Christmas Traditions: How They Are Celebrated and Where They Come From
Christmas is celebrated around the world, as there are communities of Christians, or at least folks catering to Western tourists' traditions, everywhere. Some Christmas celebrations are ancient and rooted in
pre-Christian tradition
. Here are some fun facts about how Christmas is celebrated in different cultures:
- Christmas in Italy is celebrated from Christmas Eve through Epiphany (January 6).
- The Julbok, a goat which traditionally gave out presents in Sweden, may stuff your stocking if you're spending the holidays in Scandinavia, though these days it's more likely to be a Santa's helper called Jultomten.
- Santa does exist… and he's a Greek. His alternative name, St.Nicholas, reflects his true identity. From gift-giving to red clothes, Nikolaos of Myra was a model for the modern Santa Claus
- One of our favorite Christmas songs comes from Austria. Silent Night or "Stille Nacht" is sung the world over, although it's sung a bit differently than the piece Franz Gruber had originally written.
- In 1962, France passed a law decreeing that all letters written to Santa would responded to with a postcard. When a class writes a letter, each student gets a response.
Send a gift to friends and family in Europe – Christmas 2007
Holiday Tips&Hints
- In Europe gifts are generally exchanged at Christmas, this is still the most important holiday celebrated in Europe and the USA.
- Sending a Christmas gift to a Bulgarian’s, Belgian’s, … home will be very appreciated. Acceptable are gifts are gourmet gift baskets, chocolate gifts, savory gifts or cheese gift baskets.
- If alcohol is included, make sure it is sent to a specific person and make sure the recipient has no dietary restrictions.
- Brands do matter – and quality above quantity. Nevertheless the size of the gift doesn’t matter. When sending a gift basket to Italy or Portugal for example, don't be concerned about your gift being considered too expensive or inexpensive, they always appreciate a gift that is given with good intention.
- Looks do matter – and particularly for flowers and gift baskets Europeans expect a different style than Americans typically send.
- Send something that is hard for them to get. For example there are basically no Neuhaus Chocolate stores in the UK
and they adore the chocolate. - Good gift selections can include anything that is representative of your country such as Belgian Beer, French red wine, Spanish cava, Italian pasta specialties,...
- In east European countries (Poland, Bulgary, Hungary, …), the family is very important and also the centre of the social structure. So if you’re considering
sending a gift to Slovenia
for example, don’t forget adding a little present for the children or grandparents. Why don’t give a
baby gift
, like a
teddy bear
or
baby clothes
?
Grandparents always like a basket with
tea and biscuits
.
Holiday Don’t’s
- Don't send a gourmet food gift basket or flowers just before Christmas – the recipient might be on Holidays for 2 weeks or the company might be closed.
- Don't expect to your gifts to be delivered on the 24th December – even if this would be a weekday. Saturday delivery is also unlikely.
- Don't send a French bottle of wine to France … unless you know the recipient’s favorite brand/variety. The same rule applies for German beer to Germany and Belgian beer to Belgium.
- Don't just send a gift yourself from the US or Canada as it may be held up in customs or your recipient may have to pay taxes on it if it is valued at more than 45 Euros. If you use an American gift company, make sure that they have experience sending gifts abroad. When using GiftsForEurope all taxes and duties are covered in the pricing online. If you want to learn more about this topic, see Customs and Taxes for gifts in Europe
- If taking flowers avoid chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals. Also ensure there are an odd number of stems.
- The general rule for gift giving in most European countries is that it more about the thought than value – in fact do not give overly expensive gifts as this may cause the recipient embarrassment.
Send a holiday Business Gift in Europe – Christmas 2007
Holiday Tips & Hints
- Sending a Christmas gift to an office will be very appreciated. Acceptable gifts are gourmet gift baskets, chocolate gifts, savory gifts or cheese gift baskets.
- If alcohol is included, make sure it is sent to a specific person (a business gift to take home).
- Brands do matter – and quality above quantity.
- Looks do matter – and particularly for flowers and gift baskets Europeans expect a different style than Americans typically send.
- When in doubt on whether the company or the recipient will be at home – send the gift early January.
- Send something that is hard for them to get. For example there are basically no Neuhaus Chocolate stores in the UK and they adore the chocolate.
- It is certainly acceptable to customize a gift (the ribbon, the packaging) with your logo. GiftsForEurope for example offers free printing of your company logo on the gift card.
Holiday Dont's
- Don't send a business gift basket or flowers just before Christmas – the recipient might be on Holidays for 2 weeks or the company might be closed.
- Don't expect to your gifts to be delivered on the 24th December – even if this would be a weekday. Saturday delivery is also unlikely.
- Don't send a French bottle of wine to France … unless you know the recipient’s favorite brand/variety. The same rule applies for German beer to Germany and Belgian beer to Belgium.
- Don't just send a gift yourself from the US or Canada as it may be held up in customs or your recipient may have to pay taxes on it if it is valued at more than 45 Euros. If you use an American gift company, make sure that they have experience sending gifts abroad. When using GiftsForEurope all taxes and duties are covered in the pricing online. If you want to learn more about this topic, see Customs and Taxes for gifts in Europe
Fun Holiday Articles To Read this Christmas
Christmas traditions in Italy
Christmas traditions in Germany
Christmas traditions in France
Christmas traditions in the UK and London
Going to Europe this Christmas – Go shopping at the many Christmas markets