As Americans, we have our own unique family Christmas traditions. That goes to everything from seasonal decorations and greetings to special foods and customs. Check out some Christmas traditions from around the world and turn them into new traditions for your family.

Christmas Traditions

1. Advent Calendars - They’re becoming more and more popular in the United States, but they’ve been a staple in Germany for centuries. Beautiful calendars and wreaths are used to count down the days until Christmas, starting on December 1, and typically include 24 small windows or doors that contain a small gift or chocolate.
2. Posadas Piñatas - Starting on December 16, the posada is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem and finding no room at the inn. Piñatas in the shape of a seven-point star-shaped are decorated and filled with candy and small toys.
3. Gifts from Sinterklass - On December 5 in Holland, children put carrots in their shoes, which they leave outside of their rooms. The carrots are for Sinterklass’s horse, and Sinterklass leaves candies and sweets in their place.
4. Little Candles Day - Celebrated on December 7 in Columbia, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies, and front yards to honor the Virgin Mary and the eve of the immaculate conception.
5. Yule Goat - The Yule goat dates back to the 11th century where there are legends of a man-sized goat led by St. Nicholas. Today, it is celebrated across Sweden where people hang Christmas ornaments depicting the Yule Goat.