As December rolls around once again and the holiday season approaches, our thoughts often turn to the weather and how it shapes our Christmas celebrations. For many, the image of Christmas is tied to snowy landscapes, cozy nights by the fireplace, and the crisp, chilly air. However, Christmas is celebrated across the globe in a variety of climates, each bringing its unique charm to the festive season.
When we think about Christmas, we imagine snow-covered ground, frosty air, scarves, gloves, hats, and coats. Where families gather around a roaring fire in a desperate attempt to stay warm. In some parts of the world, this dream is a reality. Although the UK rarely sees snowfall nowadays, there are still areas where snow is a regular occurrence. Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Antarctica all see frequent snowfall. The higher up you are the more likely it is that you’ll experience snowfall.
In areas with heavy snowfall, these conditions are perfect for holiday activities such as sledding and tobogganing, where families enjoy taking their children to sled down snowy hills! Other activities friends, family, and young children like to do are building snowmen, having snowball fights, and going Ice Skating.
Groups worldwide will visit snowy destinations such as Switzerland to enjoy a skiing and snowboarding holiday. Great for thrill seekers who aren’t afraid of a little cold weather, here many people stay in lodges spending time with friends and family around a cozy fire.
However, like many other countries and cultures worldwide, these colder areas still participate in traditional Christmas excursions and activities such as visiting Christmas markets, going to Christmas light displays, and attending tree-lighting ceremonies. Christmas Day still involves exchanging presents, enjoying a traditional Christmas meal, and attending annual Christmas parties.
In the southern hemisphere, Christmas falls during summer, and typical Christmas weather is associated with temperatures above 20 degrees. Classic Christmas traditions are blended with the overjoys of summer.
Christmas is a time of family get-togethers and celebrations, and although the weather may not scream typical Christmas as we know it, these warmer countries still value family-oriented celebrations. Many still decorate their homes with Christmas lights, wreaths, and garlands. Christmas lights are displayed around towns and cities where the citizens still gather to sing carols and engage in festive celebrations.
However, unlike how colder countries celebrate Christmas, places including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Brazil consider a trip to the beach as a classic way to celebrate Christmas, where friends and families enjoy picnics, barbecues, and various outdoor coastal activities by the water. In New Zealand, Christmas parades and festivals are held throughout December to celebrate the lead-up to Christmas Day. Throughout the southern hemisphere, a fireworks display will be put on throughout the Christmas period.
It's not just activity-related traditions that differ throughout the globe, festive food preferences are another difference that various countries experience for example, in South Africa a ‘braai’ (barbecue) is a traditional way to celebrate Christmas, various grilled meats including ‘boerewors’ which is a type of sausage are cooked as well as lamb and chicken. Malva Pudding and the traditional mince pie are also fan favourites. Barbecues are also popular in Australia and New Zealand, where they enjoy an array of meats and fish including, lamb, beef, prawns, and even octopus.
For those unfortunate few who suffer through a rainy Christmas, the UK is a regular victim of these weather conditions. Although the weather conditions may be less than ideal, rainy days can also offer a cozy atmosphere indoors, especially during Christmas!
There are still great ways to enjoy Christmas under cover…
• Spending time with loved ones indoors!
• Enjoying a traditional Christmas meal.
• Playing board games and doing puzzles.
• Watching Christmas movies.
• Baking festive treats.
This Christmas, let the weather add to the season's magic. Whether you're bathing in the sun, building a snowman, or hiding from the rain, embrace the unique beauty of your surroundings and create unforgettable holiday memories.
Merry Christmas!
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