17 Unusual Christmas Traditions That Will Spark Your Curiosity About Global Celebrations
Christmas is a magical time, but not everyone celebrates it the same way. Around the globe, people embrace quirky, surprising, and downright fascinating traditions that reflect their unique cultures and histories.
From feasting on fried chicken in Japan to hiding brooms in Norway, these customs showcase the incredible diversity of human imagination. Get ready to take a whirlwind tour of 17 unusual Christmas traditions that might just make you rethink how you celebrate the season!
Japan Feasts on KFC for Christmas Dinner
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a religious celebration for most, but a meal from Kentucky Fried Chicken has become an annual tradition. The custom began in the 1970s as a clever marketing campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas.”
Today, millions of families preorder their fried chicken weeks in advance to enjoy a festive feast. Some even pair it with a Christmas cake for dessert!
Norway Hides Its Brooms from Mischievous Spirits
Norwegians take a mystical approach to Christmas Eve by hiding all the brooms in the house. The tradition stems from an old belief that witches and evil spirits come out on this night to steal brooms and fly around causing havoc.
To keep the spirits at bay, families stow away their brooms and enjoy a peaceful evening indoors.
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Guatemala Sweeps Away the Year with La Quema del Diablo
In Guatemala, the holiday season begins with a fiery tradition known as “La Quema del Diablo,” or the Burning of the Devil. Families clean their homes and gather rubbish to create bonfires topped with devil effigies.
By setting them alight, they symbolically banish evil spirits and prepare for a fresh start as Christmas approaches.
Venezuela Roller Skates to Church on Christmas Morning
In Caracas, Venezuela, people roller skate to early morning church services during the festive season. Streets are even closed to traffic to allow skaters to glide safely.
This joyful custom, often accompanied by carol singing, has become a cherished holiday highlight for locals and visitors alike.
Ukraine Decorates with Spiders and Webs
Instead of tinsel and glitter, Ukrainians often add spider-shaped ornaments and artificial webs to their Christmas trees. This unusual practice stems from a folktale about a poor widow whose Christmas was saved by a spider weaving a beautiful, sparkling web over her tree.
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Iceland’s Yule Cat Hunts for Lazy Gift Receivers
In Iceland, the Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn, is a fearsome creature said to prowl the snowy countryside. According to legend, it eats people who haven’t received new clothes before Christmas.
This tradition encourages generosity and hard work, ensuring everyone is warm and well-clothed for the winter.
South Africa Eats Fried Caterpillars for Good Luck
For many in South Africa, Christmas includes munching on fried caterpillars of the Emperor Moth. These crunchy treats are not just festive snacks but are also considered symbols of good luck for the coming year.
Packed with protein, they’re both nutritious and a unique part of the celebration.
Italy’s Befana Delivers Gifts in January
In Italy, the Christmas season stretches into January with the arrival of Befana, a kind-hearted witch. On Epiphany Eve, she flies on her broomstick to deliver gifts to children.
Legend has it she’s searching for baby Jesus, whom she missed meeting when he was born.
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Finland Lights Candles on Family Graves
In Finland, families honor their loved ones by visiting cemeteries on Christmas Eve to light candles on graves. The glowing cemeteries create a serene and beautiful atmosphere, blending remembrance with the holiday spirit.
Germany’s Krampus Punishes Naughty Kids
While Santa rewards good behavior, Germany’s Krampus punishes mischief. This terrifying half-goat, half-demon figure appears in parades and house visits during the Christmas season.
His frightening presence serves as a reminder to children to stay on their best behavior.
Spain’s Caga Tió “Pooping Log” Tradition
In Catalonia, Spain, children care for a hollow log called Caga Tió in the weeks leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, they beat the log with sticks while singing songs, encouraging it to “poop” out treats and small gifts hidden inside.
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The Philippines Celebrates the Giant Lantern Festival
In the city of San Fernando, the Philippines celebrates Christmas with a Giant Lantern Festival featuring elaborate, kaleidoscopic lanterns. Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando attracts thousands of visitors to marvel at the dazzling lights.
Australia Enjoys a Beachside Barbecue
With summer in full swing during Christmas, Australians often celebrate with barbecues on the beach. Families and friends gather to grill seafood and meat while enjoying the sunny weather, giving the holiday a tropical twist.
Austria’s Silent Night Origin Story
The beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” was first performed in Austria on Christmas Eve in 1818. The song has since become a staple of holiday music worldwide, but Austrians still take pride in its humble beginnings in a small Alpine village.
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Czech Republic’s Shoe-Throwing Fortune Telling
Single women in the Czech Republic predict their romantic future by throwing a shoe over their shoulders on Christmas Day. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing toward the door, marriage may be in their near future.
Mexico’s Posadas Brings Communities Together
In Mexico, families reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter during Las Posadas. This nine-night event features processions, singing, and candlelit ceremonies, culminating in feasts and the breaking of piñatas filled with treats.
Portugal Sets Places for the Dead at Christmas Dinner
Portuguese families often include extra places at the Christmas dinner table for deceased loved ones. Known as “consoda,” this tradition honors ancestors and reflects a deep respect for familial ties, even beyond life.
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