Christmas Around the World

We all have our Christmas traditions.  Maybe it's watching a Christmas movie while putting up Christmas decorations.  Maybe it's following an Advent calendar or attending a Candle Light Service.  

My Christmas traditions include watching Hallmark Christmas movies and sending Christmas cards.  My family is Swedish so we open our presents on Christmas Eve.  Do you do that too?


As I consider my traditions I got curious about the Christmas traditions around the world.  Here are a few that I'm considering adding to my own.  

Did you know that round glass ornaments were inspired by the apple from the Garden of Eden.  In fact, apples were even used as original Christmas tree decor.  I love the reminder apples bring.  Jesus came to forgive us of our sins.  It also reminds me of the song from the "Messiah," "Since by man came death."  

English folklore says the Devil died the day Jesus was born.  In celebration, towns in England ring their church bells at midnight on Christmas Eve to remind everyone that the Devil is defeated.  They call the ringing, "the Devil's Knell."  I love this traditions because it reminds us of why Jesus came.


Iceland holds the traditions of giving Christmas books on Christmas Eve calling their tradition Jolabokaflod or "The Christmas Book Flood."  I love the idea of reading a Christmas book on Christmas Eve while eating chocolate like the people in Iceland.   I've got my kindle ready for a great Amazon Christmas book.