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Christmas 2024: Discover unique and unusual Christmas traditions around the world, from KFC dinners in Japan to roller skating to church in Venezuela, making the holiday even more special.
Christmas 2024: Some traditions may inspire you to add a new one to your own celebrations. (Image: Shutterstock)
Christmas 2024: Christmas is known for traditions like decorating trees, baking sweets and exchanging gifts. But in different parts of the world, there are some unique customs that make the holiday even more interesting and special. While you may be familiar with cozy movie nights or grand holiday feasts with family or friends, there are countries where Christmas traditions are unusual.
Some may even inspire you to add a new tradition to your own celebrations, but, not all of them may be for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the most unusual and unexpected Christmas customs from different parts of the globe.
Japan
Thanks to a smart advertising campaign years ago, KFC is now considered a Christmas tradition in Japan. Instead of turkey, many people enjoy eating fried chicken on Christmas Day. The demand for the popular food chain is so high that customers had to make reservations in advance.
Norway
There’s an old belief that witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas Eve. To prevent them from stealing brooms to roam around the country, families hide their brooms. This centuries old tradition is still practiced by the locals.
Venezuela
People living in Caracas head to church on Christmas morning, but not by foot, private vehicle or public transport. Instead, they travel using roller skates. This tradition is so popular that the streets are even closed to allow skaters to safely reach the church.
Austria
Their tradition involves Krampus, a scary creature who punishes naughty children. During parades, people dress as the demon, who look like half goat, with scary horn, carry chains and a basket to abduct bad children.
Sweden
For years, giant straw goat is built in Gavle as part of Christmas celebrations. However, it has become a tradition for the goat to be burned, which has been happening for centuries. The origins of building a goat goes back to the 11th century.
Guatemala
People has a this age old belief that that evil spirits hide in dirty corners of homes. To get rid of them, they clean their homes thoroughly, a week before Christmas and burn a devil effigy to remove bad energy.
Portugal
Families who gather for a hearty meal, keep an extra place at the Christmas table for their deceased relatives. The tradition, known as consoda, is believed to bring good luck and through this, they honour the memory of loved ones.
Italy
While children across the world wait for Santa Claus, Italian kids look forward to Befana, an old witch who delivers presents on a broomstick. However, children who misbehave might receive coal, raw onions or straw from her broom.
Germany
Families decorate their Christmas trees with a pickle ornament. The first child to find it hidden in the branches are given a special gift. People have been following this tradition for many years.
Czech Republic
Unmarried women have a fun tradition of throwing a shoe over their shoulder at Christmas. If the footwear lands with the toe facing the door, it’s a sign that they’ll get married in the coming year, if it lands heel first, they might remain single for another year.
