Each year, for the holidays, my company theme is Global Christmas Traditions of Americans. It is an opportunity to introduce or reintroduce family traditions of your ancestors with the younger generations in your immediate household--your international side of you.
For unison, I always invite families from other countries to participate in the theme as well. I have discovered that most countries around the world share one common tradition behavior: lighting of candles. Amazingly, the definition of light and lighting of candles vary by community. Apparently, so does the climate. In warmer climate communities instead of light as a holiday symbol, light-colored paper decorations are used.
- Austria - Light is a symbol of the eternal light God gave man in the Christ Child: "Christ is born." Three candles are lit during the holidays: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
- Belgium - Candlelight religious services.
- Brazil - Lighting of candles by faith believers during mass.
- Bulgaria - First star on Christmas Eve; Lighting of the yule log.
- Canada - Light of faith by faith believers.
- China - Tree of Light vs. saying Christmas tree even though they do not actually use lit candles on their tree.
- Czechoslovakia - Holding a candle while impersonating the Three Kings.
- England - Lighting of the yule log and candles lit during religious services.
- Finland - Tiny candles are used to decorate the Christmas tree, homes, churches, and more.
- France - The candle lighting for a "Creche" or the miniature nativity scene and during religious services.
- Germany - Lighting of the "Tannenbaum" - the Christmas tree during Christmas Eve.
- Ireland - Lit candles are placed in windows of unique households. The candlelight is a symbol of welcomed hospitality.
- Italy - Candlelight religious services: the feast of Immaculate Conception (Virgin Mary).
- Liberia - Fireworks on Christmas night
- Mexico - Candlelight religious services.
- Palestine - Candlelight religious services.
- Poland - The first heavenly star noticeable is celebrated during Christmas Eve.
- Rumania - A candle is lit to illuminate a star placed inside of a wooden cross.
- Russia - Did you know many of Russia's traditions have been lost and forgotten? A piece of wood is burnt on Christmas Eve.
- Serbia - Lighting of a yule log.
- Sicily - Candlelight religious services and small fires (similar to camp fires).
- Spain - The heavenly light: sunset.
- Sweden - Seven lit candle halo: St. Lucia
- Syria - The heavenly light: sunset.
- United States - Candlelight religious services; Tree of Light; "Jesus is the light of the world."
- Yugoslavia - Lighting of the Yule log and heavenly light: sunrise.