Christmas always has a special way of bringing warmth to everyone. Yet, who says Christmas is only about the glimmering tall trees, exchanging gifts, baking, and family gatherings?
Across the world, Christmas is adorned with unique and unexpected traditions, reflecting a merge of distinctive values, history, and culture. Therefore, each country has its own way of interpreting Christmas vibrantly.
Local customs, folk traditions, and religious practices shape how the holiday is celebrated, with some countries focusing more on religious observances while others emphasise family gatherings, gift exchanges, or festive meals.
Whatever the tradition, the Christmas spirit remains the same: happiness, togetherness, and hope.
Let's take a look at the unique Christmas traditions worldwide since aeons ago.
Advent calendar in Germany
The Advent calendar is part of the Christmas tradition in Germany. Originally, it was a simple cardboard calendar painted with 24 windows or doors that could be opened. Behind each window was a Christmas-themed picture.
Now, advent calendars often contain a piece of chocolate or a small toy behind each window opened. These calendars are also often made with 24 small pockets or stockings, each containing a small gift.
Apple Exchange in China
Why apples? The Chinese community tends to give gifts believed to bring good luck. On Christmas Eve, they exchange apples that are typically wrapped in gift paper, gift boxes, ribbons, or even decorated with various images. The apple tradition is one of the most fascinating Christmas celebrations in China and has been practised for decades.
Giant Yule Goat in Sweden
In the city of Gävle, Christmas is marked by the creation of a giant Yule Goat made of straw. This goat, a symbol of luck and protection, has been a Christmas icon since 1966. The 13-metre-tall statue is annually displayed in the town square.
However, this tradition is never free from mischief. Many people attempt to burn or destroy it, despite the act being prohibited. Nevertheless, the Gävle Yule Goat remains a tourist attraction and a symbol of the Christmas spirit in Sweden.
Hiding Brooms in Norway
In Norway, an unusual custom on Christmas Eve is to hide brooms. But why? Norwegians believe that hiding all the brooms in the house prevents witches and evil spirits from taking them.
KFC for Christmas Eve in Japan
In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday, but the people have a unique tradition: eating fried chicken from Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). This tradition began in 1974 when a KFC commercial on television showed Americans relishing it to celebrate Christmas and became one of the favourite dishes in Japan.
To this day, ordering a KFC fried chicken package to enjoy with family has become a must-do habit. People even have to place their orders far in advance to avoid running out.
Krampus Parade in Austria
Christmas is about frightening stories in Austria. Alongside Santa Claus is a mythical figure named Krampus, a terrifying creature with horns believed to punish naughty children.
Krampus costumes are worn, complete with scary masks and large bells, throughout Krampus parades held in various cities across Austria every December. They wander the streets to both scare and entertain the spectators as a reminder that good behaviour is significant throughout the year.
Las Posadas in Mexico
Christmas is incomplete without Las Posadas in Mexico, a procession that depicts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Lasting up for nine days, from 16th-24th December, small groups knock on doors in the villages, sing Christmas carols, and symbolically ask for "shelter” each night.
Once accepted, the event continues with shared prayers and a lively celebration. This tradition creates a strong sense of community among the people.
Shoe Throwing in the Czech Republic
How can Christmas be celebrated by throwing shoes? This tradition is carried out by single women throwing a shoe over their shoulder and out the front door in the Czech Republic.
If the toe of the shoe faces the door, it means that the woman will marry in the coming year. However, it's considered an unfavourable sign if the shoe points in another direction. The participant must try her luck again in the shoe-throwing tradition the following year.
Visiting Graves with Candles in Finland
This tradition is actually a very uplifting one. On Christmas Eve, families in Finland visit the graves of their deceased loved ones and light candles as a tribute. The Finnish people take this tradition very seriously, with 75 per cent of families in Finland participating in this tradition.