How do different countries celebrate Christmas?

Cultural Celebrations

Even in America, different regions have different traditions. However, a few examples of Christmas around the world might include ...  

Christmas in Germany

In Germany, as in many European countries, the Christmas season picks up with December 6th, St. Nicholas's Day. On December 5th, children place boots or shoes (like American stockings) by doors or fireplaces, so that St. Nicholas can come and fill them with treats during the night; bad children often get rocks or twigs. The Christmas season is often one of festive decorations and music, just as it in in other western cultures. On Christmas Eve, families often hold large, festive dinners, and the ''Weinachtsmann'' (Santa Claus, lit. "The Christmas Man") comes--the moment where the family exchanges gifts. December 25th is often spent in church, or visiting family and friends.  

Christmas in Japan

The Japanese have only recently discovered Christmas, and as a culture have little understanding of its historic roots. Their celebrations are a conflation of Western (mainly American) Christmas and their own New Year traditions. Amongst traditions common to the Japanese are ''Christmas cakes'', store-bought cakes that are consumed on Christmas Eve. In addition, Christmas (and especially Christmas Eve) has become associated with romance, so that it is believed that romantic miracles often happen on Christmas Eve.  

Christmas in the US

For the month between Thanksiving and Christmas, the entire country seems infused with the holiday, most often coupled with strong sales promotions, advertising campaigns, and other economic interests. Popular culture also becomes infused with Christmas: magazines and newspapers run Christmas-related articles; television shows often have Christmas-themed episodes; popular television specials are re-run each year; Christmas-themed movies often fill the cinemas; radio stations introduce Christmas music into the mix (and some across the country play Christmas music 24/7!). Most families have a Christmas Tree in their homes, and often decorate the house to match (strings of lights, inflatable/lighted lawn decorations, wreaths on the door, etc.). Christian celebrants usually attend a Christmas Eve service, often a "candlelight service," and/or a Christmas Morning service. Families usually open presents on Christmas morning (less often, on Christmas Eve).
Cristmas in Australia
In Australia we like to set up our Christmas tree and put out our stocking. In Australia they also like to go to church on Christmas.
Christmas in the United Kingdom
Lots of people decorate their houses with lights, trees and fake snow. On Christmas eve people regulary attend a carol service in which many festive songs are sung. On 24th of December children leave their stockings by their bedside and go to sleep. When they wake in the morning (December 25th) they realise that father Christmas has come and filled their stockings with presents. For dinner, there is a turkey and assorted vegetables as well as champagne and wine and Christmas crackers. Houses inside have trees, decorated with balls and lights and sweets. Often with dinner party hats are worn.