Let's celebrate together: A Christmas trip around the world!

At iLanguage, we believe that these festivals give us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions of different cultures around the world. This "winter break" or "summer break," depending on which hemisphere you're in, is the perfect time to share special moments with your family, practice languages, and create memories that will last forever.

Christmas celebrations around the world:

Mexico

In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated with the Posadas, which reenact the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph in search of an inn before the birth of Jesus. During the Posadas, friends and neighbors come together to form processions, sing songs and remember the journey of the Holy Family.

A highlight of these celebrations are the piñatas, which symbolize the fight against temptation and divine reward. Decorated with bright colors, the piñatas are filled with candy and fruit. Participants, blindfolded, try to break the piñata with a stick while the others sing and cheer. The moment the piñata breaks and the candy falls is greeted with joy and laughter, representing a gesture of celebration and unity.

Argentina

In Argentina, Christmas is celebrated with large family parties and fireworks. Midnight on December 24th is the moment when gifts are exchanged and hugs and good wishes are shared.

Chile

Chile is filled with the vibrations of music and dance during the festivities. Families gather to have barbecues and enjoy typical foods while telling anecdotes and laughing.

Peru

In Peru, the Misa del Gallo is a long-standing tradition. After mass, families participate in a festive dinner that includes traditional dishes such as tamales and panetón.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica lights up its towns with lanterns during the celebrations. The burning of the Christmas tree marks the beginning of the holiday season, and families gather to enjoy delicious meals.

Colombia

In Colombia, novenas are an essential part of Christmas. During the nine nights before Christmas Eve, friends and relatives come together to pray, sing Christmas carols and eat typical dishes.

Brazil

In Brazil, Christmas is celebrated with a unique mix of festivities. Although December is the height of summer in this tropical country, cities are adorned with festive lights and decorations. The "midnight meal" on December 24 is an important tradition where families come together to enjoy special dishes and exchange gifts.

Brazilian beaches are known for their New Year's Eve celebrations, where people wear white to bring good luck. The mix of religious rituals, cultural performances and lively Brazilian music creates a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the season.

Austria

In Austria, families gather to bake cookies together, an activity that goes beyond baking treats to share; it is a time of togetherness and joy. Additionally, each household often decorates a natural tree with festive ornaments.

Finland: In Finland, Christmas begins with a family sauna visit, a time-honored tradition. The Christmas meal includes delicacies such as “joulukinkku” (Christmas ham) and “laatikko” (a root stew).

Greece

In Greece, Christmas is celebrated with a special food called “Christopsomo” and the tradition of the “Kalikantzari”. The “Christopsomo” is a special bread that is blessed in the church, while the “Kalikantzari” are mischievous creatures that are said to appear during the December nights.

Spain

In Spain, Christmas Eve includes a festive dinner and the arrival of Santa Claus or the Three Kings. Cultural diversity is reflected in the variety of dishes, ranging from seafood to lamb, and in the gift-giving.

Italy

In Italy, “Panettone” and “Befana” are essential parts of the Christmas season. Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet, while “Befana” is a popular figure who gives gifts to children on Epiphany.

Estonia: Celebrations in Estonia begin with a visit to cemeteries to remember deceased loved ones. The feast includes traditional dishes such as sült (meat pudding) and verivorst (black pudding).

Latvia

In Latvia, Christmas is associated with the winter solstice. On the night of December 24th, candles are lit on the Christmas tree and presents are distributed. Traditional dishes include “kūčiukai” and “pīrāgi”.

Ukraine

In Ukraine, Christmas Eve is celebrated with “Sviaty Vechir”. The table is set with “kutia”, “borshch” and “holubtsi”, while “didukh”, a straw decoration in honor of ancestors, is made.

Russia

In Russia, Christmas Eve is celebrated on January 6th with dishes such as “kutia” and “uzvar”. The visit of “Ded Moroz” and “Snegurochka” adds a magical touch to the holiday.

Hanukka

Hanukkah lights up Israeli homes with the warm glow of Menorah candles. Families come together to enjoy succulent traditional dishes such as sufganiyot (stuffed doughnuts).

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa, an African diaspora celebration, promotes values ​​such as unity and cooperation. American families of African descent gather to reflect on these principles and share meals together.

Diwali

Even though Diwali is already over, we cannot ignore the magnificent Hindu festival that lights up India with lights and colors. This festival is a time of joy, sweets and prayers with family.

quality time with the family

During the winter or summer break, depending on which hemisphere you are in, we should take the opportunity to spend a lot of time with our families. At iLanguage we propose multilingual activities, from learning new vocabulary for typical desserts and dishes to exploring seasonal traditions in different cultures.

Creating lasting memories

In addition to material gifts, it is above all the moments spent together that create lasting memories. Whether cooking together, doing crafts or simply enjoying the company of the family - these are the moments that we cherish.

Whatever holiday you celebrate with your family, whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other, the iLanguage team wishes you a very happy holiday season and a wonderful 2024 filled with joy, love, and learning. May this "break" be a time for you to connect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories!

How do you celebrate these special days?

Whatever your tradition, the iLanguage team wishes you happy holidays! 🌟 May this season be filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments with your loved ones! 🎄🎁

We'll read each other soon! 😉