Day 8 – Christmas Around the World
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This episode of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar explores how Christians across the globe celebrate Christmas. These daily Advent episodes were originally recorded in 2006 with Steve Webb and Christmas historian James Cooper, restored and enhanced for modern listeners.
Today, we’re opening Door Number 8 to discover Christmas traditions from Ghana, India, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. From all-night celebrations and giant paper lanterns to Boxing Day history and midsummer barbecues, this is a joyful exploration of how believers worldwide honor the birth of Jesus.

🌍 Christmas in Ghana
In Ghana, Christmas celebrations stretch from December 20 into the first week of January. With more than 66 languages spoken across the country, each community brings its own colorful traditions. Church services on Christmas Eve feature drumming, dancing, and vibrant clothing.
🌟 Christmas in India
Home to more than 25 million Christians, India celebrates Christmas with handcrafted window displays, star-shaped lanterns hung between homes, and—where fir trees are scarce—banana or mango trees decorated as Christmas trees. In some regions, Santa even trades reindeer for a horse and cart.
🎁 Boxing Day in the United Kingdom
James explains the origins of Boxing Day, a holiday dating back about 800 years. Historically, it was when alms boxes in churches were opened to distribute offerings to the poor. It later became a day off for servants and tradespeople—along with a chance to enjoy leftover turkey sandwiches.
🔥 Christmas in New Zealand
For families in New Zealand, Christmas arrives during the height of summer. Barbecues are common, and some families also enjoy a full British-style Christmas dinner—just in June, during their winter season.
Wherever you’re celebrating around the world, we hope today’s episode brings a sense of wonder and connection as we wait for Christmas together.

💬 Share Your Traditions
Steve and James would love to hear Christmas customs from your part of the world.
Email Steve at st***@*************ia.com
or visit WhyChristmas.com.

🎶 Music Credits

This Christmas — Bryan Duncan & The NehoSoul Band
Little Drummer Boy — The Alice Project


🔗 Helpful Links

WhyChristmas.com — Learn more about global Christmas customs
All Advent Episodes

Thank you for joining us for Day 8 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar.
Have a blessed Advent season!

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