Christmas in Europe

Chilly atmosphere, snow-filled pathways, decorative sledges and bright hues of red and green, all indicate just one thing - its Christmas time!!  Come December, and the whole world engulfs itself in the festive galore of the coming fiesta. Right from stores to houses, lanes to highways, every nook and corner boasts of the glory of Christmas. While talking about Christmas celebrations, you just cannot miss to discuss the Yuletide spirit seen in the continent of Europe. Though the sanctimonious practices performed in the different countries of the continent tend to differ, the spirit or essence of the festival remains the same - that of rejoicing and making merry. In the following lines, we have provided detailed information about the Christmas celebrations in Europe.

Christmas is celebrated with a lot of fanfare and gusto throughout France. The entire country revels in the festive galore and makes merry. While Christmas is mainly celebrated on December 25, in the eastern and northern regions, the celebrations start as early as on 6^th of December, celebrating the la fête de Saint Nicolas. Family reunions, partying, decorating the houses and stores are a few activities practiced during Christmas in France. Le Réveillon or the feast before Christmas Day is a very late supper, held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve, in each of the French houses.

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Soulful carols, beautifully festooned Christmas trees, Weihnachtsmann or Christmas Man and of course, the delectable Christmas feast portray the festive spirit of Christmas in Germany. Germans practice interesting traditions that are exclusive to the country. Celebrations start as early as December 6. On this day, Germans celebrate St. Nicholas Day, locally known as ‘Nikolaustag’. In short, in Germany, Christmas is a time to rejoice and celebrate the birth of Christ.  People indulge in religious practices and visit their family and friends to wish happiness for the festival.

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Much against the yesteryears, Christmas celebrations in Greece have been on the rise. Lavish decorations, colorful lights and elaborates feasts mark the Christmas fervor in the country. Both adults and children indulge in sanctimonious practices that bring out the true essence of the festival. However, instead of the Christmas tree, the main symbol for Christmas in Greece is a shallow wooden bowl, from which hangs a sprig of basil, wrapped around a wooden cross. All in all, Christmas celebration in Greece may be a little different, but the spirit of the festival remains the same.

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Thanks to commercialization and globalization, Christmas in Scotland has changed from being a quiet festival to a special celebration. Planning and preparation for the festival starts days in advance. Popularly known as Yule or Yuletide among Scottish, Christmas is a time for rejoicing and making merry. Holy wreaths, tinsel, candles and decorations form a major part of the festivities. Scotland has a distinctive style of celebrating Christmas. Parades are held all around the country, to mark the festive galore.

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