Have you ever wondered why eggnog and peppermint bark seem to pop up everywhere during the holidays? Or why groups of people gather to sing Christmas carols, even in freezing weather? Many holiday traditions have been around for centuries, while some are surprisingly new. While a few started in the U.S., others traveled across oceans before becoming part of our holiday season.

Let’s take a fun trip around the world to see where some of your favorite Christmas traditions come from and learn the stories behind their origins.

Eggnog — England

Let’s start with eggnog—a holiday drink that people either love or avoid like fruitcake (more on that later). Believe it or not, eggnog has been around since medieval times in England, where it began as “posset,” a hot, milky drink with eggs and sherry. It was considered fancy and a symbol of good health.

When eggnog made its way to America in the 1700s, colonists put their own spin on it. As the colonists had ready access to plenty of chickens, cows, and cheap rum, the drink became a holiday hit. Even George Washington had his own eggnog recipe. (It was strong!) Today, you can enjoy it spiked or alcohol-free—just don’t forget the nutmeg on top.

Caroling — Europe

Ever gone caroling or watched it in a holiday movie? This musical tradition goes way back. Historians think early caroling started in Europe as winter songs to lift people’s spirits during the dark, chilly months. Originally, people sang and danced through their villages, celebrating seasonal changes and hoping for good fortune.

As Christianity spread, the songs took on religious themes and became part of Christmas celebrations. While door-to-door caroling has partly faded, you’ll still hear these timeless songs in church services and holiday concerts. Classics like “Silent Night” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” remain favorites, connecting people through generations of shared holiday music. Caroling continues today in small towns and cities where communities still embrace the tradition.

Hot Cocoa — Mexico

Few things are as comforting as a warm mug of hot cocoa on a cold winter night. But did you know that cocoa has roots that go back thousands of years to ancient Mexico? The Mayans were early chocolate lovers, making a drink with cacao beans, water, and spices like chili peppers. It was rich, bitter, and definitely not the sweet version you sip today.

Spanish explorers brought cacao back to Europe, added sugar and milk, and made hot chocolate the sweet treat we know. Some say Madrid is the unofficial home of modern hot cocoa. But hot chocolate is enjoyed worldwide, with special twists like Mexican hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon and cayenne for extra warmth. Specialty shops and cafes continue to elevate this drink with creative toppings and flavors.

Christmas Cards — England

Sending Christmas cards is one of the few traditions that’s still more about paper than pixels. The first Christmas card appeared in England in 1843, designed by John Callcott Horsley. He printed 1,000 hand-colored copies and sold them in London, instantly creating a holiday trend.

The practice spread to the U.S. a few decades later, thanks to Boston printer Louis Prang. By the 1880s, his company was making millions of cards a year. Today, holiday cards tend to be more personal, often featuring family photos, handwritten notes, and heartfelt wishes for the new year. Digital greetings might be quicker, but nothing beats receiving a real card in the mail.

Gingerbread Houses — Germany

If you’ve ever built a gingerbread house — or watched one collapse — you’re part of a sweet tradition that started in Germany in the 1800s. Inspired by the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, bakers created candy-covered gingerbread homes, turning a somewhat creepy story into a beloved holiday activity.

The original creations were made with spiced honey biscuits, but gingerbread eventually took over because it tends to be more sturdy. Today, gingerbread house contests and displays pop up everywhere during the holidays. In some cities, you’ll even find life-size gingerbread houses displayed in hotels or public spaces — true works of edible art. Gingerbread baking has expanded into cookie decorating parties, another fun holiday tradition.

Peppermint Bark — France/The U.S.

Unlike some holiday treats with ancient roots, peppermint bark is a relatively new invention. It became famous in the late 1990s in the U.S. when Chuck Williams of Williams Sonoma introduced the treat after a company challenge to create something festive yet seemingly nostalgic.

Made with layers of white and dark chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes, peppermint bark was an instant hit. It’s similar to the French mendiants, chocolate topped with nuts and dried fruit that’s part of France’s traditional 13 Desserts of Provence. Today, peppermint bark recipes are everywhere, from store shelves to holiday baking blogs. Some home bakers even make gourmet versions using homemade peppermint candies or interesting flavor combinations like peppermint mocha.

You May Also Enjoy: A Cracking Christmas! Brilliant Holiday Traditions in the U.K.

Fruit Cake — Italy/The U.S.

Fruitcake might be the most controversial holiday dessert out there — you either love it or regift it. This dense, fruit-studded cake has ancient roots, dating back to Roman times. The long shelf life comes from soaking the cake in spirits like brandy, rum, or bourbon.

Over the years, different countries have put their spin on fruitcake. In Italy, folks snack on panettone, a fluffy, fruit-filled bread, while Germans enjoy stollen, a dense cake coated in powdered sugar. In the U.S., fruitcake became popular in the early 1900s, thanks to mail-order catalogs. Today, it may be the holiday punchline of choice, but fruitcake seems like it’s here to stay. Some vintage fruitcakes from the early 20th century are still preserved as curiosities. Families with generations-old recipes continue to bake their versions every Christmas.

FAQ’s:

Q: How should I store eggnog?
A: Homemade eggnog should be kept in the refrigerator in a sealed container and consumed within 3-5 days. Store-bought versions usually last longer due to preservatives.

Q: When is it a good time to send Christmas cards?
A: Mail Christmas cards by early December so that they’re more likely to arrive on time. International cards should be sent even earlier.

Q: How can I keep gingerbread houses from collapsing?
A: Use royal icing as “glue” and let each piece dry before assembling. A sturdy base also helps keep the structure intact.

Q: What’s the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
A: Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, while hot chocolate uses melted chocolate, making it richer and creamier.

Q: Why is fruitcake soaked in alcohol?
A: Alcohol preserves the fruitcake and enhances its flavor over time, making it last for months—or even years.

Q: Can you freeze peppermint bark?
A: Yes, peppermint bark freezes well. Store it in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to keep it fresh and prevent sticking.

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition, and do you know its origins? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!