Menu
Donate

Our favourite Christmas traditions in the UK and around the world

Photo of Elijah Cruz against blank wall
Elijah Cruz - Digital Communications Officer
Thursday 28 November 2024
Little boy enjoying the Christmas lights

From festive decorations to heart-warming family gatherings and holiday activities. Join us as we learn about some of the most-loved Christmas traditions that bring joy to families in the UK and around the world.

Today, it is common to see Christmas trees and twinkling fairy lights in home across the UK. But each culture brings its own special twist to the festive season.

Be a charity Secret Santa

Your virtual gift could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas

Choose gift

UK Christmas traditions:

two men wearing AFC Chrsitmas Jumpers holding presents sitting in front of a christmas tree.jpg

In the UK, Christmas is often associated with carols, crackers and Christmas trees. Many communities gather to watch Christmas Carol concerts and light up the cold winter nights with festive lights.

Other traditions such as sharing traditional foods like turkey, mince pies and Christmas puddings are still prominent in the UK.

Christmas is also a time for giving for many families in the UK. Many people give presents on Christmas day to their loved ones.

Donating to those more vulnerable has also become a cherished tradition here in the UK. This year, why not make donating to charity your tradition? Donate today and you could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.

Christmas traditions around Europe

Choir Around the Tree Christmas Card

Europe is home to some of the most historical Christmas traditions. Here are some facts about Christmas traditions in these countries:

  • In many European countries, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve. This is also the date where many families give their Christmas presents to one another.
Illustration of bethlehem scene with a dove flying over
  • In Spain, presents are given on January 6, known as the Festival of the Three Wise Men.
  • In Poland, there are traditionally 12 dishes served for Christmas Eve.
  • In the Netherlands, shoes are placed around the fireplace with hope of getting small gifts.
  • Germany is often credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition. It is also famous for its iconic and historic Christmas markets.

Christmas traditions around the world

Illustration of vairous scenes of the navity story

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. But the way people celebrate the occasion are very diverse. Here are some of the Christmas traditions around the world that are still celebrated:

  • In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as a secular occasion. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, many people eat in KFC on Christmas day in the country.
  • In Australia, Christmas falls in their summer. Because of this, the tradition in Australia is to celebrate Christmas with barbecues on the beach.
  • In Brazil, many celebrate the day with a festive feast called Ceia de Natal, which features turkey, ham and rice dishes.

In South Korea, their Christmas tradition is celebrated with a strong emphasis on generosity and giving. Many people focus on donating to charities at Christmas.

You could do the same.

For vulnerable children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical. No stockings. No presents. No festive food - maybe no food at all.

But you could help change that. Your gift could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.

Children across the UK need a Secret Santa like you. 

Illustration of Lucy - Sad blonde girl on a red and white paper cut out snowy scene
Be a charity Secret Santa

Your virtual gift could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas

Choose gift