Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) In Europe Christmas is much more than a festival. It last longer than one day and the celebrations can go on for over a month. The best part is that this happens to fit in many holy days and festivities in general. Firstly, Advent begins and is celebrated for around four Sundays before Christmas night. Next up is the feast of St. Nicholas, but is celebrated in Catholic countries only.
For most Europeans Christmas eve happens to be the main season. This is when they decorate their home and receive gifts from each other. If this isn’t enough, it follows by ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’. These celebrations stretch from 25th December 25th to January 6th. The festive season known as Epiphany is when three kings delivered their gifts.
Christmas In Europe Is Not A Day But Season
Europeans follow many traditions on Christmas. Here is how these countries celebrate Christmas:
1. Norway
Christmas in Norway is celebrated in a grand style. It is popularly known as the festival of light. This bright light promises long days and the return of sunlight. Norwegians like to have bright sunlight as it usually gets dark by 4 pm. The celebrations begin with a high light season that is December 13th. Next up is the feast day of Santa Lucia which is known as the ‘Queen of lights. This tradition started in Sweden but is celebrated in many other European countries. Today Santa Lucia Day is celebrated in both Sweden and Norway. Whether it is family gatherings, churches, or schools.
2. France
Food is loved by people in France and it is the center of their life. One of the most anticipated culinary events of the year is Le Reveillon de Noël. Every family celebrates Christmas with a big feast. Reveillon means ‘awakening’ for many. Moreover, the Reveillon is more about a spiritual and edible wakeup call. It resembles the multi-course meal in French dinners and lasts for many hours. Each region in France proudly serves various dishes during this time.
The food is made with local ingredients and the cuisines are tastier than ever. When it comes to Paris the meal will start with raw oysters. If we talk about the appetizers Alsace – is foie gras happens to be the most popular. Locally people eat a lot of buckwheat cakes and sour cream. Some people make Christmas bread and share it with the poor before eating. Moreover, children are in love with sponge cakes.
Read More: 5 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe
3. England
England has a lot of influence from the American style. However, they follow their traditions while celebrating Christmas. The traditions that followed the day were started by the Elizabethans and Victorians. Children remain the center point of these celebrations. Everything starts with decorating the trees, mainly with ornaments. If this isn’t enough many sings full-heartedly in church concerts. While the others act as angles in the nativity plays. Children send their heart-felt letters to Santa asking for gifts. The traditional way is to throw the letters into the fireplace. Children love Christmas crackers but they know it is not something that they can eat.
4. Italy
Italy likes to celebrate Christmas by decorating trees and enjoying religious feasts. The celebrations begin on 8th December. Children leave a glass of wine and cake for Babbo Natale (Father Christmas). In many cities, people bring gifts for each other. Presepe is one of the most popular traditions in Italy. While in Verona the tradition of Santa Lucia is continued for many years now.
Children become the center of attention as they are showered with many presents. Many churches and homes take part in Presepe. While many other towns are hosting a competition on Christmas night. Traditional Italian cakes are eaten by children and adults alike. Some of the most popular cakes include Pandoro and Panettone, from Milan. These sweet bread are full of raisins.
5. Slovenia
The Slovenian population celebrates Christmas with full enthusiasm. Some non-Christian Slovenians celebrate New Year instead of Christmas. However, they host a family gathering on January 2nd. It is necessary to have a good meal on Christmas night. The dinner menu mostly consists of roasted pork with potatoes and red cabbage.
Potica is a Slovenian walnut cake that is enjoyed as a delicious dessert. All the children in Slovenia receive gifts from Santa Claus or Grandfather Frost. Usually, Santa Claus or Baby Jesus will visit the little ones with plenty of gifts. If you plan to visit Slovenia, you will enjoy celebrating Christmas to the fullest!
