Christmas is around the corner, and aren’t we all prepared for the joyous day? From our homes getting their festive makeover to people gathering for scrumptious meals, the spirit of Christmas is all about merry-making. While the familiar tales of Santa’s arrival to delight children with presents or the hanging of stockings to leave small gifts are well-known, there exist some peculiar traditions around the world not many are aware of. It is more than just the customary turkey dinner; this festive time is about exploring some weird practices too. From demonic companions to fried chicken feasts and roller-skating to church, here are 10 unusual customs that add a touch of eccentricity to the holiday season, making Christmas a truly global celebration.
1. Krampusnacht (Austria and Germany)
In Alpine regions, December 5th marks Krampusnacht, a night when the devilish figure, known as Krampus, roams the streets, punishing naughty children. With its demonic appearance and chains, Krampus serves as a dark counterpart to Santa Claus.
2. Gavle Goat (Sweden)
Since 1966, the town of Gävle in Sweden has erected a giant straw goat in the town square. However, this quirky tradition comes with a twist – locals often attempt to burn down the goat before Christmas. Authorities have increased security over the years to protect the beloved but combustible creature.
3. Caga Tió (Spain and Catalonia)
In Catalonia, families celebrate Christmas with the Caga Tió, a wooden log with a painted face and a red hat. Beginning on December 8, children feed the log and take care of it until Christmas Eve, when they beat it with sticks to release small gifts hidden inside.
4. Kentucky Fried Christmas (Japan)
In Japan, Christmas is not traditionally celebrated as a religious holiday. Instead, it’s a time for family gatherings and festive KFC meals. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the ’70s, the Japanese associate Christmas with fried chicken, making KFC a popular holiday tradition.
5. The Yule Lads (Iceland)
Icelandic folklore introduces the Yule Lads, the mischievous characters who visit children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each lad has a unique personality and leaves either gifts or pranks in the shoes children leave on their windowsills.
6. La Befana (Italy)
In Italy, the Christmas season extends beyond December 25th, as La Befana, a kind but haggard old witch, delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5th. Children leave stockings out for La Befana, hoping to wake up to surprises.
7. The Christmas Pickle (United States)
An unusual tradition in some American households involves hiding a pickle-shaped ornament in the Christmas tree. The first child to find the Christmas pickle receives a special gift or good luck for the upcoming year.
8. KFC Christmas Eve (South Korea)
Similar to Japan, South Korea has adopted the tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve with a meal from a fast-food restaurant, particularly KFC. Couples often enjoy a finger-lickin’ good feast on this romantic evening.
9. Roller-Skating to Church (Venezuela)
In the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, it is a common tradition for people to roller-skate to early morning Christmas Mass. The streets are closed to traffic, and the skaters make their way to church in the early hours, creating a unique and festive spectacle.
10. The Giant Lantern Festival (Philippines)
In the city of San Fernando, locals celebrate the Giant Lantern Festival with enormous, brightly lit lanterns. These intricate creations, measuring up to 20 feet in diameter, illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing display that has become a cherished Christmas tradition.
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