Christmas traditions around the world

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Ireland

It's very common for everyone to go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It's a time when people pray for the friends and relatives who have passed away. Christmas dinner is a traditional meal with turkey or goose and a selection of different types of potatoes. The 6th January is just as important as Christmas Eve and Day in Ireland as it is the day of Epiphany and is known as Little Christmas or Women's Christmas.

The Philipines

The Philipines is known for having the longest Christmas because they celebrate from
December 16th to January 6th. During the season there are several church masses and after mass on Christmas Eve families have a big traditional meal, which includes Edam cheese and spiced ham.

Australia

It's always summer at Christmas in Oz but despite this, most Australians celebrate Christmas in the same way we do, with presents and a turkey dinner on Christmas Day. Often they finish Christmas Day celebrations with a barbecue on the beach or by their pool - sounds lovely!

Russia

In Russia Christmas and New Year are a bit different. Advent starts in November and lasts for 40 days, rather than our 25. For most Russians 25th December is still a time to celebrate Christmas but January 6th is more important and is seen as their Christmas Eve, 7th January is Christmas Day. Some people, especially Russian Orthodox Christians fast on the 6th Jan. Their Christmas meal is often vegetables and meat dumplings and a sweet porridge, which, if you throw it and it sticks onto the ceiling, it's meant to bring good luck for the new year.