“Norwegian tradition has it that Nisse, the Christmas Gnome, looked after farmers’ crops and cattle. In return, at Christmas, each farmer would leave out a bowl of porridge with butter and a glass of beer. ‘God Jul’ means Happy Christmas.” — Dana Clifton, @danasnailroom

The Netherlands

“On the evening that Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrives in the Netherlands all the bells ring in celebration. Sinterklaas sends his servants, called Zwarte Piet, to the homes of the children to look through the windows and make sure they are being good. If they are good they will have left a shoe in front of the fireplace filled with hay and carrots. Then Sinterklaas goes to the good children’s houses and leaves presents and sweet treats.” — Anne Van Spronsen, @annes_nail_creations

Switzerland

“Fondue is a Swiss winter treat. Many Swiss families serve it on Christmas Eve.” — Elsbeth Schuetz, @elsbeth211

France

“Winter snow covers the French Alps and lures the skiers out to work off all the holiday feasting.” — Yllonka Pryor,  www.nailmarlise.com

Russia

“Russians love holidays, but they especially love the New Year. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with much feasting and drinking, usually lots of caviar and champagne or vodka. Christmas comes about one week later, in early January, and the party continues.” — Ekaterina Goette, www.nailmarlise.com

Puerto Rico

“In Puerto Rico, the Three Kings are very important figures during the Christmas season. Three Kings Day, celebrated January 6, is the day that children receive their gifts.” — Renybeth Molinari, @413nails/Wenderly Reyes, @Wenderly_reyes

Mexico

“The poinsettia (la pascua) flower is native to Mexico. It is called La Flor de la Nochebuena, or Flower of Christmas Eve. Here the flowers surround the Virgin of Guadalupe.” — Nini Coronado, @ninico1

Vietnam

“2016 is the Year of the Monkey, starting from February 8 (Chinese New Year) and ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve). Certain dishes are eaten during the Chinese New Year for their symbolic meaning. Certain foods such as pork, tangerines, green vegetables, and rice are served on New Year’s Eve, and are believed to bring good luck for the coming year.” — Linda Lam, @nailsbylinda

Bangladesh

“This design is typical of the Bengali New Year, or Pohela Boishakh. The triangular forms represent fish (often pomfret fish), because Bangladesh has a rich agricultural and fishing heritage. Fish is a major part of the Bengali diet and is a recurring theme in harvest celebrations and Bengali folk art.” — Fariha Ali, @nailjob

Japan

“Snow falls only in the northernmost regions of Japan and it is very beautiful. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, holds a Snow Festival in February and you can see many elaborate sculptures created out of snow and ice.” — Koko Kashiwagi, @kokoistusa

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