The first day of the new year has come. And while some people start normal working hours tomorrow, others have a whole week to rest. Let's see which countries are luckier. After all, their New Year vacation lasts longer than usual.
Spain
The leader of the prolonged New Year siesta is Spain. Here the New Year vacations begin with Catholic Christmas on January 25 and last until January 6. Interestingly, this day is celebrated with a special scope - it is the Day of the Magi. It is connected with biblical events, when three wise men brought their gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. Thus, Spaniards rest for two weeks.
Germany
The peculiarity of the New Year vacation in Germany is that it has different dates, depending on the state. On average, schoolchildren have 2 weeks off. While adults have state holidays only 3 days in December - December 24-26, as well as January 1. In addition, some states officially rest on January 6, the Three Kings Day.
Russia
One of the longest New Year's vacations in the world has been legislated here. Moreover, for everyone - both children and adults. Although this tradition was introduced officially only in 2004, many Russians enjoyed vacationing together with schoolchildren.
Weekends here usually last from December 31 to January 8. But in December 2024, the last working day was December 29, and the winter vacations will last for 10 days.
U.S.
Although only 2 days are officially recognized as vacations - Christmas Day on December 25 and New Year's Day on January 1, many Americans take a vacation during this period. Thus, the New Year's vacation lasts only a week.
Canada
Unlike the United States, Canadians celebrate an extra day in December - the 26th, which is called Boxing Day. Thus, by law, Canada has 4 days off - December 25-26 and January 1. But like their American neighbors, Canadians also prefer to take long weekends and spend the whole week with their families.
UK
Traditionally, the British, like the rest of the Christian world, celebrate Christmas on December 25 and New Year's Day on January 1. Boxing Day - December 26 - is also considered a day off. But school vacations last from December 23 to January 3, so families with schoolchildren negotiate long weekends with their employers.
Italy
Italians have 3 days off for Christmas - from December 24 to 26. During these days everything in the country is closed except for oriental cuisine. Further, the official holidays in January are New Year's Day (January 1) and Epiphany Day (January 6). Here this holiday, as in Spain, is very much loved by children. After all, they are given presents again. This time the magician Befana, about whom we told you in the article Symbols and heroes of Christmas and the New Year.
Brazil
Let's move to South America. Here Christmas and New Year are celebrated with the famous Brazilian scale - colorful carnivals and fireworks. Although at the legislative level the holidays have only 2 days - December 25 and January 1. On pre-holiday days - December 24 and December 31 - adults work until lunchtime, on a reduced schedule.
China
Although Europeans are in the habit of exchanging cards with Chinese calendar symbols on New Year's Day (2025 is the year of the green wooden snake), the Chinese themselves celebrate January 1 modestly. And they do not have Christmas, as it is a Christian holiday. The real Chinese New Year is celebrated at the end of January. In 2025, it will come on January 29 and will last until February 12. Thus, the Chinese New Year vacation lasts 15 days.
Did you like the article? Here you can read about What is the name of Santa Claus in different countries.
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