Christmas is essentially a worldwide celebration. Whether countries celebrate Christmas for religious purposes or not, many traditions and celebrations have been incorporated into countries around the globe.

As an organization working around the world, we thought it would be fun to share some of the unique ways that countries celebrate Christmas. It’s a chance to not only appreciate how different cultures celebrate this wonderful holiday, but also to remind ourselves why Christmas exists — to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!

NIGERIA

“Merry Christmas” in Igbo, one of the many languages spoken in Nigeria, is E keresimesi Oma! Christmas in Nigeria is a time when families come together to celebrate and enjoy time together. Many people have Christmas parties that last all night long on Christmas Eve. When morning arrives, they go to church to worship God and thank him for all he’s done.

BELGIUM

“Merry Christmas” in Dutch is Vrolijk Kerstfeest! And unlike many countries around the world, Belgians typically celebrate the gift-giving part of Christmas on December 6, which is St. Nicholas Day. The night before St. Nicholas Day, kids put their shoes in front of the fireplace. Then in the night, St. Nicholas (or Sinterklaas) climbs down the chimney and delivers presents, leaving them in and around the kids’ shoes.

NEW ZEALAND

“Merry Christmas” in Maori, one of the many languages spoken in New Zealand, is Meri Kirihimete! Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas falls during their summer. People often like to barbecue for Christmas lunch and enjoy spending time outside or at the beach, soaking up all the sunshine.

PUERTO RICO

“Merry Christmas” in Spanish is Feliz Navidad! In Puerto Rico, the Christmas season isn’t just celebrated in December. In fact, celebrations begin as early as November and can continue until mid-January! As Christmas draws near, special masses called Misa de Aguidaldos are held from December 15-24 at 6 a.m. Most of the service is sung as traditional Puerto Rican instruments are played, including the cuatro (a Puerto Rican guitar), güiros (a percussion instrument), maracas (a rattle or shaker) and more.

GEORGIA

“Merry Christmas” in Georgian looks like this: გილოცავთ შობა-ახალ წელს! The traditional Christmas tree is called a chichilaki, and it’s made of dried wood that’s shaved into long curly strips to form a small tree. It’s then decorated with small fruits and sweets, and often has a wooden cross at the top.

So there you have it — five different ways that people around the world celebrate the same holiday. Maybe your family or culture has some unique ways of celebrating Christmas, too. As you enjoy this wonderful time of year, be sure to stop and remember the reason why Christmas exists: God fulfilled a promise he made thousands of years ago to mankind when he sent us the Messiah, Jesus Christ. And that’s a wonderful reason to celebrate!