Hanukkah in Israel
Jewish people all over the world observe Hanukkah, but perhaps there is not a more brilliant celebration than in Israel. The eight-day holiday, which lands on different dates in December every year, marks the successful Jewish rebellion over the Greeks. The focal point of celebration is the menorah, a branched candelabrum, and most homes have many. Each night, one candle is lit and gifts are often given to children, games are played and food is enjoyed. Children in Israel even get a week off from school.
St. Lucia Day in Sweden
St. Lucia Day honors a third-century saint on Dec. 13, when girls dress up as "Lucia brides" and wear long white gowns and red sashes. The attire is accompanied with a wreath of burning candles on their heads. The girls wake up their families by singing songs and offering coffee.
New Year's Eve in Ecuador
In this South American country, a family dresses up a straw man representing the old year. Family members make a will for the straw man that lists all of their faults. At midnight, they burn the straw man in hopes their own faults disappear, too.
Christmas in France
In France, Christmas is called Noel. A figure called Pere Noel, father of Christmas, makes home visits with gifts. On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by a fireplace that will be filled with the gifts. In the morning, they awake to find fruits, nuts and small toys. Nearly every home has a Nativity Scene, which serves as the focal point of decoration and celebration, just as the Christmas tree does in U.S. homes.
Omisoka in Japan
In Japan, Omisoka, or New Year's Eve, is the second most important holiday of the year, following New Year's Day, the start of a new beginning. Japanese families gather for a late dinner around 11 p.m., and at midnight, many make visits to a shrine or temple. In many homes, there is a cast bell that is struck 108 times, symbolizing desires believed to cause human suffering.
Kwanzaa in the United States
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration honoring African-American culture. It was first celebrated in 1966 and is one of the fastest growing holidays. A Kwanzaa celebration often includes singing, drumming and a selection of readings such as the African Pledge or parts of African history.
Ta Chiu in Hong Kong
Those in Hong Kong pray to the gods and ghosts of their ancestors asking that they will fulfill wishes for the next year. Priests read aloud the names of every person living at the celebration and attach a list of names to a paper horse and set it on fire. The smoke carries the names up to the Gods and the living will be remembered.
Read more on celebrating the holidays
Christmas traditions around the world
How to survive Christmas
Recipes for Kwanzaa
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Source: http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/848521/10-holiday-traditions-from-across-the-world
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