Christmas will be here before you know it - and by "here," we mean everywhere!
That said, not every country celebrates this festive winter holiday the same way we do in America.
For instance, although Santa's red suit and white beard may seem completely inseparable from Christmas to us, some children await their annual gift delivery from an ancient pagan goat instead. And while December 25th is the big day in the States, other countries kick things off significantly earlier - or later.
Whether you're traveling this year or enjoying Christmas in the comfort of your own home, get in the holiday spirit by learning about these five Christmas celebrations and traditions observed across the globe.
1. The Yule Goat - Sweden
Although the effigy of a 40-foot-tall goat might not say "Christmas" to an American audience, it's as nostalgic as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for residents of Gävle, Sweden. Since 1966, the Gävle Goat has been erected each December... only to meet, in most instances, an untimely end.
Local pranksters and pyromaniacs have taken to setting the beast aflame - which, given the goat's straw construction, is quick to destroy it. However, it's not always a fiery end for this caprine creation: it's also been struck by motor vehicles and kicked apart by revelers. One year, a pair of men attempted to kidnap the goat to Stockholm by helicopter... but they were foiled when the guard on duty rejected their bribe.
2. Las Posadas - Mexico
3. St. Nicholas Day - The Netherlands and elsewhere
Many European countries observe St. Nicholas Day, which falls on December 6th, often performing the traditional Christmas gift-giving ritual on that day instead of later in the month.
