Like many other western countries, Canada also celebrates Christmas on December 25. However, Canadian Christmas Traditions have many interesting things that not everyone knows about Boxing Day in Canada, Christmas Light, Christmas cards, and more. Let’s find out with us!
Canadians Love Christmas Trees, Advent Wreaths, And Christmas Wreaths
The Christmas tree, for example, is a popular decoration in many Canadian homes. Despite the fact that it is a German Christmas tradition, Canadians adore Christmas trees. Each year, the country produces approximately 70,000 acres of Christmas trees. During the holidays, many homes are decorated with Advent and Christmas wreaths. Canada exports approximately 1.8 million trees per year, and its residents had enjoyed the tradition since 1781, when a baroness placed a tree in her home and decorated it with white candles, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia.
One Of The Oldest Canadian Christmas Traditions Is Attending A Midnight Mass
Christian Canadians frequently attend a midnight mass, one of the country’s oldest traditions, where congregants enjoy a variety of worship music styles ranging from traditional organ and choirs to modern worship bands. Many of Canada’s oldest and most beautiful churches are steeped in history and provide a memorable atmosphere for mass goers. Following the mass is a large dinner known as a réveillon.
Canadians Buy Around 3.1 Million Whole Turkeys Every Christmas
In Canada, the Christmas feast is a big deal. As a result, Canadians buy approximately 3.1 million whole turkeys every Christmas. Christmas foods that are commonly served include:
- Beef, turkey, or goose as the main dish
- Tourtière, a meat pie served in Quebec and other provinces
- Ragoût de pattes de cochon, or pig’s foot stew, served with pickled beets on the side
- Vegetable and sauce side dishes
- Puddings, such as rice and plum
- Doughnuts, pastries, fruit cake, and cookies
- Yule logs which are known as la bouche de noël in Quebec
Canadians Include Money In Their Christmas Cards
Canadians have a reputation for being frugal when it comes to gift-giving. If they exercise restraint in that area, they are more liberal in the distribution of Canada Christmas cards, another tradition shared by Canadians and Americans. It’s a popular custom in Canada, and family members frequently include money in their Christmas cards.
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Christmas Lights Across Canada illuminates government buildings across the country. In 1985, the National Capital Commission launched Christmas Across Canada. It helps to unify the country by bringing together the capital and the 13 provinces and regions to foster goodwill among Canadians.
Read more 12 Most Beautiful Landscapes In Canada That Make Your Winter Magical
Boxing Day And La Fête des Rois Are Two Big Holidays Between Christmas
The holiday season in the United States, like in other countries around the world, does not end when the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Day. Instead, many people celebrate the holiday season until January 6. Boxing Day on December 26 and La Fête des Rois (the festival of kings) on January 6 are two major holidays between Christmas and the first week of January.
Boxing Day In Canada
The Canadian Labour Code recognizes Boxing Day in Canada as a federal holiday. It follows the tradition of English royalty bestowing goodwill on the less fortunate. Historically, it was the day after Christmas when churches opened alms boxes for the poor, gifts (boxes) were given to the poor, and boxes of leftover food were given to servants. In Canada today, Boxing Day is observed in a variety of ways.
La Fête des Rois
The end of the Christmas season is marked by La Fête des Rois, which is primarily celebrated in Quebec. It translates as “King’s Party.” A unique cake is created with a small bean hidden inside. Similar to the French tradition of the three kings cake, whoever gets the slice of cake with the hidden bean is crowned king or queen for the day.
Each Province And City Has Different Canadian Christmas Traditions
Traditions of the Inuit
Native Inuits in northern Canada will celebrate Sinck Tuck. This celebration includes a lot of feasting, dancing, and gift-giving. It is associated with their winter solstice celebration, and the meals frequently include caribou, raw fish, seal, and other foods native to the area that they enjoy.
Newfoundland
During the holidays, masked mummers can be seen roaming the streets of Newfoundland. They ring bells, make noise, and go door to door asking for candy and treats. If the host of the house can figure out who is behind the mask, the person must remove the mask and stop being annoying.
Residents of various provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrate by lighting up their homes for the holidays.
Nova Scotia
In 1751, German immigrants brought the tradition of Belsnickling to Nova Scotia. The Belsnicklers dress up in outrageous costumes, play musical instruments, and parade through town from house to house, and if neighbors guess their identity, the Belsnickler gets to eat cake or cookies.
Canadian Christmas Traditions In Quebec
Quebec has a tradition of hosting Christmas-themed markets where vendors set up shop around large Christmas trees and sell Christmas decorations and pastries to the general public. During this time, church and school choirs congregate in the market to sing their best Christmas carols. During this time, horse-drawn sleighs are also popular in Quebec. QuebecAdabra takes place in Quebec City and includes a German Christmas market, choirs, and nightly light shows.
Related post 8 Must-Do Activities In Quebec City To Make Your Winter Wonderful
Prince Edward Island
Families on Prince Edward Island will gather to make meat pies, served after midnight mass or for breakfast on Christmas morning. On the Island, other family traditions include exchanging pajamas on Christmas Eve and then sharing a feast on Christmas Day.
Toronto
The Santa Claus Parade in Toronto is a popular annual event in November. It is the largest holiday parade in the world, with over 500,000 spectators watching the show.
Niagara Falls
As part of the Winter Festival of Lights, spectacular fireworks are set off in Niagara Falls. The festival includes holiday lights throughout the city, as well as concerts and other holiday-themed events.
British Columbia
The theme of lights is common in Canadian provinces, and British Columbia is no exception. The Rogers Santa Claus Parade takes place on the first Sunday of December in Vancouver.
Pickup hockey games are held in many provinces across Canada at the local neighborhood rink (sometimes a frozen-over pond) or on the street. The players return to their families for a big Christmas dinner after a blissful afternoon of friendly hockey.
