Christmas is celebrated in countless ways around the world, blending deep traditions, cultural diversity, and unique practices. Many Christmas traditions around the world highlight themes of wellness—focusing on relaxation, gratitude, and connection—that can inspire your holiday season.

Let’s explore Christmas traditions from across the globe, discovering how they promote well-being and how you can bring their spirit into your festivities.

1. Finland: Christmas Sauna Tradition

In Finland, the sauna is an integral part of Christmas celebrations. Families gather for a Christmas Eve sauna to relax and cleanse the body and mind before the festivities begin. It’s a moment of peaceful reflection amidst the holiday excitement. This cherished tradition is a wonderful example of how wellness is deeply embedded in Christmas traditions around the world.

Why It Matters: Saunas are known to promote detoxification, boost circulation, and relieve stress, making them a perfect way to start the holidays on a calm and rejuvenated note.

Try at Home: Even without access to a sauna, you can create a spa-like experience withKardish’s natural bath products. Use Epsom salts, essential oils likeeucalyptus orlavender, and exfoliating scrubs to craft a relaxing ritual in your own bathroom. Add soft lighting and calming music to enhance the experience.

2. Norway: Risengrynsgrøt (Rice Porridge and the Hidden Almond)

In Norway, one of the most cherished Christmas traditions is serving Risengrynsgrøt, a creamy rice porridge enjoyed on Christmas Eve or during Advent. This comforting dish is topped with cinnamon, sugar, and a dollop of butter.

A playful twist involves hiding an almond in the pot—whoever finds it is said to have good luck in the coming year or wins a small prize, often a marzipan pig.

This beloved Norwegian custom is a perfect example of how Christmas traditions around the world foster wellness, joy, and community during the holiday season.

Why It Matters:This tradition highlights togetherness and mindful eating, creating a moment to slow down and connect with loved ones over a warm, nourishing meal. The simplicity of its ingredients also reflects a wholesome, back-to-basics approach to holiday celebrations.

Try at Home:  Make your own version ofRisengrynsgrøt usingplant-based milk for a dairy-free option. Addcoconut palm sugar andcinnamon for natural sweetness and hide araw almond in the pot for a fun twist. This can become a delightful family ritual that brings joy and connection to your festivities.

3. Germany: Advent Reflection and Festive Markets

Advent traditions are central to Christmas in Germany, where families light candles on Advent wreaths to count down the weeks to Christmas. Festive markets are another highlight, offering handmade goods, mulled wine, and holiday foods that bring communities together. These Christmas traditions around the world encourage mindfulness and joy in the lead-up to Christmas Day.

Why It Matters:Advent encourages mindfulness and anticipation, slowing the season’s pace and allowing time for gratitude and joy.

Try at Home:Create an Advent calendar with small wellness-focused treats, likeherbal teas, affirmations, or handmade items. You can also make your own mulled cider with mulling spices likecinnamon sticks,ground cloves, and allspice for a cozy evening ritual. Or enjoy small mindful moments with daily rituals like sipping hot chocolate made oforganic dutch-processed cocoa powder while journaling your holiday intentions.

4. Mexico: Las Posadas and Sharing Food

Las Posadas, celebrated from December 16th to 24th, commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Processions, music, and gatherings mark each evening, with tamales, ponche (fruit punch), and other traditional foods taking centre stage. This is a prime example of how food and community play a role in Christmas traditions around the world.

Why It Matters: Sharing food and spending time with the community are powerful ways to strengthen emotional well-being and celebrate the holiday spirit.

Try at Home: Host a small holiday gathering with family or friends. Prepare gluten-free tamales using organic ingredients fromKardish, or create a warm fruit punch with fresh citrus, spices, and dried fruits.

5. Italy: Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve, where families share a meal of seven different seafood dishes. It’s a time for togetherness, conversation, and gratitude over wholesome, fresh food. It’s one of the many Christmas traditions around the world that highlights the joy of sharing meals.

Why It Matters: Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and heart health, and the tradition itself fosters a sense of abundance and unity.

Try at Home: Create your own simplified Christmas Eve seafood feast with wholesome sides likewhole grain Konjac pasta. Pair it with baked salmon or shrimp skewers, prepared with olive oil and fresh herbs, for a flavourful and balanced meal.

6. Iceland: Jólaglögg and Hygge-Like Gatherings

Icelandic Christmas gatherings often include jólaglögg, a spiced mulled wine served during cozy, candlelit evenings. Families gather to share stories, play games, and enjoy the warmth of togetherness. They embrace a hygge-like atmosphere, reflecting the comforting themes found in many Christmas traditions around the world.

Why It Matters:Hygge-style gatherings promote relaxation, mindfulness, and connection, which can help counteract holiday stress.

Try at Home:Prepare your own non-alcoholic mulled drink using Kardish’s organic spices. Add a platter of healthy holiday cookies includingquinoa cookies,cookies with dates,Gluten-free chocolate dipped cookies, ordark chocolate bark for a festive snack.

7. Philippines: Simbang Gabi and Star Lanterns

In the Philippines, the nine-day Simbang Gabi begins on December 16th. Families attend early morning masses, symbolizing spiritual preparation for Christmas. Homes are adorned with parol, colourful star-shaped lanterns, symbolizing hope and light.

Why It Matters: Starting the day with reflection and gratitude can cultivate mindfulness and a sense of purpose.

Try at Home: Create your own morning ritual during the holidays—whether it’s meditation, journaling, or preparing a mindful breakfast. Complement your mornings with Kardish’s herbal teas or natural breakfast ingredients likegluten-free oats. Light candles or lanterns during your holiday meals and enjoy mindful moments with plant-based desserts likegluten-free baking mixes.

8. Sweden: St. Lucia Day and Light Ceremonies

St. Lucia Day on December 13th celebrates light and hope during the darkest time of the year. Families bake saffron-infused buns and enjoy them by candlelight, echoing themes of hope and renewal found in Christmas traditions around the world.

Why It Matters:The focus on light and simple homemade treats fosters a sense of comfort and renewal.

Try at Home:Decorate your space with string lights andpure beeswax honey candles, and bake gluten-free saffron buns using almond flour or gluten-free baking mixes. Pair them withorganic chamomile tea for a calming treat.

9. Poland: Wigilia and Breaking Bread

Wigilia, or Christmas Eve dinner in Poland, is a deeply symbolic meal where families break a wafer (oplatek) together, share blessings, and enjoy 12 plant-based dishes representing the Apostles. This meaningful tradition reflects how Christmas traditions around the world often emphasize gratitude and simplicity.

Why It Matters:This tradition emphasizes simplicity, gratitude, and the health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Try at Home: Host your own plant-based Christmas feast with dishes like hearty vegetable soup, roasted Brussels sprouts, gluten-free grains, andplant-based puffs.

10. Australia: Beach Picnics and Fresh Foods

In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas falls in summer, and Australians often celebrate with beach picnics featuring fresh salads, seafood, and tropical fruits. This unique approach to Christmas highlights the diversity of Christmas traditions around the world, where the season isn’t always cold and snowy.

Why It Matters:Light, fresh meals provide nourishment without the heaviness of traditional feasts, while time outdoors promotes physical and mental well-being.

Try at Home: Even in snowy climates, you can create a summer-inspired light and refreshing holiday menu with tropical fruits, quinoa salads, fish tacos, andcacao coconut bites sweetened with just maple syrup.

11. United Kingdom: Christmas Crackers and Pudding

In the UK, Christmas crackers (small festive packages with jokes and trinkets inside) add an element of fun to holiday dinners. Traditional Christmas pudding, made weeks in advance, is another highlight, symbolizing patience and preparation.

Why It Matters: These traditions, like many other Christmas traditions around the world, focus on connection, joy, and a sense of accomplishment through preparation.

Try at Home: Create your own Christmas crackers with wellness-themed surprises, such as affirmations or mini self-care items. For dessert, try a healthier twist on pudding withgluten-free flour and natural sweeteners like coconut palm sugar or a paste made oforganic dates.

Celebrate Christmas with a Global Perspective

These Christmas traditions around the world remind us that Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a season of connection, reflection, and joy. By incorporating these wellness-inspired practices into your own celebrations, you can create a holiday season that’s meaningful, mindful, and memorable.

Visit any of thesix local Kardish stores across Ottawa orshop online for all your holiday needs, from natural ingredients to cozy teas and festive spices. Together, let’s make this season one of health, happiness, and inspiration.

What global tradition inspires you most?