As the holiday season rolls in, there’s nothing quite like gathering with loved ones over a cup of holiday tea. Across the globe, different cultures have long embraced tea as part of their holiday traditions. Tea is a a way to foster connection, reflect on the past year and prepare for new beginnings. Let’s take a journey around the globe and explore some of the heartwarming holiday tea traditions that make the season truly special.
British Afternoon Christmas Afternoon Tea Tradition
In Britain, afternoon tea is a year round tradition, but during the holiday season, it takes on a special warmth. Christmas afternoon tea is a beloved tradition where friends and family gather to sip on tea and indulge in festive treats like mince pies, scones and fruitcake. The holiday tea blends themselves often reflect the season, with flavors like spiced black tea infused with cinnamon, clove and orange peel, creating that cozy holiday feeling.
China’s Lunar New Year Tea Traditions
In China, the Lunar New Year is a time to focus on family, fresh starts and spreading good fortune–and tea is at the heart of these celebrations. On the first day of the new year, it’s tradition for younger family members to serve sweet tea to their elders, symbolizing well wishes for the year ahead. It is customary for the grandchild to present the tea to their parent, and the parent to present it to the grandparent, creating a beautiful generational exchange of respect and blessings.
In many households, Lunar New Year tea ceremonies extend throughout long gatherings, focusing on various different cups and flavors of tea. The first cup served is a sweet tea, meant to bring sweetness into the new year. The second cup, usually a smoked bean tea, represents harmony, while the final cup is a green tea offered after the meal.
It’s worth noting that every region in China has its own unique take on holiday tea traditions, with different types of tea being enjoyed depending on local customs. Tea isn’t just for sipping, though–it’s also a popular gift during the Lunar New Year. Offering friends and family a box of tea is a simple and meaningful way to wish them health and happiness as they enter the New Year.
Japan’s Hatsugama Tea Ceremony–The First Kettle
The Hatsugama (“first kettle”) ceremony is a cherished New Year tradition in Japan, symbolizing fresh beginnings and renewal. Typically held in early January, Hatsugama is a full chaji (formal tea ceremony) where guests are served a light kaiseki meal, including seasonal dishes and sake, poured from a beautifully decorated server made just for this special occasion.
Following the meal, two types of matcha tea are prepared: the rich, thick koicha and the lighter usucha. What makes this ceremony even more unique is the use of wakamizu–water drawn early in the morning, believed to have protective powers. The first tea of the year, brewed with this fresh water is said to guard against illness and cleanse negative energy, setting a harmonious tone for the year ahead.
The tradition of tea ceremonies dates back centuries, rooted in Zen Buddhism and focusing on mindfulness, respect and connection. The Hatsugama ceremony is no different, offering participants a moment to pause and reflect on the past year while setting intentions for the one ahead.
Moroccan Tea Culture
In Morocco, tea is a symbol of hospitality and traditionally used at the end of mealtime to bring people together and celebrate community and connection. During holidays like Ramadan (especially after Iftar) and Eid, the tradition of serving Atay Naa Naa–a sweet mint tea–becomes even more prominent. Made with green tea, fresh mint leaves and sugar, this tea is served in small ornate glasses and poured from a height to create bubbles, symbolizing respect and care for guests.
Holiday Tea Celebrations in India
In India, chai–or masala chai–is a central part of celebrations and festive gatherings. From Diwali to Holi and everyday morning rituals, chai is woven into the fabric of celebrations and connection in India. This spiced drink, made with black tea, milk and a mixture of spices like cardamom, ginger and cinnamon, is served to family and friends as a symbol of hospitality and joy. What makes chai even more special is that no two cups are exactly the same. Chai recipes vary from home to home, with each family adding their own touch–some prefer it spicy, while others prefer it sweet, creating a beautiful variety of flavors that reflect local tastes and traditions.
South African Tea Traditions
Rooibos, a tea native to the Cederberg region, is a national favorite, loved for its earthy flavor and natural health benefits. Whether it’s sipped plain or with a splash of milk and honey, Rooibos is a daily comfort, warming both hands and hearts. Another local favorite is Buchu tea, a soothing herbal brew with roots in traditional healing. At its core, tea is about connection, much like the meaning of the word Kumba in South African dialect–home.
Celebrate with Carry Kumba CBD Holiday Tea
From the cozy gatherings of Britain’s Christmas afternoon tea to the ceremonial rituals of Japan’s Hatsugama, tea has a remarkable way of bringing people together, no matter where you are in the world. These holiday traditions remind us to pause, reflect and savor the little moments that make this time of year truly special.
At Carry Kumba, we believe in the power of tea to not only create connection but foster relaxation and wellness during the busiest season of the year. Whether you’re looking to recreate a moment of calm with a warm cup of our spiced CBD Chai or add a touch of mindfulness to your celebrations with one of our green tea blends, our teas are the perfect way to bring a little extra peace to your holiday traditions.
