The atlas of christmas
The Merriest, Tastiest, Quirkiest Holiday Traditions from Around the World
What’s your favorite christmas tradition?
Whatever your age, interests, or religious affiliation, there is likely some Christmas tradition that appeals to you. It’s a holiday that offers something for everyone—even self-proclaimed Scrooges.
That’s true throughout the world, too. More than any other holiday, Christmas has been adapted and interpreted by different countries and communities to suit their particular culture, which is what The Atlas of Christmas is all about. The book aims to capture this range in all its rich variety and explore how a tradition, whether a colorful ornament or peculiar character, tells a much deeper story about that country or culture. Santa Claus may be the holiday heavyweight in North America, but in many Spanish-speaking countries, kids stay up late waiting for the three Wise Men, while Italians look for a jolly lady riding a broomstick. You might kick off the season by putting up a Christmas tree in your living room, but for others, the must-have decoration might be a goat made of straw, a sparkly spiderweb, or a log with a smiley face that poops candy (seriously—ask someone from Catalonia).
The Atlas of Christmas aims to offer an entertaining survey of the many ways Christmas is honored the world over—whether extravagant or intimate, sacred or silly.
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traditions around the world
While Christmas began as a day to honor the birth of Jesus, just how this is done has grown and evolved in some surprising ways throughout the world. The approaches that different countries take to recognizing the season reflect their particular history and heritage, and how cultures adapt the same materials to suit their own place.
christmas songs and sounds
Christmas is a time of community and connection, and few things have the power to bring people together better than music. Whether it’s a hymn chanted in reverent tones at church or a holiday pop song on the car radio, music is central to celebrating Christmas. And around the world, the many ways that music is incorporated into the holiday are as varied as the world’s musical traditions themselves.
holiday villains
Christmas has a dark side. While North America has managed to expel these darker aspects, they remain alive and well in Europe and elsewhere, particularly in the strange companions and fiendish characters who pop up alongside the friendly gift bringers associated with the holiday. Here are a few of these Yuletide troublemakers.