The anti-materialist Christmas: Rituals around the world that swap gifts for meaning

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:43:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20251208-the-anti-materialist-christmas-rituals-around-the-world-that-swap-gifts-for-meaning>

"These seven global traditions show a different side to the season; one that's
more communal, more reflective and far less materialistic.


If you're feeling like the real meaning of Christmas got buried under mountains
of wrapping paper, looking at how other countries celebrate can be surprisingly
grounding. Traditions vary dramatically from place to place, shaped by
landscape, history, values and climate. While many nations do exchange gifts,
the rituals around them differ enormously. These long-loved customs show us
that Christmas doesn't need to be transactional; it can be collaborative,
creative or community-driven, from singing in candlelit churches to quietly
honouring family – or even appreciating spiders.

From remembering departed loved ones to leaning into a multi-generational
game, here are seven Christmas traditions you can adopt wherever you are."

Via Frederick Wilson II.

Share and enjoy,
               *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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