Christmas Around the World: Famous Traditions with Easy How-To Directions
Turn December into a global Christmas tour! Each activity should take just 20–45 minutes and require supplies found around your house.
Mexico – Las Posadas Piñata & Procession
Brief history: For more than 400 years Las Posadas has been celebrated in Mexico. It reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Neighbors go door to door just like the holy couple did. The star-shaped piñata originally symbolized the Star of David and was used in early church celebrations. It’s become a beloved children’s activity.
What you need: Blindfold, small star or donkey piñata (or paper bag), candy, ribbon
Directions:
• Fill a piñata or decorated paper bag with candy.
• Kids hold candles (LED) and walk around the house singing a simple Spanish carol or “Feliz Navidad.”
• Knock on a door asking “¿Hay posada?” (Is there room?). Get told “no” twice, then welcomed in on the third try.
• Hang and break the piñata while singing the piñata song (“Dale, dale, dale…”).
Germany – St. Nicholas Boots (Dec 6)
Brief history: In Europe, the early Christians celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas of Myra was known for secretly giving money to the poor. He became a legendary gift-bringer that ultimately inspired the figure of Santa Claus. On December 5th, German children place boots out so he could fill them with treats.
What you need: Boots or shoes, carrots, small treats (chocolate coins, oranges)
Directions:
• On Dec 5 evening encourage your kids clean a boot/shoe and place it by the door with a carrot for St. Nicholas’s horse.
• Parents swap the carrot for treats overnight.
• Morning reveal + read the legend of the real St. Nicholas helping the poor.
Sweden – Lucia Day Saffron Buns (Dec 13)
Brief history: Lucia Day blends ancient Swedish winter-light festivals with the story of St. Lucia, a Christian martyr who brought food to the hungry while wearing a crown of candles. In the dark Scandinavian winter, her day became a celebration of light, hope, and warmth—symbolized by the golden saffron buns.
What you need: White clothing, red ribbon, battery candle crown (or paper one), store-bought or easy lussekatter dough
Directions:
• Dress one child in white with red sash and candle crown (battery tea lights hot-glued to a wreath).
• Turn off lights; “Lucia” leads a procession carrying warm saffron buns and singing “Santa Lucia.”
• Everyone eats buns by candlelight.
Philippines – Parol Star Lantern
Brief history: During the Spanish colonial period, the Filipino Catholics made lanterns to light their way to early morning Simbang Gabi (Christmas novena) Masses. The star shape of the lantern represents the Star of Bethlehem, and today parols are displayed everywhere—from homes to entire street festivals—as a symbol of Christmas joy.
What you need: 10 popsicle sticks, glue, tissue paper, cellophane, battery tea light
Directions:
• Glue two stars (5 sticks each) and connect with a stick in the middle to make a 3D star.
• Cover each point with colored tissue/cellophane.
• Place a tea light inside and hang in the window—gorgeous at night!
Ukraine – Christmas Spider Ornament
Brief history: The tradition of the Christmas Spider Ornament comes from an old Ukrainian folktale. The story tells of a poor widow who had no money to decorate her family’s Christmas tree. Overnight, friendly spiders spun sparkling webs across the branches. When the children woke up to the spider webs had turned to silver and gold. Ukrainians still hang spider ornaments or tinsel for good luck and prosperity.
What you need: Silver/gold pipe cleaners or tinsel, small plastic spider
Directions:
• Read the legend: a poor family’s tree miraculously gets covered in spider webs that turn to silver & gold.
• Twist pipe cleaners into a delicate web shape (or wrap tinsel around a pinecone).
• Add a tiny spider and hang on the tree for good luck.
For an instant geography lesson, add a printable passport or world map where kids color each country as they finish.
These traditions are simple, memorable, and truly magical with kids.
Which country will your family visit first?
