global news | January 10, 2026

What are christmas traditions in switzerland

What is Christmas Eve called in Switzerland?

Heiliger AbendHeiliger Abend – Christmas Eve

December 24 is “Heiliger Abend,” Christmas Eve or Holy Night, and is celebrated according to the traditions of each village and valley.

What are the main Christmas traditions?

Learn why we decorate trees, swap cookies and hide pickles and elves, among other traditions. Learn why we decorate trees, swap cookies and hide pickles and elves, among other traditions.

How do Swiss say Merry Christmas?

Swiss German: Weihnachten/Fröhliche Weihnachten

The word comes from the original middle high German word wihennahten. Merry Christmas in German-speaking Switzerland is Fröhliche Weihnachten or simply Frohe Weihnachten.

What are Swedish Christmas traditions?

Each Sunday until Christmas, a candle is lit (and blown out after a while), until all four candles are alight. And on each of these Sundays, many Swedes enjoy glögg – a hot, spicy mulled wine with blanched almonds and raisins – and pepparkakor (gingerbread biscuits).

What is the weirdest Christmas tradition?

The eight strangest Christmas traditions on earth
  • Krampus, Austria. …
  • The pooper and the pooping log, Catalonia. …
  • The Yule Lads, Iceland. …
  • Mari Lwyd, Wales. …
  • La Befana, Italy. …
  • Spider webs, Ukraine. …
  • Radish carving, Mexico.

What is the oldest Christmas tradition?

For the Christian celebration of Christmas, the viewing of the Nativity play is one of the oldest Christmastime traditions, with the first reenactment of the Nativity of Jesus taking place in A.D. 1223.

What are Italian Christmas traditions?

One old Italian custom is that children go out Carol singing and playing songs on shepherds pipes, wearing shepherds sandals and hats. On Christmas Eve, it’s common that no meat (and also sometimes no dairy) is eaten. Often a light seafood meal is eaten and then people go to the Midnight Mass service.

What is reindeer food?

Reindeer Food – made from oats, sprinkles, and glitter this magical reindeer food can be sprinkled on the lawn for the reindeer to eat.

What do do on Christmas morning?

8 Ways to Make Christmas Morning Even More Special
  • Wear Christmas Pajamas. …
  • Look for Signs of Santa. …
  • Create a Gift Scavenger Hunt. …
  • Give (or Make) a New Ornament. …
  • Make a Festive Breakfast. …
  • Make a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board. …
  • Have a Christmas Movie Marathon. …
  • Play Family Games.

How do the Japanese celebrate Christmas?

In Japan, Christmas in known as more of a time to spread happiness rather than a religious celebration. Christmas Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is thought of as a romantic day, in which couples spend together and exchange presents. … Fried chicken is often eaten on Christmas day.

What is Santa Claus called in Italy?

Babbo Natale Italian children call Santa Claus ‘Babbo Natale’. He is becoming more popular in Italy for gift giving on Christmas Day but La Befana, the old woman who delivers gifts on Epiphany on 6th January, is still more common.

Do the French celebrate Christmas?

Traditional French Christmas celebrations include letters from Santa, feasts on Christmas Eve and presents at the beginning of December! Writing to Santa is a tradition across the world but in France he writes back!