Living Well: Holiday Traditions from Around the World

Holiday Traditions from Around the World

December marks a time of celebration around the world, with many holidays, customs and festivals filling our calendars from different nations and faiths.

We’ve gathered some fun international traditions that can be added to boost your holiday fun this year.

Get outside

Australia celebrates Christmas a little differently than those in the northern hemisphere. While we enjoy the cold, they celebrate Christmas with yuletide beach parties, complete with Christmas trees and Santa hats! While it may not be beach weather in Canada, that doesn’t mean we can’t go for a brisk walk outside and enjoy some fresh air.
Let loose and dance

Crank up those Christmas tunes and follow the steps of Bahamians by dancing! In the Bahamas they celebrate Junkanoo, a celebration from December 26 to New Year’s Day that involves dancing across the island in colourful costumes to the sounds of cowbells, drums, and whistles.
Watch the sunset

On the winter solstice, crowds gather in Southern England at the Stonehenge monument to watch the sunset. The stones frame a view of the winter solstice sunset, creating a beautiful landscape. Why not take some time this holiday season to watch the sunset with your loved ones!
Be nice, not naughty

From December 12 to 23, Icelandic children leave a shoe on their windowsill. When they go to sleep each night, 13 magical Yule Lads climb down from the mountains to leave gifts in the shoes of well-behaved children. Kids who have been naughty receive a potato in their shoe. This could be some great Elf-on-the-Shelf inspiration!