Christmas is a holiday celebrated worldwide, with each country bringing its unique traditions, customs, and cultural influences into the mix. For many, it is a time to gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, and take part in religious ceremonies or personal rituals that signify the holiday season. In Canada, Christmas traditions are often a blend of cultural practices from various countries, reflecting the diversity of its population. For my family, our Christmas traditions are a blend of Peruvian and Croatian customs, which makes the holiday season particularly special and unique.
Canadian Christmas Traditions 🇨🇦
In Canada, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, and it is a public holiday, meaning that most businesses and schools are closed. People typically spend this time with their families, decorating their homes with lights, ornaments, and, of course, the Christmas tree. My family, like many others, has a tree at the centre of our Christmas decorations. Over the years, we have used both real and artificial trees, but the real tree experience was something we only tried once. While the scent of a real pine tree filled the house with a distinct holiday smell, the maintenance and shedding of needles proved too much, so we have since stuck to the artificial kind.
One of the key elements in our Christmas decorations is the star on top of the tree, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. It holds significant meaning, reminding us of the guiding light in the Christmas story. It is often the final touch when decorating the tree, and in our home, it is usually placed by the youngest member of the family.
In Canada, Christmas Eve, December 24, is an important part of the celebration. Many families, including ours, gather in the evening for a festive meal and exchange presents. The gift-giving usually happens after dinner, and it is a joyful time when everyone comes together to celebrate. This tradition is not only a Canadian one but is also deeply rooted in my family’s Croatian and Peruvian heritage, where Christmas Eve plays a crucial role in the celebrations. Christmas Day, December 25, is typically reserved for visiting extended family or spending time with in-laws. For instance, a cousin who attends our family gathering on Christmas Eve might spend Christmas Day with her husband’s family.
Peruvian Christmas Traditions 🇵🇪
In Perú, Christmas is celebrated with vibrant and colourful traditions, many of which have been influenced by the country’s rich history and its blend of Indigenous and Spanish cultures. One of the most important aspects of Christmas in Perú is the “Nochebuena,” or Christmas Eve. On the night of December 24, families gather for a festive meal, and it is common for the entire family to attend a “Misa de Gallo,” or Midnight Mass. After the mass, the Christmas feast is enjoyed, followed by the opening of gifts, which is similar to the way my family celebrates Christmas Eve here in Canada.
A traditional Peruvian Christmas meal often includes dishes such as turkey or roast pork, served with rice, potatoes, and other local sides. However, one of the most iconic Christmas treats in Perú is Panetón, a sweet bread filled with candied fruits and raisins. Panetón has become a symbol of Christmas in Perú, and it is consumed in vast quantities during the holiday season, often accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate. This Italian-inspired bread became popular in Perú in the early 20th century and has since become a Christmas staple. In my family, Panetón is a must-have during the holidays, and we often enjoy it throughout the entire month of December. The soft, sweet bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, and it is one of the ways we keep our Peruvian roots alive during the holiday season in Canada.
Croatian Christmas Traditions 🇭🇷
Croatia, like many European countries, has its own unique Christmas traditions, many of which revolve around family, food, and religious customs. In Croatia, Christmas Eve, known as “Badnjak,” is a time for fasting and preparation for the big feast that comes on Christmas Day. Traditionally, Croatians do not eat meat on Christmas Eve, as it is considered a day of fasting, but they often enjoy a meal of fish, usually cod, prepared in various ways depending on the region.
One of the key traditions in Croatia is the burning of the Yule log, or “badnjak,” which symbolizes warmth and light during the winter months. In some regions, a piece of the badnjak is saved to use as kindling for the next year’s fire, symbolizing continuity and family unity. This custom is not as common in my family, but it is a beautiful tradition that resonates with the importance of family during the holiday season.
Like in Perú, Midnight Mass is a significant part of the Croatian Christmas celebration, and many families attend the service together. After Mass, the family gathers for a festive meal, and presents are exchanged. In my family, we have adopted the Croatian tradition of focusing on the family gathering during Christmas Eve, enjoying a meal together, and exchanging gifts before going to bed. This tradition is particularly important to us as it allows us to celebrate as a family before everyone goes off to spend time with their in-laws or extended families on Christmas Day.
A Mix of Traditions in Canada
Having lived in Canada for the past 34 years, our family’s Christmas traditions have evolved over time. While we continue to honour both our Croatian and Peruvian heritage, we have also adopted some Canadian customs, making our celebrations a blend of old and new traditions. The core of our Christmas remains focused on family, and December 24 is always a special time for us. We come together as a family, share a meal, and open presents in the evening, which is a tradition that has remained constant over the years.
Our meals are often a fusion of Croatian, Peruvian, and Canadian influences. We might have turkey or ham, which are typical Canadian Christmas dishes, but we always make sure to include some traditional Peruvian and Croatian foods as well. Panetón, of course, is ever-present, and it is not uncommon for us to serve fish or other seafood dishes in honour of Croatian traditions.
One of the things that have changed over the years is the way we approach the Christmas tree. In the early years, when we first moved to Canada, we tried having a real Christmas tree, but it was not something we stuck with. The pine needles, the watering, and the mess were more trouble than they were worth, so we quickly switched to using an artificial tree. Since then, we have used the same tree year after year, and it has become a symbol of our family’s Christmas traditions. Every year, we pull out the tree, dust off the ornaments, and carefully place the star on top, which has remained a constant in our decorations.
Another tradition that has evolved is how we spend Christmas Day. While Christmas Eve is always reserved for our immediate family, December 25 is often spent with extended family or in-laws. For example, my cousin might come to our family gathering on December 24, but on Christmas Day, she will go to her husband’s family for their celebrations. This pattern is common in many families, as it allows everyone to be with both sides of the family during the holiday season.
The Importance of Family and Tradition
For me, Christmas is not just about the presents or the food, but about the time spent with family. Over the years, our traditions have changed slightly, but the essence of our celebrations has remained the same. Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on the year that has passed, and to celebrate the joy and love that we share as a family.
Our mix of Peruvian and Croatian traditions has given our Christmas celebrations a unique flavour, and it is something that I cherish deeply. Whether it is the sweet taste of Panetón, the warmth of a family meal, or the joy of watching a child place the star on top of the tree, Christmas is a time that brings us all together. Even as traditions evolve and change over the years, the heart of the celebration remains focused on love, family, and the spirit of togetherness.
As the holiday season approaches, I look forward to continuing these traditions, both old and new, and creating new memories with my family. Whether we are gathered around the dinner table, opening presents, or simply enjoying each other’s company, Christmas will always be a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude for the people who matter most in my life.
