A Non-traditional Christmas: Traditions from Around the World

Tired of Santa clause? Does jingle bell make you cringe? Granny's Christmas sweater makes you itch? Then maybe its time to stir things up for Christmas? How about starting a tradition from another country ? All over the world people have beautiful traditions that are non-traditional to you and your family.

1. In Denmark the 24 days until Christmas night ( Which is on the 24. There) they have a Christmas calendar where kids get a little gift every day. It can range from a little toy, candy or all kinds of accessories. Along with Christmas dinner. They make something called rice budding for desert , one almond is placed in the bowl and who ever that gets it has "good luck" for a year.

2. In Spain they have "Hogueras" Which are bonfires . People jump over fires to protect against illness and celebrate the shortest day of the year.

3. In Australia it is summer when Christmas comes around . A simple barbeque is common for a traditional Christmas dinner. Hotdogs and burgers could be a fun way of Celebrating Christmas .

4. In Finland it is custom to visit a gravesite of a family member or friend.

5. In Mexico they hang piñatas and let the kids knock them down until they break and out comes candy and other sweets.

6. In China, portraits and paintings are found and hung in the living room. You could find old black and white photo's of your ancestors , frame them in romantic old small frames and hang them on the tree. A great way for your kids to learn the history and lineage of your family.

7. In India they decorate their house with mango leaves and small oil lamps.

8. In Scandinavia they celebrate Advent where you take wreath and decorate it with 4 candles , glitter, bows etc. Every Sunday until Christmas night you light a candle , and have a cocktail of warm red wine, nuts and raisins .

9. Live out the experience by traveling to the country and really live and breath it with all its tradition for Christmas.

10. Almost all countries have a dish of food that is unique for Christmas, search the internet, go to your local book stores, find recipe's . Bring your family to unique little stores to buy the ingredients , make the food together . Experience the tastes from around the world.

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