Christmas traditions vary widely across cultures, and some customs may surprise even the most well-traveled holiday enthusiasts. Here are fifteen unique Christmas traditions from different parts of the globe that offer a fresh perspective on how people celebrate the season.
1. KFC Christmas Dinner in Japan
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a national holiday, but many celebrate it by enjoying Kentucky Fried Chicken. This tradition began in the 1970s after a KFC campaign and has become so popular that families pre-order their meals months in advance.
2. Hiding Brooms in Norway
In Norway, an old superstition warns that witches and evil spirits emerge on Christmas Eve, looking to steal brooms. To prevent this, families hide their brooms to keep them safe.
3. Spider Ornaments in Ukraine
Ukrainians decorate their Christmas trees with spider-shaped ornaments and cobwebs. The tradition comes from a tale about a poor widow who couldn’t afford tree decorations. Legend has it that spiders decorated her tree with beautiful webs that shimmered in the morning light, symbolizing good luck.
4. The Krampus Run in Austria
Austria’s tradition of Krampus features a frightening creature who accompanies Saint Nicholas, scaring misbehaving children. In early December, towns hold “Krampus runs” where people dress as Krampus and roam the streets, ringing bells and spreading a spooky holiday spirit.
5. Roller-Skating to Church in Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, the roads are closed on Christmas Eve for people to attend mass on roller skates. Friends and families join in the lively custom, filling the streets with festive laughter and music.
6. The Yule Goat in Sweden
Each year, Sweden’s town of Gävle constructs a giant straw goat known as the Yule Goat. Locals and visitors celebrate its presence and try to protect it from pranksters who attempt to burn it down, adding excitement to the season.
7. Night of the Radishes in Mexico
In Oaxaca, Mexico, December 23rd is celebrated as the “Night of the Radishes,” where people carve oversized radishes into intricate scenes. These radish sculptures depict religious and festive themes, creating an artistic display for visitors to enjoy.
8. Burning of the Devil in Guatemala
In Guatemala, people celebrate a holiday tradition known as “La Quema del Diablo” or “The Burning of the Devil.” On December 7th, families create bonfires, symbolically ridding their homes of evil spirits to prepare for Christmas.
9. Christmas Saunas in Finland
In Finland, people celebrate Christmas Eve by taking a “Christmas sauna” to relax and purify themselves before the holiday festivities. This quiet tradition is a way for families to gather, unwind, and prepare for the Christmas season.
10. The Pooping Log in Catalonia, Spain
In Catalonia, Spain, children celebrate with a tradition called “Tió de Nadal” or “The Pooping Log.” They decorate a wooden log, often with a painted face, and “feed” it in the days leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, they sing songs and hit the log to make it “poop” out small gifts and candies.
11. The Witch Befana in Italy
On January 5th, Italian children await the arrival of “La Befana,” a kind-hearted witch who brings gifts. She’s a beloved Christmas character who is said to deliver candies to good children and coal to the naughty ones, similar to Santa.
12. Pickle Ornament in Germany
In Germany, families hide a pickle ornament in their Christmas tree. The first person to find the pickle on Christmas morning receives a special gift, promoting fun competition among children.
13. Eating Carp in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, families traditionally serve carp for Christmas dinner. To add to the uniqueness, many families keep the fish in their bathtubs for a few days as a temporary “pet” before preparing it for their meal.
14. Shoe-Filling in Iceland
In Iceland, children place their shoes on the windowsill each night starting December 12th. Each night, the “Yule Lads” leave small gifts in well-behaved children’s shoes—or a potato for those who haven’t been so nice.
15. Mari Lwyd in Wales
In Wales, an old tradition called Mari Lwyd involves decorating a horse skull on a stick with a white cloth. Groups of people parade through town, singing and challenging others to a rhyme contest. This tradition is both eerie and festive, blending celebration with a hint of the supernatural.
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