People from all around the world gather throughout the wonderful Christmas season to celebrate the spirit of happiness, giving, and unity. The holiday's fundamentals are still the same, but how it is celebrated differs greatly among countries. The variety of Christmas games that have developed over decades, each filled with regional customs and traditions, is one charming feature of cultural diversity. From gift exchanges that bring laughter and surprises to lively outdoor activities and unique variations of classic games, the world is a canvas of diverse and enchanting Christmas celebrations. We will explore traditional Christmas games in Sweden, Italy, Mexico and Spain in this article, each country adds to the mix of holiday customs that make this time of year unique.
In Sweden, there is a well-known Christmas game Tomtegubbar, also known as Tomte Gnomes. They are mythical creatures from Scandinavian folklore. These little, bearded creatures are believed to be household spirits and considered to bring good fortune to the houses they reside in. A plush gnome-like creature with a woolly beard and a conical cap is likely to be merrily sitting on the dining room table or fireplace if you visit a Swede's home in December. Swedes believe that these gnomes bring luck and welfare to the house to which they are connected. It is believed that Christmas Tomte hides presents for children around the house they live in. To get the present, children need to find it in the snow.
There is also a unique Christmas game in Italy. An iconic figure in Italian tradition, Befana has a special role at Christmas in Italy. Befana, also known as the "Christmas Witch," is said to visit households on the night of January 5th, giving presents for the kids and clearing away any decorations from the previous year. Her roots are in Italian traditions, and she has become an iconic figure in the nation's Christmas folklore. Legend tells that Befana was an elderly woman who travelled to give gifts to the Baby Jesus after learning of his birth. She came too late, though, and could not find the Holy Child. Befana has not given up on finding the Christ Child and has been leaving presents for kids in the hopes that one of them may be the long-awaited Messiah.
Now, let’s discover one spectacular Latin American Christmas game. A vivid tradition that is strongly embedded in the Christmas celebrations of many Latin American countries and especially in Mexico is the Piñata de Navidad, or Christmas Piñata. This joyous pastime becomes a vital component of the Christmas celebrations, adding excitement and happiness to holiday gatherings. Traditionally, Christmas piñata is designed like a star, representing the Star of Bethlehem that led the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. It is decorated in bright colors and joyous decorations, frequently including Christmas-themed imagery like angels or nativity scenes. Made from papier-mâché or other materials, the piñata is filled with a variety of goodies, such as chocolates, little toys, fruits, and even money. Special songs accompany the process of shattering the piñata, adding a spiritual element to the celebration. Gathering family, friends, and neighbors around a Christmas piñata creates a community atmosphere that promotes happiness and good cheer over the holiday season.
In Spain, within Spanish culture, "El Gordo de Navidad," or the Christmas Lottery, is a much respected and beloved custom. This yearly event, which dates back to 1812, has developed into one of the most well-known lotteries in the world, raising enthusiasm and interest across the country. Every year on December 22nd, the Spanish Christmas Lottery is one of the biggest lotteries in the world with an enormous prize pool. Five-digit numbers are assigned to each ticket, and since a single number may be sold more than once, there might be several winners when the numbers are selected. Schoolchildren sing the winning numbers and receive prizes during elaborate celebrations that precede the televised drawing of El Gordo which means ‘the fat one’. In Spain, this ceremony marks the formal beginning of the holiday season and is watched by millions of people. A distinctive feature of El Gordo is its emphasis on community and social connections. Many people join together to purchase tickets, whether with family, coworkers, or neighbors, turning winning into a shared experience that strengthens a sense of connection.
In conclusion, the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions woven across Sweden, Italy, Mexico, and Spain showcases the beautiful diversity of celebrations during this Christmas season. People from around the world embrace the spirit of joy, generosity, and unity on this special night. The various Christmas games played in each country reflect unique regional customs and add a special charm to the global celebration. The universality of the holiday's core values is beautifully complemented by the cultural nuances, making Christmas a truly magical time that transcends borders and unites people in the shared joy of periods of the festive winter fairy tale.
https://swedishpress.com/the-genealogy-of-the-swedish-tomte/
https://www.thewingedsandals.com/la-befana-christmas-witch/
https://andrejabrulc.wordpress.com/2012/12/25/christmas-symbols-pinatas/
https://www.visit-andalucia.com/el-gordo-spanish-christmas-lottery/