Christmas and New Year Flowers Abroad: Dates for Germany, the UK, France, Russia and Turkey

Late December is one of the busiest times for sending flowers abroad — but every country celebrates on a different day, and the holidays themselves are usually days with no delivery. Order for the wrong day and the flowers arrive after the celebration. Here is the right date, country by country.

Germany: the big moment is the evening of 24 December

Germans celebrate Christmas on Heiligabend, the evening of 24 December, when presents are opened. 25 and 26 December are public holidays. For flowers beside the tree, plan delivery for 23 December or the morning of the 24th at the latest — shops and many offices close in the afternoon.

The poinsettia (Weihnachtsstern) is Germany's Christmas flower; red roses and red-and-white seasonal bouquets are also popular. The four Advent Sundays from late November are a nice excuse too. Send flowers to Germany

The UK: Christmas Day and Boxing Day

There is no delivery in the UK on Christmas Day (25 December) or Boxing Day (26 December). Plan for 22-24 December. Red-and-white bouquets and arrangements with eucalyptus and pine cones are Christmas classics. Send flowers to the UK

France: Christmas Eve and New Year

In France the family dinner (réveillon) is on the evening of 24 December. If you are a guest, send flowers to your host earlier that day so they can decorate the table. Note that chrysanthemums are funeral flowers in France — never a Christmas gift. Send flowers to France

Russia: New Year first, Christmas on 7 January

In Russia the biggest celebration of the year is New Year's Eve (31 December); Orthodox Christmas falls on 7 January, and 1-8 January is a long holiday. For New Year flowers, plan delivery for 30 or 31 December. Flowers are given in odd numbers (even numbers are for funerals), and in the winter cold good wrapping matters. Send flowers to Russia — see also our guide to sending flowers to Russia.

Turkey: New Year

If you live abroad and want to send New Year flowers to family in Turkey: New Year is celebrated on the night of 31 December and 1 January is a public holiday. Plan for 30 or 31 December. Send flowers to Turkey

The common rule: avoid the holiday gaps

• Days shown as closed in the delivery calendar can't be selected; Sundays are closed in every country.
• The last week of December is busy — order a few days in advance.
• You can write the card in the recipient's language: "Frohe Weihnachten", "Joyeux Noël", «С Новым годом!».

For a long-lasting gift choose potted plants; for the festive table, arrangements. More on customs: flower etiquette around the world.