinburgh.

Torchlight Procession (December 30): it is the event that opens the Hogmanay celebrations, the
Scottish New Year's Eve festival. Although the origin of this celebration is not known for sure, it is
believed to be related to the Nordic celebrations of the winter solstice and the Gaelic festival of
Samhain.
 Christmas in New Zealand
In New Zealand is very different because it coincides with the summer vacations. The
Pouhutukawa tree off the coast of New Zealand. New Zealanders assemble the Christmas tree,
typical tree of the country called "pohutukawa" which has red flowers.

Also known as Christmas tree. In summer it blooms with beautiful red flowers that together with
the green of the fields, create the Christmas tones. They say that until it blooms, summer does not
arrive and during the Christmas vacations is when they are most in bloom. Barbecues on the beach

It is a tradition to celebrate Christmas with the family at the beach, either at the sea, the lake or
the river. Many New Zealanders move to their summer homes or rent a "bach" and enjoy this
pleasant family time. In Auckland; the neighbors always competed to see which house was the
most illuminated. As for the traditional Christmas dinner, New Zealanders or Kiwis prepare roast
turkey with vegetables and different sauces, and the dessert is usually a fruity pudding with
brandy or pies filled with chopped nuts.

One of the Christmas events in New Zealand that will leave you amazed is the Christmas parade.
Of course, the Christmas season in New Zealand is not complete without the New Year
celebration. In Auckland, a must visit is the Britomart Block Party. It is a party of urban with
performance, rap and live music. In the area there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to
welcome the new year.