Christmas is not universally celebrated and there are a number of different dates for Christmas and New Year depending on which calendar is used. Orthodox Christians, who use the Julian calendar, celebrate Christmas on 7th January, for example.
Below are some phrases to help you say Merry Christmas in many languages
Arabic (Modern Standard) – أجمل التهاني بمناسبة الميلاد
(ajmil at-tihānī bimunāsabah al-mīlād)
Bengali – শুভ বড়দিন (Shubhô bôṛôdin)
Chinese (Mandarin) – 聖誕快樂 [圣诞快乐] (shèngdàn kuàilè)
聖誕節快樂 [圣诞节快乐] (shèngdànjié kuàilè)
Dari (Krismas mobârak) کریسمس مبارک
French – Joyeux Noël
Greek (Modern) – Καλά Χριστούγεννα! (Kalá hristúyenna)
Hindi – शुभ क्रिसमस (śubh krisamas)
Kurdish (Sorani) – ﺟﻪﮊﻧﻰ ﻛﺮﻳﺴﻤﻪﺳﺘﺎﻥ ﭘﻴﺮﯙﺯ بێت ﻭ ساڵی ﺗﺎﺯﻩﺗﺎﻥ ﭘﻴﺮﯙﺯ بێت
(jachny krismastan piroz bet u saly tazetan piroz bet)
Lithuanian – Linksmų Kalėdų
Malayalam – ക്രിസ്തുമസ്, പുതുവത്സര ആശംസകള്
(kristumas puthuvalsara āshamsakal)
ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ആശംസകല്
(kariistumasu aashamsakal)
Polish – Wesołych świąt
Romanian – Crăciun fericit
Spanish – ¡Feliz Navidad!
Tamil (informal) – கிறிஸ்துமஸ் மற்றும் இனிய புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துக்க
(Christmas matrum puthaandu vaazthukka) [fm]
Urdu – کرسمَس مبارک (krismas mubarak)
Christmas traditions around the world follow the uses from each area of the globe. In Portugal, Christmas is a synonymous for union and tradition, with codfish and bolo-rei at the table.
On this date, celebrated all over the world, each region follows its own traditions. It is a way of valuing and maintaining ancient traditions, passed on from generation to generation.
This is a special time for Catholic Christians, who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We also celebrate union, family, love and hope.
The essence of Christmas is similar across the globe, but there are different customs, legends and celebrations in each country. Christmas traditions are different around the world, but they have many points in common.
Christmas Celebration in France
In many regions of France, Christmas starts with the St. Nicholas Day on 6th December. Children are given sweets, chocolates, and gifts on this occasion.
Christmas Celebration in Italy
In Italy, the nativity scene is set in churches and in homes as well. “Babbo Natale”, the Father of Christmas, gives presents to children on Christmas day in the country. Gift exchanging in families is done on January 6th, which is known as the Day of Epiphany.
Christmas Celebration in Germany
Many festive markets are set up on the town squares of the country. Christmas trees are decorated in homes on 24th December. In Germany, Christmas celebration begins on Christmas eve, 24th December.
Christmas Celebration in Norway
Children of Norway eagerly wait for “Julenisse”, Norwegian Santa Claus on Christmas eve to get presents. People of this country call Christmas as “Jul”. People wish each other God Jul, which means Happy Christmas.
Christmas Celebration in Russia
In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, because there this celebration is based on the Gregorian calendar. The Russian Christmas tradition includes a dinner where the whole family gathers and shares delicacies. Family life continues with the distribution of gifts by “Grandfather Ice“, a version of Santa Claus.