Jan 22nd 2020

While Christmas may have begun solely as a Christian holiday, people from all over the world have embraced the festive season and added their own Christmas traditions along the way. Here are examples of some of the customs and traditions that make Christmas special for observers all over the world.

Christmas Traditions in Mexico

In Mexico, the Christmas celebration lasts from December 12th through the beginning of January.  On December 16th, Mexican kids perform a series of Posada. Posada is a procession that represent Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay.  Kids would walk with candles to various houses where they sing a song and then are told by the residents that there is no room for them. At the last house of the final Posada, the children are told that they're welcomed in for a celebration that includes prayers and a party with food, fireworks, and often a piñata.

Krampus in Austria

Austria shares many Christmas traditions with Germany, but the country also has other special Christmas traditions of its own. Christmas in Austria starts around 4.00pm on Christmas Eve when the decorated Christmas tree is lit in the middle of the city for the first time and people come to sing carols around the tree. Some children might get a present from St. Nicholas in early December, but in Austria St. Nicholas is often accompanied by the Krampus, a big horned monster clothed in rags and carrying chains. He's meant to punish children who have been bad.

Netherlands and Shoes by The Fire

Every year in the days leading up to December 5th, Dutch children will place their shoes by the fire in hopes that Sinterklaas (Santa Clause) will fill them with some presents in the night. The children also believe that if they leave some carrots inside their shoes for Sinterklaas's horse, they will be left some additional sweets or small presents. While Sinterklaas can be considered as the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, there are some differences. For instance, Sinterklaas is accompanied by the controversial Zwarte Piet (Black Peter), an assistant with a soot-covered who does the hard job of going down each chimney to leave gifts for children.

Gävle Goat, Sweden

The Yule Goat has been a Swedish Christmas symbol since the nation’s ancient festivals. However, in 1966, the tradition got a whole new life after someone came up with the idea to make a giant straw goat now referred to as the Gävle Goat. According to the official website, the goat is over 42 feet high, 23 feet wide and weighs 3.6 tons. Each year, the Gävle Goat is constructed in the same spot. People can even watch a live stream from the first Sunday of Advent until after the New Year when it's taken down.

Christmas traditions always make the holidays seem more special. Whatever the tradition is, make it extra special with delicious treats to enjoy with beloved friends and family, like a tin of butter cookies. One of the most famous butter cookies with a premium flavour is Danisa Butter Cookies, made with traditional a Danish recipe. The richness of the butter, the gentle vanilla flavor, and the perfectly balanced sweetness is just right to please people all over the This prestigious butter cookies is also the perfect gift to the ones you love, care for, and respect in this Christmas occasion.