Christmas Traditions and Etiquette Around the World – A Complete Guide

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El Gordo Lottery: Spain’s massive Christmas lottery on December 22nd, featuring schoolchildren singing winning numbers live, with prizes exceeding €2 billion since 1812.
• Midnight Mass (La Misa del Gallo): Spanish Christmas Eve tradition of attending midnight church service, followed by Nochebuena dinner.
• Caga Tió: Catalan tradition where children “feed” a decorated hollow log and beat it with sticks on Christmas Eve to make it “poop out” treats and gifts.

Do’s in Gifting


• Open Gifts Immediately: It is customary to open gifts right away in front of the giver. This allows the giver to see your reaction and for you to express your gratitude immediately.
• Wrap Gifts Beautifully: Presentation matters in Spain. Make sure your gifts are nicely wrapped, as this reflects thoughtfulness and care.
• Consider the Recipient’s Preferences: When selecting gifts, think about what the recipient would truly appreciate. The “Four Gift Rule” suggests giving something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Avoid Giving Flowers: Flowers are generally not given as gifts during Christmas. If you do choose to give flowers, be mindful of their meanings—some types can be associated with funerals.
• Don’t Give Overly Expensive Gifts: In both personal and business contexts, giving excessively lavish gifts can be seen as inappropriate or even as an attempt to bribe. Aim for thoughtful rather than extravagant gifts.
• Refrain from Generic Gifts: Avoid giving gifts that feel impersonal or generic. Tailoring your gift to the recipient shows thoughtfulness and respect.

Want to explore more? Here is our full article on Christmas Traditions and Etiquette in Spain.

Christmas Traditions in the Philippines

• Early Start to Christmas: The Philippines starts celebrating Christmas as early as September, with decorations and carols appearing in homes and shops.
• House-to-House Caroling: Filipino Christmas tradition of groups visiting homes to perform carols in exchange for treats, strengthening community ties.
• Simbang Gabi: Series of 9 pre-dawn masses from December 16-24, believed to grant wishes if all are attended, fostering community spirit.

Do’s in Gifting


• Participate in Unique Group Gift Exchanges: Engaging in traditions like manito-manita, where gifts are exchanged among groups (often involving drawing names), is common during Christmas celebrations.
• Choose Thoughtful Gifts: Filipinos greatly appreciate gifts that show consideration for the recipient’s preferences and needs. Personal or sentimental items often hold more value than expensive ones.
• Wrap Gifts Beautifully: The presentation matters significantly in Filipino culture. A well-wrapped gift with attention to detail demonstrates effort and respect for the recipient.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Don’t Expect Gifts to Be Opened Immediately: It’s common for recipients to set aside gifts after thanking the giver. This practice emphasizes respect and appreciation rather than immediate gratification.
• Steer Clear of Certain Items: Some gifts carry negative connotations; for example, giving shoes may imply that you want the recipient to walk out of your life. Handkerchiefs are also avoided as they symbolize tears and sadness.
• Avoid Generic Gifts: While practical items are appreciated, generic gifts may lack personal touch. Aim for something that reflects your relationship with the recipient or their interests.

Want to explore more? Here is our full article on Christmas Traditions and Etiquette in the Philippines.

Christmas Traditions in France

• Père Noël and Père Fouettard: French Father Christmas figure who rewards good children, accompanied by Père Fouettard who punishes the naughty.
• Shoes by the Fireplace: French children place their shoes by the fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping Père Noël will fill them with treats.
• Mistletoe: French tradition of hanging mistletoe above doorways, believed to bring good luck and invite affectionate moments.

Do’s in Gifting

• Personalized Gifts: Consider the recipient’s preferences and interests when choosing a gift. A personalized item or something related to their profession can be particularly meaningful.
• Respect Tradition: While modern practices allow placing gifts under the Christmas tree, traditionally, children left their shoes by the fireplace for Father Christmas (Père Noël) so it’s traditionally preferred to give gifts that fit inside shoes.
• Appreciation Tokens: Give gifts as tokens of appreciation to those who serve you regularly, especially during the holiday season. This includes household staff, babysitters, and other domestic helpers.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Gift Size: Traditional gifts were modestly sized to fit inside shoes. Modern practice allows larger gifts, but consider the practicality of the item and how it might be stored or handled.
• Business Cards with Gifts: Avoid sending gifts with business cards attached. This is seen as informing the recipient about the giver and can create an uncomfortable situation.
• Wine Selection: Unless you are extremely familiar with the host, refrain from bringing wine to dinner parties. Instead, opt for high-quality wine if you decide to give it as a gift.

Want to explore more? Here is our full article on Christmas Traditions and Etiquette in France.

Christmas Traditions in Russia

• Sviatki (Holy Days): Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7th, with the “Holy Days” period from then to Epiphany on January 19th involving family gatherings and church.
• Velikiy Post (Great Fast): Russian Orthodox Christians observe a 40-day fast leading up to Christmas, ending with a festive Holy Supper on January 6th.
• Ded Moroz and Snegurochka: Russian Santa-like figure Ded Moroz, accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka, visits children on New Year’s Eve with gifts, wearing a distinctive long blue or silver coat.

Do’s in Gifting

• Bring a Gift: If invited to a Russian home for Christmas, it’s customary to bring a gift, such as chocolates, pastries, or a good bottle of wine. This gesture is appreciated and reflects good manners.
• Include Children: If children are present, it is polite to bring a small gift or treat for them. This shows thoughtfulness and consideration for the younger family members.
• Be Persistent with Offers: Russians may initially protest when offered a gift. It’s customary to insist that it’s just a small token and offer it again, which will generally lead to acceptance.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Avoid Yellow Flowers: Giving yellow flowers is considered bad luck and may be interpreted as a sign of separation or betrayal.
• Skip Jewelry and Makeup: Avoid gifting jewelry or makeup unless you have a very close relationship with the recipient. These gifts can be seen as too personal or intimate.
• Refrain from Giving Even Numbers of Flowers: Even numbers are associated with funerals, so always opt for odd numbers when gifting flowers.

Want to explore more? Here is our full article on Christmas Traditions and Etiquette in Russia.

Christmas Traditions in Italy

• La Vigilia (Christmas Eve): Italians celebrate with a large seafood feast on December 24th, symbolizing purification before Christmas.
• The Feast of the Seven Fishes: Southern Italian and Italian-American tradition of serving seven different fish dishes on Christmas Eve.
• Befana: On Epiphany (January 6th), Italians celebrate the arrival of La Befana, an old witch who brings gifts and candy or coal to children on her broomstick.

Do’s in Gifting

• Wrap Elegantly: Presentation matters significantly in Italian culture. Ensure your gifts are beautifully wrapped, reflecting care and attention to detail.
• Express Modesty: When presenting a gift, use modest language. Phrases like “Vi ho portato un piccolo pensiero” (I brought you a small token) are preferable to boasting about the gift’s value.
• Be Gracious When Receiving Gifts: It’s customary to open gifts immediately upon receiving them and express gratitude with phrases like “Grazie mille!” (Thank you very much) or “Che bel regalo!” (What a beautiful gift!).

Don’ts in Gifting

• Don’t Discuss Price: Never mention the cost of a gift; it is considered impolite and detracts from the spirit of giving.
• Refrain from Expecting Reciprocity: Gifts should be given freely without any expectation of receiving something in return. The act of giving should be a gesture of kindness.
• Avoid Mass-Produced Items: Italians tend to favor unique or artisanal gifts over mass-produced items. If gifting clothing or accessories, ensure they are from reputable brands or local artisans to avoid complications with returns.

Want to explore more? Here is our full article on Christmas Traditions and Etiquette in Italy.

Christmas Traditions in Korea

• Romantic Focus: In South Korea, Christmas is more akin to Valentine’s Day, with couples dining out and engaging in romantic activities.
• Caroling: Church members visit older congregants to sing carols and spread holiday cheer.
• Potluck Style Christmas Dinner: Families gather for communal meals where everyone contributes a dish, emphasizing community.

Do’s in Gifting


• Use Both Hands: Always present and receive gifts with both hands as a sign of respect. This gesture is particularly important when interacting with elders or those in higher social positions.
• Wrap Gifts Thoughtfully: Choose bright colors for wrapping paper, avoiding dark colors and red, which are associated with funerals. Wrapping should be neat and visually appealing.
• Include a Personal Note: Adding a simple letter with words of encouragement or well wishes can make the gift more meaningful.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Don’t Expect Widespread Gift Exchange: Unlike Western traditions, Christmas gift-giving in South Korea is not as prevalent. It is mainly reserved for close friends or couples rather than family members.
• Avoid Certain Colors and Items: Do not use red ink for writing names or messages, as it symbolizes death. Similarly, avoid giving sets of four items or sharp objects like scissors, which can imply severing relationships.
• Don’t Open Gifts Immediately: Opening gifts right away can embarrass the giver. It’s best to wait until you are alone or unless specifically asked to open it right away.

Want to explore more? Here is our full article on Christmas Traditions and Etiquette in Korea.

Christmas Traditions in Greece

• Kallikantzari: In Greece, mischievous goblins emerge for 12 days from Christmas to Epiphany, with families keeping fires lit and performing rituals to ward them off.
• Decorating Boats and Trees: Greek families decorate wooden boats in addition to Christmas trees, reflecting the country’s maritime heritage.
• Singing Kalanta: On Christmas Eve, Greek children go door-to-door singing traditional carols called kalanta, receiving sweets or coins as rewards.

Do’s in Gifting

• Exchange Gifts with Close Friends and Family: Gifts are typically exchanged among close relatives and friends. It’s considered impolite to give gifts to acquaintances or people you don’t know well.
• Wrap Your Gifts: Always wrap your gifts nicely. Presentation is important, and unwrapped gifts can be seen as disrespectful.
• Open Gifts Immediately: Upon receiving a gift, it is customary to open it right away and express your gratitude immediately. This shows appreciation for the thought behind the gift.

Don’ts in Gifting 

• Avoid Giving Sharp Objects: It is considered bad luck to give knives, scissors, or any sharp objects as gifts, as these items symbolize severing relationships.
• Don’t Overextend Financially: Avoid spending excessively on gifts, as this can create discomfort for the recipient who may feel obligated to match your expenditure.
• Don’t Give Gifts to Acquaintances: As mentioned, gifting is reserved for those with whom you share a close relationship; giving gifts to casual acquaintances can be seen as inappropriate.

Want to explore more? Here is our full article on Christmas Traditions and Etiquette in Greece.