Everyone celebrates their own holidays differently, with different traditions and religions, and people even celebrate holidays on different days. Here are some different holidays celebrated around the world.

On December 26, Boxing Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Bahamas. Today, Boxing Day is observed by people who continue the tradition of giving gifts or money to those who provide services. Many people also get this day off from work.

Another holiday celebrated around the world is Las Posadas from December 16 to 24. It is a nine-day celebration among Latin Americans; they observe the journey of Mary and Joseph, and children dress as Mary, Joseph, or angels who look for somewhere to stay. Homeowners open their homes to children to read, sing songs, tell stories, and eat food. 

Chanukkah / Hanukkah is on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev, which falls in November and/or December. It celebrates the re-dedication of a temple in Jerusalem. It goes on for 8 days. Chanukah commemorates a miracle, good or bad. A candle is lit each day. A menorah is a holder for candles. Another tradition is giving or receiving a gift each night of Chanukah. They sing songs, spin dreidels, and feast.

Another holiday is Yule, a festival that lasts 12 days, beginning on the winter solstice on December 21. It is celebrated in Germany and German communities. Yule traditions and customs include bonfires to light up the night, the yule log burning through the night, and hanging mistletoe, considered a sacred and mystical plant by the druids. 

Christmas time in Italy includes a legend called La Befana, a good witch goes in chimneys and flies around on her broom, there is a legend that began was a cleaning and sweeping when three kings stopped to visit, children leave focaccia or sausages along with wine near the fireplace it was placed, she would then fill the stockings and or shoes with toys, and candy, the naughty kids would get charcoal, onions and garlic. She is similar to Santa Claus, except she is represented as an old, friendly woman who flies on a stick.

These traditions and holidays around the world are very similar yet different. Many know only Christmas and New Year’s here in the US, but there are unique, fun, and similar holidays in Europe, Asia, Russia, Germany, etc.