10 Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Christmas is celebrated in many different ways across the globe, with each culture adding its own unique twist to the holiday season. Here are ten places I want to go for Christmas to experience their traditions first hand!

1. Japan: KFC for Christmas

In Japan, Christmas isn't a traditional holiday, but it has become popular to celebrate with a meal from KFC. This unique tradition started in the 1970s as a marketing campaign and has since become a beloved custom. Families often pre-order their KFC Christmas dinner weeks in advance to ensure they get their festive feast.

2. Venezuela: Roller Skating to Church

In Caracas, Venezuela, it's customary to roller skate to early morning mass during the week leading up to Christmas. Streets are closed to traffic to allow worshippers to skate safely to church, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

3. Catalonia, Spain: The Pooping Log

Known as "Caga Tió," this quirky tradition involves a log that children "feed" with treats and then beat with sticks on Christmas Eve to make it "poop" out presents. The log is often decorated with a face and a red hat, adding to the fun and festive spirit.

4. Iceland: The Yule Cat

According to Icelandic folklore, the Yule Cat is a giant feline that roams the countryside during Christmas time. It is said to eat anyone who hasn't received new clothes for Christmas, encouraging people to finish their work and earn new garments before the holiday.

5. Iceland: Jolabokaflod (The Christmas Book Flood)

On Christmas Eve, Icelanders exchange books and spend the night reading them. This tradition, known as Jolabokaflod, or "The Christmas Book Flood," is a cherished part of Icelandic Christmas celebrations, promoting literacy and the joy of reading.

6. Norway: Hiding Brooms

In Norway, it's believed that witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas Eve. To prevent them from stealing their brooms and causing mischief, Norwegians hide their brooms before going to bed. This tradition adds a touch of mystery and folklore to the holiday.

7. Ukraine: Spider Web Decorations

Ukrainians decorate their Christmas trees with artificial spider webs, inspired by a legend about a poor woman who couldn't afford decorations. According to the story, spiders in her home spun beautiful webs on her tree, which turned to silver and gold in the morning, bringing good fortune. But don't worry, the spider webs don't look like the fake webs you see during Halloween.

8. Austria: Krampus

In Austria, the Christmas season includes the frightening figure of Krampus, a horned creature who accompanies St. Nicholas. While St. Nicholas rewards good children with gifts, Krampus punishes the naughty ones. This tradition adds a thrilling and spooky element to the holiday festivities.

9. Greenland: Kiviak

 

When I first heard of this one I thought someone was pulling my leg. And when I saw the pictures I thought "there's no way people actually eat this" but it turns out it's true. Greenlanders enjoy a traditional Christmas dish called kiviak, which is made by fermenting a small arctic bird inside a sealskin for several months. This unique and acquired taste is a special part of Greenlandic Christmas celebrations, reflecting the region's culinary traditions.

10. Portugal: Consoda

I wasn't able to verify this one. During the Christmas feast, Portuguese families set extra places at the table for deceased relatives, believing it brings good fortune. This tradition, known as Consoda, honors the memory of loved ones and emphasizes the importance of family during the holiday season.

These unique Christmas traditions highlight the rich cultural diversity and creativity found in holiday celebrations around the world. Whether it's roller skating to church or enjoying a festive meal from KFC, each tradition adds its own special touch to the magic of Christmas.