According to Andy Rooney, “One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.” That glorious mess is always welcome because every family gets to carry out its unique Christmas traditions. Christmas traditions rarely change, and they are all about spreading love and joy. While people in Japan spread love by buying buckets of KFC, in the United States, most prefer to come together to share a homemade meal and festive cheer.
However, not all Christmas traditions worldwide are so simple and harmless. Here are 10 of the most unusual and fascinating Christmas traditions from around the globe.
The Yule Cat: Iceland
Santa is often seen as a benevolent figure who rewards all children, even those who haven’t been on their best behavior. But in Iceland, Santa has an unlikely companion: Jólakötturinn, or the Yule Cat. This towering feline rewards children who’ve been good by ensuring they receive new clothes for Christmas. However, those who’ve shirked their chores or misbehaved face a much darker fate. The Yule Cat peers through windows, searching for those without new garments, and after stealing their food, it may devour the children themselves. It’s an eerie yet effective way of encouraging good behavior.
Krampus: Austria
In Austria’s Alpine regions, the legend of Krampus adds a terrifying twist to Christmas. This half-man, half-goat creature is the sinister counterpart to Saint Nicholas, punishing naughty children and those who neglect their chores. With no set depiction of Krampus, adults often dress in grotesque costumes, transforming Christmas into a Halloween-like spectacle that both terrifies children and entertains adults in the neighbourhood.
Candy-Pooping Christmas Logs: Catalonia
If you visit Barcelona during the festive season, you may spot homes adorned with quirky, smiling logs known as Caga Tió. Children who’ve behaved well on Christmas Eve can “collect” presents from these logs. To do so, they must cover the log with a blanket and recite prayers, all while refraining from watching the log in action. According to tradition, the log “poops” out candy and gifts beneath its blanket. It’s a delightfully odd way to reward good behaviour!
The Burning Goat: Gävle, Sweden
In Northern Europe, the Yule Goat has long been a symbol of Christmas, harking back to legends of Santa using it to deliver presents. The Swedish town of Gävle has taken this tradition to heart by constructing a massive straw goat every year since 1966. Unfortunately, this festive symbol has also become a prime target for arsonists. Despite increased security measures, more than 35 of these giant goats have gone up in flames over the years.
Roller-Skating to Christmas Mass: Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve comes with a twist. Instead of walking or driving, locals strap on roller skates and glide to church. Roads are closed for the occasion, creating a festive and colourful spectacle. Once inside the church, skaters switch to regular footwear, but after the service, they skate back home, keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Mari Lwyd: Wales
In the villages of Wales, an eerie yet joyful tradition called Mari Lwyd takes center stage. This custom, which may predate Christmas, involves a person donning a horse’s skull decorated with ribbons and bells. The Mari Lwyd goes door-to-door, engaging in playful rhymes and songs while spreading festive cheer. Equal parts spooky and celebratory, it’s a uniquely Welsh take on the holiday season.
Feather Christmas Trees: Indonesia
In predominantly Muslim Indonesia, Christmas is nonetheless widely celebrated, particularly in Bali. Rather than traditional green Christmas trees, many locals create decorations using bird feathers, resulting in unique and vibrant holiday displays. These feather trees have even gained international recognition, with some being exported worldwide.
Hiding Brooms: Norway
In Norway, Christmas Eve is steeped in superstition. According to folklore, it’s the night when witches and evil spirits roam the earth. Families hide their brooms securely to prevent these malevolent beings from stealing household brooms for their nocturnal rides. It’s a curious mix of tradition and myth that keeps the Christmas spirit alive in Norwegian homes.
Eating Fried Bugs: South Africa
In South Africa, caterpillars and termites are considered a seasonal delicacy, particularly during Christmas. Freshly harvested and fried to perfection, these insects provide a crunchy festive treat. While it might not appeal to everyone, it’s a tradition showcasing global holiday cuisine’s diversity.
Fermented Birds: Greenland
For the Inuit people of Greenland, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without kiviak—a dish with a pungent aroma and a rich history. Kiviak is made by placing up to 500 small seabirds, such as auks, into the skin of a seal, which is then sewn up and buried under a heavy stone for months. The result is a fermented delicacy that is traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, though it’s not for the faint of heart.
Do you know of any other weird and wonderful Christmas traditions? Please share them with us in the comments below!