European Christmas Traditions Made Limited Inroads Elsewhere

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This article is published in collaboration with Statista

by Katharina Buchholz

Even though most countries in the Western world and many others around the world observe Christmas as a public or religious holiday, traditions differ widely between nations. Statista Consumer Insights data shows that Christmas markets and advent calendars, long-held traditions in continental Europe, are considered essential by many in Germany and France. Over the pond in the United Kingdom, agreement with this statement is already much lower, as the country has more of its own unique traditions, like celebrating Boxing Day (32 percent find this essential), eating mince pies (29 percent), busting open Christmas crackers (28 percent) and preparing Christmas pudding (21 percent).

Mexico and Brazil, in part shaped by European immigrants from many different countries, are also home to some people embracing Christmas markets and advent calendars. A widespread tradition in Mexico is Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration on the days leading up to Christmas, including nightly reenactments of biblical stories, food and drink, processions through neighborhoods and music/singing. In Mexico, 55 percent of respondents consider Posadas essential Christmas traditions, while 40 percent say the same about piñatas, also often used in connection with one another.

Despite recent trends, especially around advent calendars for adults promoted by different well-known U.S. brands, the mentioned European traditions have made limited inroads among Americans. Only 13 percent and 11 percent, respectively, say that Christmas markets and advent calendars were essential traditions for them. Traditions considered more uniquely Americans are more popular in the country than elsewhere, yet aren't very universal either, like decorating one's front yard (21 percent find this essential), hanging stockings (19 percent) and hanging a mistletoe (11 percent). Start leaning Data Science and Business Intelligence tools: