Learning about other cultures enriches children’s lives. The holidays offer a great opportunity to teach your child what other families around the world are doing during the season. Maybe these will inspire you to try something fun and new and maybe even adopt some traditions into your own holiday merriment.
Sweden
On St. Lucia Day, December 13th, girls dress up as Saint Lucia by wearing a white dress, red sash and a crown of lit candles.
Oaxaca, Mexico
The Night of the Radishes is celebrated December 23rd. Radishes are carved into displays of people and objects and then compete for the best scene.
Ukraine
Instead of tinsel, families decorate Christmas trees with fake spiders and fake webs. The webs are said to bring good luck in the new year.
Germany
Parents hide a pickle on the Christmas tree for children to find on Christmas morning. The child who finds the pickle earns an extra gift.
Japan
Otoshidama is a tradition where adults give children in the family money in small decorated envelopes on New Year’s Day. The typical amount is $50.
