Christmas is celebrated in diverse ways across the globe, with each country adding its own twist to the holiday. Some traditions are enchanting, others a bit quirky, but each offers a glimpse into how cultures embrace the spirit of Christmas in unique ways. Here’s a look at 10 fascinating Christmas customs from various corners of the world that make this holiday truly global.
1. Giant Lantern Festival – Philippines
In San Fernando, known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” locals celebrate Christmas with the Ligligan Parul or Giant Lantern Festival. Massive, colorful lanterns, crafted from dazzling materials like bamboo and paper, are illuminated and displayed. Each lantern is a work of art, designed to spin and change patterns, making the whole city shimmer with a festive glow. This event not only reflects Filipino creativity but also fosters a sense of unity as communities come together to create these spectacular lanterns.
2. Krampus Night – Austria
While many think of Christmas as a time for cheer, in Austria, December 5th has a twist of fright with the appearance of Krampus, a mythical creature who roams the streets in eerie costumes. According to tradition, Krampus is a horned figure who punishes naughty children, contrasting with the kind, gift-giving St. Nicholas. People dress up in elaborate, spooky costumes, ringing cowbells as they parade through towns, creating an unforgettable pre-Christmas spectacle.
3. Sauna Christmas Eve – Finland
In Finland, the holiday season kicks off with a Christmas Eve sauna. Nearly every Finnish home has a sauna, and on Christmas Eve, families gather to share this calming ritual, which is seen as a way to purify and prepare for the holiday. Finnish people also believe that a sauna visit invites good spirits into their homes, adding a mystical layer to the experience.
4. Roller Skating to Mass – Venezuela
Christmas Eve in Caracas, Venezuela, begins with an unusual and lively custom: residents roller skate to church services. The streets are closed to cars so people can safely skate through the city, giving the morning a festive, cheerful atmosphere. Many skaters greet each other with “Merry Christmas” and enjoy hot chocolate and traditional treats after mass, making it a heartwarming start to Christmas Day.
5. A KFC Christmas Feast – Japan
Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in Japan, but it has a beloved twist thanks to a clever KFC campaign from the 1970s. Now, Christmas Eve dinners featuring KFC are a popular tradition, with families ordering fried chicken weeks in advance. Some even enjoy a “Christmas bucket” with fried chicken, champagne, and cake. This unique custom has become a cultural staple, symbolizing the Japanese embrace of Christmas in a distinctly modern way.
6. The Yule Lads – Iceland
Icelandic children look forward to visits from the Yule Lads, a group of 13 mischievous brothers who descend from the mountains one by one on the 13 nights before Christmas. Each Yule Lad has a distinct personality, from Spoon Licker to Sausage Swiper, bringing either treats or playful pranks. Children leave shoes by the window, hoping for a gift if they’ve been good, or a raw potato if not.
7. Little Candles Day – Colombia
In Colombia, Christmas officially begins on Día de las Velitas or Little Candles Day, on December 7th. Colombians light candles and place them along sidewalks, in windows, and across public spaces to create a warm, glowing tribute to the Virgin Mary. This tradition unites neighborhoods and families, filling cities with candlelight, symbolizing hope and peace for the season.
8. El Caganer – Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia’s nativity scenes feature an unexpected figurine known as El Caganer, a small character in traditional Catalan attire in a humorous pose. Believed to bring prosperity and luck, El Caganer has become a beloved and quirky staple of Catalonian Christmas decor. The figure’s exact origins are uncertain, but today, many Catalonian families take pride in placing one in their nativity scenes.
9. La Befana’s Visit – Italy
Italy’s holiday season extends to Epiphany on January 6th, when La Befana, a friendly witch, visits children, delivering small gifts and sweets to well-behaved kids. According to folklore, La Befana was invited by the Wise Men to join their journey to visit baby Jesus but missed the chance. Since then, she travels each Epiphany, sharing gifts with children. This tradition keeps the holiday magic alive well into the new year.
10. The Pohutukawa Christmas – New Zealand
In New Zealand, Christmas occurs in the heart of summer, where barbecues and beach outings replace snowmen and hot chocolate. A unique symbol of the Kiwi Christmas is the Pohutukawa tree, with its vibrant red flowers blooming in December. Known as the “New Zealand Christmas tree,” it’s celebrated for its beauty and as a reminder of the season’s warmth and spirit, adding a distinctively summery feel to the holiday.
From dazzling lights to playful pranks, these unique traditions show how cultures around the world bring their own magic to Christmas. Whether lighting up a city, skating to church, or sharing folklore, these customs offer fresh ways to experience the holiday season and highlight the global joy that Christmas brings.
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