We have entered the month of December. The University of Gdańsk is slowly getting into the Christmas spirit with its fairs and decorations. To get some Christmas inspiration and to gain knowledge on the subject, we asked a few Erasmus students how they spend Christmas in their home countries.

Helene - Spain/Basque Country

In Spain, we have a lot of special customs that might be different from others. For example, we have a tradition called the Christmas lottery. During the months leading up to Christmas, people buy lottery tickets that can be shared with friends or family (to spread the luck). Since 1957, it has been broadcast on television, and it is common for people to follow it live. The most emblematic part is when the children of San Ildefonso are singing the lucky numbers.

 In Spain, the custom is that children go from house to house singing Christmas carols, with zambombas and tambourines, in exchange for a ‘aguinaldo’ that can be money, candies or sweets typical of these dates, such as nougat or polvorones. In Spain it is also customary for companies to give a gift to their employees, usually “Christmas baskets” with typical products such as nougat, marzipan, mantecados, peladillas, cava, or cider.

The evening of January 5 is special for us.  The streets fill with spectators to admire the large parades of floats in which the three kings (Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar), accompanied by their helpers, throw chocolates, confetti, and candy to the children. During that night, the Three Wise Men visit all the houses to leave gifts for the children who have been good during the year. These are the main gifts, but during Christmas, there are other magical figures who bring presents. In Basque, where I am from,  this figure is Olentzero the peaceful giant, who brings the children toys.

Going back to the 5th of January, there is a special dessert we eat that day - it is called Roscón de Reyes. It’s a Pastry filled with cream and in one of them is a hidden king figure in the other one a bean. Whoever gets the one with the King will be the lucky person of the day and will receive a crown. However, the one who gets the pastry with the bean has to pay for everybody’s roscón de reyes.

Paula - Spain/Catalonia

We also have all the traditions that Helene mentioned.  However, the presents are delivered in a different way. Before Christmas, the Children collect a stick from the woods, draw it a face, and dress it in a Catalonian hat. They put it under a blanket and „feed” the stick till Christmas. When the 25th of December comes and it’s time for presents, they start hit the stick that it ‘poops out the presents’.

Alice - Italy

In our family, on the 24th of December, we have fished-based dishes, like oysters and shrimp as a starter. The main dish - especially in Sardinia - contains fregola and is served along with mussels and a big fish accompanied by potatoes. The whole family gathers around the decorated Christmas table and enjoys a nice dinner. We wait till midnight to give each other Christmas presents. After that people my age go out and celebrate in the city. My grandma usually goes to a midnight mass.

The 25th of December starts with a big lunch, which is mostly meat based, with starters such as prosciutto, cheese, bruschetta, as main dish we usually have tortellini in brodo, which is tortellini with broth and amaretto as second main dish which is pork accompanied usually with vegetables. In the afternoon we play board games with the family. Tombola is a traditional Italian board game which is played during the Christmas time.  We eat desserts such as torrone, pandoro, panettone.

Mona - Germany

Christmas in Germany is a time full of traditions that make the anticipation and celebration of the birth of Christ particularly atmospheric. The Advent season plays a central role: an Advent wreath with four candles symbolises the weeks leading up to Christmas, and every Sunday, another candle is lit. The Advent calendar also shortens the waiting time until December 24, with little surprises or chocolate. St Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6. Children place their shoes in front of the door the evening before, which St Nicholas fills with sweets, nuts, and small gifts - a particularly joyful tradition.

Shortly before Christmas, the Christmas tree is put up and decorated, often with lights, baubles, and tinsel. On Christmas Eve, December 24, the family gathers for a traditional festive meal, which often consists of sausages with potato salad or fish dishes. This is followed by the gift-giving ceremony, during which presents are exchanged. Many families sing Christmas carols such as ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ or listen to them together. Another custom is attending a church service. Christmas mass on Christmas Eve in particular is an integral part of the festivities for many.

On Christmas Days, December 25 and 26, the focus is also on spending time with the family. There is often a festive menu with goose, duck, or roast meat. The Christmas season is also brightened up by baking biscuits such as vanilla crescents and cinnamon stars. Walks and visits to relatives are also part of the typical customs that make up the special contemplation and warmth of Christmas in Germany.