12|21|24 - Children’s Holiday Traditions Around the World!
Hey there, young explorer! The holidays are the most magical time of the year, and every country has its own special way of celebrating! Imagine how exciting it would be to celebrate in a completely different way from your own family traditions! Today, we’re going to take a fun journey around the world to explore how children in different countries celebrate their holidays. Ready to discover some new traditions? Let’s go!
1. Christmas in Germany: The Christmas Markets
In Germany, Christmas is celebrated with lots of special traditions, and one of the most fun is the Christmas market, called Weihnachtsmärkte! Families walk around outdoor markets full of twinkling lights, delicious treats like gingerbread cookies, and toys and decorations. Children often get to ride carousels, drink warm hot chocolate, and enjoy fun activities. Some places even have a special tradition of opening Advent calendars—each day a new door opens to reveal a little treat or toy, counting down the days until Christmas!
2. Hanukkah in Israel: The Dreidel Game
In Israel and Jewish communities around the world, Hanukkah is a special holiday celebrated for eight days, usually in December. One fun tradition is playing the dreidel game. The dreidel is a spinning top with four Hebrew letters on it. Children play by spinning the dreidel and winning chocolate coins called gelt or small prizes. Hanukkah is also a time for families to light the menorah (a special candle holder) and enjoy delicious foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts)!
3. New Year in Japan: Oshogatsu
In Japan, the New Year is celebrated with a big family holiday called Oshogatsu. One fun part of the celebration is toshikoshi soba—eating long buckwheat noodles to bring good luck and long life in the new year! Children often visit shrines with their families, where they make wishes for the year ahead. They also play games like karuta (a card game) and fukuwarai (a game where you make funny faces by placing paper parts on a face outline, like eyes and noses). And don’t forget the New Year’s cards, which children send to friends and family wishing them good fortune!
4. La Posada in Mexico: The Christmas Procession
In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated with a beautiful tradition called La Posada. During this celebration, children dress up like Mary and Joseph and go door-to-door, reenacting their search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. At each door, they sing songs and ask for "posada" (a place to stay). When they reach the last house, they are invited in for a big feast and the children break open a piñata filled with candy and treats! It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
5. Diwali in India: The Festival of Lights
In India, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest holidays of the year. It’s a celebration of light, good fortune, and the victory of good over evil. Children help decorate their homes with oil lamps called diyas and colorful rangoli designs made of powder and flower petals. They also enjoy fireworks, sweets, and the fun of exchanging gifts with family. Many families have a tradition of wearing new clothes and enjoying the lights of the season, making Diwali a bright and joyful time for everyone!
6. The Three Kings’ Day in Spain: El Día de Reyes
In Spain and many Latin American countries, children celebrate El Día de Reyes, or Three Kings’ Day, on January 6th. The day marks the arrival of the three kings who brought gifts to baby Jesus. The night before, children leave their shoes out, hoping the kings will fill them with gifts and sweets. In Spain, there are grand parades with the kings on floats, throwing sweets and toys to the crowd. It's like a giant party with music, dancing, and excitement that lasts all day!
7. Boxing Day in the United Kingdom: A Day of Giving
In the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is celebrated the day after Christmas. Traditionally, it was a day to give gifts to servants or the less fortunate, but today, it’s also a day for family gatherings, sports, and shopping sales. Children enjoy playing with the toys they received for Christmas, but they also look forward to extra fun, like watching big football (soccer) matches or playing games with their friends.
8. St. Nicholas Day in the Netherlands: Sinterklaas
In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 5th and 6th. The children believe that Sinterklaas (the Dutch version of Santa Claus) arrives by boat from Spain! He’s often seen with his helpers, known as Zwarte Piet, who pass out candy and small gifts to children who have been good. Children leave their shoes out, and if they’ve been good, they wake up to find them filled with treats, chocolates, and sometimes even small toys!
9. Christmas in Italy: La Befana
In Italy, Christmas is celebrated with a twist—on January 6th, La Befana, an old woman who flies on a broomstick, brings gifts to children. On the night before, children leave their shoes out for La Befana to fill with candy, toys, and sometimes coal for those who have been naughty! But the most fun part? Families gather for a big meal and sing Christmas carols, making it a joyful end to the holiday season!
Let’s Celebrate the World’s Traditions!
The holidays are a magical time all around the world, and children everywhere have their own special ways of celebrating. Whether it’s lighting candles, playing games, or waiting for gifts, each tradition brings joy and fun to the season. So, as you celebrate with your family, remember that children all over the world are doing the same thing, just in their own unique ways!
Which holiday tradition do you think would be the most fun to try? Feel free to let us know! Happy holidays, young explorer!
