Top Ten Holiday Traditions Around the World
The holidays are a time to bond, reflect, and celebrate the joy of friendship! It’s one of our favorite times of the year ! The holidays are the perfect opportunity to create meaningful traditions that bring everyone together. Why not take inspiration from global customs and bring a little bit of the world into your celebrations this season? Here are some unique holiday traditions from around the world that you and your sorority sisters can adopt.
Christmas Markets in Germany: A Festive Shopping Spree
Tradition: In Germany, Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are a staple of the holiday season, with streets lined with stalls offering handcrafted goods, delicious treats, and festive music.
—> Sorority Twist:Sorority Twist:Organize a holiday shopping outing with your sorority sisters to local craft markets or Christmas bazaars. For added fun, make it a themed shopping challenge, like "Find the most unique ornament."
Midnight Mass and Traditional Feasts in Italy
Tradition: In Italy, Christmas Eve is often spent attending Midnight Mass, followed by a feast with family and friends. The meal is filled with traditional dishes like "baccalà" (salted cod), "tortellini," and panettone for dessert.
—> Sorority Twist: Create an Italian-inspired holiday dinner at your chapter house, complete with an Italian feast! Even if you don’t go to Midnight Mass, consider having a sisterly gathering where you dress up, share your favorite holiday memories, and enjoy Italian dishes.
La Posada in Mexico: A Night of Celebration
Tradition:La Posada is a Mexican Christmas tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Families often gather for processions, singing carols, and breaking piñatas.
—> Sorority Twist: Host your own "Posada" by organizing a holiday carol parade around your campus or neighborhood. Incorporate some fun, like a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt, or make a piñata filled with small gifts or holiday treats for everyone to enjoy afterward.
The Yule Goat in Sweden: A Quirky Gift-Giving Tradition
Tradition:In Sweden, the Yule Goat (Yulebocken) has a long-standing association with Christmas, often depicted as a symbol of the season. The tradition includes "goat gifting," where small gifts or treats are given to friends and family.
—> Sorority Twist: Create a sorority version of the Yule Goat tradition by having a "Secret Yule Goat" exchange. Everyone randomly selects a sister to give a small, surprise gift, and the twist? They must craft a little poem or riddle that leads them to the recipient’s identity. This adds a layer of mystery and fun to the gifting process.
Jólabókaflóð in Iceland: The Christmas Book Flood
Tradition: In Iceland, the tradition of Jólabókaflóð involves giving and receiving books on Christmas Eve, followed by reading them with a cup of hot cocoa. It’s a quiet, cozy, and reflective holiday activity that’s perfect for book lovers.
—> Sorority Twist:Have a "Jólabókaflóð-inspired" book exchange where each sister brings a book they've loved (new or used) to gift to another sorority sister. Afterward, set up a cozy holiday reading night in your chapter house, complete with comfy blankets, cocoa, and treats. It’s a great way to unwind and bond over favorite stories.
Kwanzaa: Celebrating African Heritage
Tradition:Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, honors African heritage and culture with principles like unity, self-determination, and creativity. Families and communities come together to light the Kinara (a candleholder) and reflect on each principle of the holiday.
—> Sorority Twist:Host a Kwanzaa-inspired gathering where you light seven candles (one for each principle), share stories about your heritage, and discuss the importance of sisterhood and unity.
Festivus: A Lighthearted Celebration
Tradition:Originating from the TV show *Seinfeld*, Festivus is a humorous holiday celebrated on December 23. It involves an "Airing of Grievances," feats of strength, and the Festivus pole (a plain, unadorned metal pole).
—> Sorority Twist: Take a break from the usual holiday stress and host a fun and lighthearted Festivus celebration. Have an "Airing of Grievances" where everyone shares funny or lighthearted grievances about the semester or life.
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands: Sweet Surprises
Tradition: In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrives on December 5th with gifts and treats. Children leave their shoes out to be filled with candy and small presents.
—> Sorority Twist: Celebrate Sinterklaas by hosting a "shoe gift exchange." Sisters can leave a small gift or card in each other’s shoes (or stockings), bringing a personal touch to the holiday. You can also host a "Sinterklaas-themed dinner" with Dutch-inspired treats like "pepernoten" (spiced cookies) and "chocoladeletters" (chocolate letters).
Hogmanay in Scotland: A New Year’s Celebration of Friendship
Tradition: Hogmanay, the Scottish celebration of New Year’s, is filled with traditions like "first-footing," where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings good fortune.
—> Sorority Twist: Make New Year's Eve extra special by organizing a "first-footing" celebration among your sisters. As the clock strikes midnight, everyone can exchange small symbolic gifts—think lucky charms, homemade treats, or funny notes. It’s a way to ensure your new year begins with a lot of love and laughter.
Diwali: A Festival of Lights
Tradition:Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are decorated with oil lamps (diyas) and candles, and families exchange sweets and gifts.
—> Sorority Twist: Host a Diwali-inspired "Festival of Lights" party. Decorate your chapter house with candles, string lights, and vibrant colors. You can have a DIY station where everyone creates their own diya or even prepare a feast with traditional Diwali foods, such as samosas and sweets like ladoos. Celebrate the joy of sisterhood and light up the night together.