Unusual Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Although Christmas only comes but once a year, I’ve researched the most unusual Christmas traditions and customs performed by country out of curiosity as to how the rest of the world celebrates besides here in the United States.  I really enjoyed learning about these country’s traditions.  I think it makes the world a little smaller when you reach out and learn about your neighbor.  I hope you will enjoy learning about these customs as much as I enjoyed compiling them!

Venezuela

Venezuelans attend Mass prior to Christmas Day.  However, Caracas residents have developed a strange tradition – travelling to Mass on roller skates.

Norway

There’s no cleaning on Christmas Eve in Norway.  All brooms are safely hidden away in case they are stolen by witches and spirits.

Japan

Advertising can be incredibly persuasive.  Thanks to an ad campaign in 1974, many Japanese families eat at KFC on Christmas Eve.

Austria

Austrian children live in fear of Krampus who is a Christmas devil who is said to beat naughty children with branches.

New Zealand

Rather than using the traditional conifer, New Zealanders decorate Pohutukawa trees at Christmas.

Portugal

Consoda is a traditional Christmas morning feast in Portugal.  This is a time for remembering those who have passed on.  Families lay places for the souls of their late loved ones.

Germany

German children leave a shoe outside their house on December 5th which is then filled with sweets overnight.  Naughty children awake to find a tree branch instead.

Germans hide a pickle in the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.  The first child to discover it in the morning receives a small gift.

Ukraine

Ukrainians forego tinsel and ornaments, instead decorating their Christmas trees with an artificial spider and web.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, unmarried women  stand by a door and throw a shoe over their shoulder.  If the toe is pointing toward the door when it lands, they will get married within the year.

Estonia

On Christmas Eve, Estonian families traditionally head to the sauna together.

Iceland

The Yule Cat is said to stalk the Icelandic hills.  Those who don’t receive new clothes before Christmas Eve are said to be devoured by this mythical beast.

Iceland’s children leave a shoe on their bedroom windowsills during the 12 days of Christmas.  Each night, it’s filled with sweets or gifts, ready to be enjoyed in the morning.

Sweden

Since 1966, authorities in Gavle have installed a straw Swedish Yule Goat.  However, almost every other year, vandals have succeeded in burning it down.

Another Swedish tradition involves festive rice pudding.  A peeled almond is hidden in the dessert and the person who finds it will, supposedly, be married within a year.

Great Britain

An age-old tradition dictates that each member of the family must stir the Christmas pudding mix in a clockwise direction before it is cooked, making a wish as they do so.

Italy

Rather than Santa Claus, Italian children await the arrival of Befana, a friendly witch who delivers sweets and toys on January 5th.

Ethiopia

Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7th.  People wear white clothes and the men play ganna which is a fact-paced game with sticks and wooden balls.

Latvia

In Latvia, a group of “mummers”, dressed in a variety of costumes, travel from house to house.  Each household must give them a treat in return for a blessing.

Guatemala

Guatemalans sweep out their houses before Christmas.  Each neighborhood will then create a huge pile of dirt, before placing an effigy of the devil on top and burning it.

Cuba

Every December, the Cuban city Remedios plays host to the Parrandas festival.  The city divides into two halves, each building a themed sculpture from light bulbs, in preparation for Christmas Eve.

Greece

The kallikantzaroi, a race of evil goblins, lurk underground according to Greek legend.  During the 12 days of Christmas they supposedly surface, wreaking havoc.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, the more senior man of the house takes a spoonful of loksa pudding and throws it at the ceiling – the more that sticks, the better.

Canada

Canada Post recognizes the address Santa Claus, North Pole, Canada, HOHOHO.  Any letters received bearing this address are both opened and replied to.

Finland

Finnish people traditionally mark Christmas with a touching tribute to the deceased.  Families light candles at the graves of their departed loved ones, creating a glowing sight at Finland’s cemeteries.

This post has been included by Twinkl among their top picks for their favorite Christmas Traditions.

What are some of your Christmas Traditions and Customs?