Photography credits: Photos supplied by Wellcome Genome Campus staff and AdobeStock
Around the world in December, people come together, spending time with loved ones and celebrating the year ahead. We are lucky enough to have many talented international staff working at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and this year we asked them about how they spend the upcoming winter break.
Whether it be the 6th, or the 31st, read on to find out more about how people celebrate throughout the globe in the month of December.
“While I am a Hindu, everyone in Kolkata, no matter what religion, enjoys the festivities around Christmas. We decorate our houses, put up trees, and hang stockings. It is not so much gift-giving but people put money in the stockings.
“There is also a street, called Park Street, which has a lot of Christmas lights that people travel to see, and Allen Park has food stalls, music, and live entertainment. This is more like a winter carnival, and is on between December up to January. One of the most popular festive foods is rum cakes, you’ll find every corner selling these during December!
“As well as this, St Pauls Church holds a midnight mass, which is open to anyone. Christmas celebrations in Kolkata are a communal experience, where people from around the country, of all regions will come to celebrate. I love this about my home city, it is always an amazing time and really brings the community together.”
Ritoza Das (she/her),
Research Assistant, Wellcome Sanger Institute,
Kolkata/Calcutta, India
Ritoza Das
Ritoza Das
Ritoza Das (she/her), Research Assistant, Wellcome Sanger Institute - Kolkata/Calcutta, India
“While I am a Hindu, everyone in Kolkata, no matter what religion, enjoys the festivities around Christmas. We decorate our houses, put up trees, and hang stockings. It is not so much gift-giving but people put money in the stockings.
“There is also a street, called Park Street, which has a lot of Christmas lights that people travel to see, and Allen Park has food stalls, music, and live entertainment. This is more like a winter carnival, and is on between December up to January. One of the most popular festive foods is rum cakes, you’ll find every corner selling these during December!
“As well as this, St Pauls Church holds a midnight mass, which is open to anyone. Christmas celebrations in Kolkata are a communal experience, where people from around the country, of all regions will come to celebrate. I love this about my home city, it is always an amazing time and really brings the community together.”
“I’ve got so many stories from Austria to share! Here are some of the first ones I think of.
“The 6th December is St. Nikolaus’ day. Children put their shoes (ideally boots) outside their front door and if they’ve been good, they get sweets and nuts, and sometimes a present. If they’ve been naughty, his “helper” Krampus will come for them the day before — He’s very scary.
“In Austria, it’s not Father Christmas; Christkind translates to child Christ, who delivers the presents on Christmas Eve, so the 24th of December. For this reason, I celebrate Christmas twice every year, once on the 24th and once on the 25th, which my kids think is great!
“A few other fun facts about Austrian celebrations: the traditional food for Christmas dinner is fish, the fish being a sign for Jesus, and the song Silent Night originates in Austria!”
Lisa Hellier (she/her),
Quality Manager, Wellcome Genome Campus - Austria
Lisa Hellier
Lisa Hellier
Lisa Hellier (she/her), Quality Manager, Wellcome Genome Campus - Austria
“I’ve got so many stories from Austria to share! Here are some of the first ones I think of.
“The 6th December is St. Nikolaus’ day. Children put their shoes (ideally boots) outside their front door and if they’ve been good, they get sweets and nuts, and sometimes a present. If they’ve been naughty, his “helper” Krampus will come for them the day before — He’s very scary.
“In Austria, it’s not Father Christmas; Christkind translates to child Christ, who delivers the presents on Christmas Eve, so the 24th of December. For this reason, I celebrate Christmas twice every year, once on the 24th and once on the 25th, which my kids think is great!
“A few other fun facts about Austrian celebrations: the traditional food for Christmas dinner is fish, the fish being a sign for Jesus, and the song Silent Night originates in Austria!”
“Brazil is a highly diverse nation, which celebrates New Year's Eve with a rich tapestry of captivating traditions and superstitions, making it one of the country's most significant and intriguing events. Here are a couple of my favourite examples!
“Wearing white clothing on New Year's Eve is one of the most widespread traditions in Brazil. This tradition is believed to bring peace and purification for the upcoming year. It originates from African tribal customs, where white attire was worn during important rituals as a symbol of spiritual cleansing.
“By wearing white on New Year's Eve, many Brazilians seek to start the year with a clean slate, free from negative energies, and with the hope of a peaceful and harmonious year ahead.
“Another widely observed New Year's tradition in Brazil is the act of jumping seven waves in the ocean as the clock strikes midnight. This tradition is rooted in both African and Brazilian indigenous cultures.
“Each wave represents a wish or intention for the upcoming year, and as people jump over the waves, they make their requests or express gratitude for the year ahead.
“It is believed that the sea has a strong spiritual power that can renew one's energies. Additionally, jumping over the waves is thought to bring protection and good luck for the year. Traditions are deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture and are a way for people to symbolically leave behind the old year's troubles and welcome the New Year with hope, positivity, and a desire for a better future.”
Cybele Fernandes (she/her),
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Wellcome Sanger Institute - Brazil
Cybele Fernandes
Cybele Fernandes
Cybele Fernandes (she/her), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Wellcome Sanger Institute - Brazil
“Brazil is a highly diverse nation, which celebrates New Year's Eve with a rich tapestry of captivating traditions and superstitions, making it one of the country's most significant and intriguing events. Here are a couple of my favourite examples!
“Wearing white clothing on New Year's Eve is one of the most widespread traditions in Brazil. This tradition is believed to bring peace and purification for the upcoming year. It originates from African tribal customs, where white attire was worn during important rituals as a symbol of spiritual cleansing.
“By wearing white on New Year's Eve, many Brazilians seek to start the year with a clean slate, free from negative energies, and with the hope of a peaceful and harmonious year ahead.
“Another widely observed New Year's tradition in Brazil is the act of jumping seven waves in the ocean as the clock strikes midnight. This tradition is rooted in both African and Brazilian indigenous cultures.
“Each wave represents a wish or intention for the upcoming year, and as people jump over the waves, they make their requests or express gratitude for the year ahead.
“It is believed that the sea has a strong spiritual power that can renew one's energies. Additionally, jumping over the waves is thought to bring protection and good luck for the year. Traditions are deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture and are a way for people to symbolically leave behind the old year's troubles and welcome the New Year with hope, positivity, and a desire for a better future.”
“In mid-December, I observe a religious celebration also celebrated in certain parts of Pakistan and other countries. Typically, I celebrate it in the UK with small communities that share in the festivities.
“During the celebration, I apply Henna (a temporary tattoo) on my hands and prepare traditional Pakistani dishes, often including biryani (a rice dish), nihari (a stew), or other types of curry. Additionally, I attend social gatherings within my local community, where we dress in traditional clothes and play traditional music.
“For Christmas, at home, we incorporate some Lithuanian customs influenced by my husband's heritage. I love eating Kūčiukai, Christmas biscuits made with poppy seeds. I enjoy receiving pictures of Christmas trees from my relatives in various Lithuanian cities and villages, especially those competing for the best tree of the year competition.
“This year, I plan to spend Christmas in Lithuania, eagerly looking forward to seeing the decorated trees and lights in different cities, having a traditional Lithuanian Christmas meal, and immersing myself in the festive spirit with loved ones.”
Gauher Jaan (she/her),
Senior Designer, Wellcome Sanger Institute - Pakistan, UK, Lithuania
Gauher Jaan
Gauher Jaan
Gauher Jaan (she/her), Senior Designer, Wellcome Sanger Institute - Pakistan, UK, Lithuania
“In mid-December, I observe a religious celebration also celebrated in certain parts of Pakistan and other countries. Typically, I celebrate it in the UK with small communities that share in the festivities.
“During the celebration, I apply Henna (a temporary tattoo) on my hands and prepare traditional Pakistani dishes, often including biryani (a rice dish), nihari (a stew), or other types of curry. Additionally, I attend social gatherings within my local community, where we dress in traditional clothes and play traditional music.
“For Christmas, at home, we incorporate some Lithuanian customs influenced by my husband's heritage. I love eating Kūčiukai, Christmas biscuits made with poppy seeds. I enjoy receiving pictures of Christmas trees from my relatives in various Lithuanian cities and villages, especially those competing for the best tree of the year competition.
“This year, I plan to spend Christmas in Lithuania, eagerly looking forward to seeing the decorated trees and lights in different cities, having a traditional Lithuanian Christmas meal, and immersing myself in the festive spirit with loved ones.”
