Recently, we ran a poll to ask what holidays Local Guides celebrated in December. Many of you told us beautiful stories about fantastic cultural, national, or local celebrations in your countries. Thank you for sharing the joy with all of us here on Connect!
Here are some of the festivities Local Guides around the world enjoy during this time of the year. Tap on each country name below to read more.
Australia
@AdamGT wrote: “Here in the land down under, I celebrate Christmas by spending lots of time with family, friends, and business/work associates. This means lots of Christmas parties, food and drink, and meet-ups. We also put up a Christmas tree and decorate our home with lots of Christmas decorations. Finally, on Christmas Day, it’s Christmas lunch with the family. After this, we usually go on a diet 
.” Read the full story here.
Bangladesh
@KamalHossenR wrote: “December 16 is celebrated as 
Victory Day in Bangladesh, commemorating the victory achieved in the 1971 War of Liberation. It is a day of great pride. The day begins with the laying of wreaths at Martyrs’ Memorials in various parts of Bangladesh. At sunrise, the national flag is hoisted on all government and private buildings. Public buildings, landmarks, and streets are decorated with lights and the colors of the national flag. Google Maps plays an important role during the celebration of Victory Day, especially in Barisal, as there is a huge crowd throughout the city. When I leave home in the morning, it helps me find an easy way to the memorial. Real-time traffic updates also save me time by helping me avoid congested roads.” Read the full story here.
Belarus
@Tatsiana_T wrote: “Belarus is one of the few countries in the world where Christmas and New Year are celebrated twice! Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on December 25 and New Year’s on December 31. The Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7, and the New Year will be celebrated on January 13. Santa Frost and the Snow Maiden congratulate children and adults on the holidays and also fulfill their wishes. Unlike Santa Claus, who gives gifts on Christmas, Santa Frost and the Snow Maiden give gifts on New Year’s Day. Santa Frost has his own residence in the National Park “Belovezhskaya Pushcha.” This is a very popular place, and everyone uses Google Maps to safely get there because it is in a forest where wild animals roam freely.” Read the full story here.
Brazil
@Maykom wrote: “December is a very special month for us Brazilians. We like to get together with family and friends to celebrate life. There are two dates when we usually meet our loved ones. The first is Christmas and the other is New Year. There is nothing better than starting the new year with the people we love.” Read the full story here.
Croatia
@renata1 wrote: “December is the most magical month of the year. 
December 6 is St. Nicholas Day. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, and my city of Varaždin. Children clean their boots and put them in the window on December 5 in the evening. On December 6 in the morning, they find small gifts, toys, and sweets in their boots. December 6 is Varaždin City Day and special concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances, and sporting events are held. December 24 is Christmas Eve when pine trees and yards are decorated with beautiful lights. Some also set up a nativity scene. On December 25, our family celebrates Catholic Christmas. We prepare a slightly richer table, meat delicacies, and cakes. On Christmas, we also go to church for mass. We celebrate New Year’s on the night of December 31.” Read the full story here.
Czechia
@Rohlik wrote: “I celebrate Christmas 
on December 24. This is when we gather as a family, sing carols, eat carp with potato salad, and give out presents 
. I like this season for the thematic decorations 
.” Read the full story here.
India
@Gurukrishnapriya wrote: “In South India, during November/December depending on the full moon, many celebrate the Kartheeka Deepam festival of lights followed by Marghazi fasting. I celebrated the festival in my home and visited temples.” Read the full story here.
@ShailendraOjha wrote: “I have a whole team of kiddos in my house, and the youngest child gets an advent calendar every year at the beginning of December. He wakes up every day at 5:00 am to open the advent calendar, take out a gift from it, and then happily share it with everyone. The kids decorate the Christmas tree, and we celebrate December 31 with delicious food. We start the new year by praying to the in-house temple in the morning and taking the blessings of our elders.” Read the full story here.
Ireland
@Praj13 wrote: “As it’s the most wonderful time of the year, I would like to share the lovely Christmas vibes going around Dublin, Ireland. Everywhere it looks so lively with Christmas decorations, food, lights, and Christmas markets.” Read the full story here.
USA
@SoniaK wrote: “After moving to the USA, Christmas is the biggest celebration in December for me. For the last few years, we have decorated a Christmas tree in our living room on the first day of December, and it stays lit up for the entire month. My husband makes a dessert called bourbon balls. This year, he made some virgin bourbon balls for me with heavy cream to substitute the alcohol, and they tasted super delicious.” Read the full story here.
West Africa
@SholaIB wrote: “Many West African countries celebrate Christmas and New Year in a very big way. There are holidays from work and school. Some people travel to their hometowns to visit relatives and loved ones. It’s all feasting, celebrations, and happiness in general.” Read the full story here.
Wherever you are and whatever you celebrate — or don’t celebrate — this December, we wish you joy, laughter, and memorable moments!
. Thanks for it 
.
. Also thanks to feature Kartheeka Deepam by 
