10 Global Ways to Wish Someone a Merry Christmas

With Christmas advertisements, holiday shopping lists, and seasonal songs such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” making their annual return, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore how people worldwide say “Merry Christmas” and uncover the unique traditions tied to this festive season.

1. Gleðileg jól // Iceland

While many nations have their own take on Santa Claus, Iceland boasts 13 Jólasveinarnir (“Yule Lads”). These mischievous figures visit homes one by one from December 12 to Christmas Eve, bringing gifts (or potatoes for those who’ve misbehaved). Residing in the mountains with their troll parents, they are accompanied by a giant black cat named Jólakötturinn (“Yule Cat” or “Christmas Cat”). This enormous feline has a peculiar appetite—it feasts on those who haven’t received new clothes for Christmas, a sign of laziness. Hardworking individuals who’ve completed their tasks are spared from its hunger.

2. Merīkurisumasu (メリークリスマス) // Japan

The phrase Merry Christmas isn’t native to Japan, as the holiday was introduced during the Meiji era in the 19th century. This Western influence has led to some unique traditions, such as families enjoying KFC for Christmas dinner. This custom stems from the wildly successful Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii! (“Kentucky for Christmas!”) campaign launched by the fast-food giant in Japan during the 1970s.

3. Joyeux Noël // French-speaking countries

While stockings are a common Christmas tradition globally, French kids have a unique custom: they place their shoes near the fireplace for Père Noël to fill with gifts.

4. Sing Daan Faai Lok (聖誕快樂) // Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, it’s customary to dine out for Christmas rather than preparing a meal at home. Restaurants offer festive menus for the occasion. Interestingly, Santa Claus is referred to as “聖誕老人” (sing daan lou yan) in Cantonese, translating to “Christmas Old Man.”

5. Frohe Weihnachten // German-speaking countries

In Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe, December 5 marks Krampus Night, celebrating a horned, goat-like creature. On this night, Krampus visits children, rewarding the good but punishing misbehaved ones with sticks—and occasionally whisking them away in a sack!

6. Meri Keuriseumaseu (메리 크리스마스) // South Korea

While Christmas is a public holiday in South Korea, it doesn’t hold the same significance as Seollal (New Year) or Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival). Instead of traveling home, people often celebrate with friends and partners rather than family.

7. Feliz Natal // Portuguese-speaking Countries

In Portuguese-speaking nations, “Merry Christmas” is expressed as Feliz Natal. In Brazil, Christmas festivities are grand, often involving extended family and friends. To manage the cost of gift-giving, many participate in Amigo Secreto (“Secret Santa”), turning the exchange into a fun guessing game of who gifted whom.

8. Z Reezdvom (З Різдвом) // Ukraine

In Ukraine, Christmas trees are often adorned with fake spider webs, inspired by the tale of the Christmas Spider. According to legend, a poor widow and her children lived in a humble hut. A pine cone sprouted into a Christmas tree, but they lacked decorations. On Christmas morning, they found it covered in cobwebs that turned into silver and gold at sunrise. Adding spider webs to trees is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year.

9. Feliz Navidad // Spanish-speaking countries

In Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, Christmas festivities include las patinatas (“the skating”), where people roller-skate to Christmas mass. Roads are closed to accommodate this tradition. Children often sleep with a string tied to their toe, hanging out the window, so skaters can tug it to signal it’s time to wake up and attend mass.

10. Hyvää Joulua // Finland

In Finland, it’s customary to enjoy a sauna on Christmas Eve, and there’s even a saunatonttu (“sauna elf”) who safeguards the sauna and its users. Locals often leave treats, beer, and water for the elf, ensuring it can also enjoy a festive sauna experience.