Christmas is celebrated across countries following various cultures, traditions and customs. While the festivities differ, the core celebrations of the observance remain the same. And Christmas trees is a part and parcel of this joyous occasion. The trees are decorated with various elements which differ depending on people's beliefs and traditions. From miniature Santa Claus, gift boxes to candies, many things are hung from the trees. And as Christmas 2019 approaches, we bring to you different ways in which Christmas is celebrated in different countries. Christmas 2019 Decoration Ideas: 5 Alternatives for Xmas Tree That Will Dazzle up Your Home This Holiday Season.

In the United States itself there are various Christmas traditions. From trimming your Christmas tree, dancing around it, decorating the pine to hiding gifts underneath the trees, a number of traditions are observed during the celebrations.

Sweden

In Sweden, Christmas trees are put up and taken down only 12 days after the festival. The trees are decorated with stars, snowflakes, wooden animals and sunbursts.

Greenland

In Greenland, Christmas trees are decorated with candles and ornaments. Gifts are generally left under the tree to be opened on Christmas morning.

Greece

In Greece, people don't always decorate trees for Christmas. The Greeks generally follow their traditions and decorate ships and boats for Christmas.

Mexico

As Christmas trees are not so common here, people generally get an artificial one or rarely a small tree. People also cut a bare branch from a tree or even some get a shrub from the wild representing the tree. Christmas Tree 2019 Decoration Ideas: 5 Ways to Put Up DIY Eco-Friendly X'mas Tree at Home (Watch Videos)

Ireland

Christmas trees are brought home in December and decorated with coloured lights, tinsel, and other ornaments.

Australia

Christmas mostly falls during the middle of summer in Australia. They decorate Christmas bushes which are native plants with little red flowered leaves.

Norway

Norwegians have recently started cutting trees as Christmas trees. In Norway, trees are decorated by parents as children wait in another room. This is followed by a ritual called "circling the Christmas tree" in which everyone joins hands around the tree and walk singing carols.

Brazil

In Brazil, pine trees are decorated with little pieces of cotton to represent snowfall.

Germany

In Germany, Christmas traditions differ from region to region. In Bavaria, people tie straws using threads to decorate the trees. Trees are adorned with lights and even live candles.

Philipines

People use trees of different colours and shapes made of bamboo sticks, rice paper in Philipines. The pine tines are covered with coloured rice paper and feature a tassel on the point.

Italy

People decorate Christmas trees with handcrafted ornaments and beautiful lights are used to adorn the Christmas trees here. However, in regions have close to the borders of Germany and Italy, people give more importance to decorating the house. How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Safe From Kids and Pets: Ways to Baby-Proof and Make a Pet-Friendly Christmas Decor.

The origins of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations such as Deus Sol Invictus, the Kalends and Saturnalia. However, the Christian Church disapproved of these festivals and co-opted the holidays by declaring December 25th as the birthday of Jesus. Since the olden times, various customs and traditions have been added and subtracted from the festivities. The modern-day Christmas celebrations are quite different from the olden times while in some cultures, the original traditions still continue to be observed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 20, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).