Some of these Christmas Traditions are… unusual. And we love them.

Christmas is celebrated in countless ways around the globe, with each country adding its own unique twist to the holiday season. Here are 10 fascinating traditions that make Christmas special in other parts of the world.

10 Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the Globe

  1. Giant Lantern Festival (Philippines)
    In San Fernando, the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” dazzling giant lanterns light up the city during the Giant Lantern Festival. These lanterns, some reaching 20 feet in diameter, symbolize hope and unity.
  2. KFC Christmas Feast (Japan)
    In Japan, Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday, but thanks to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign, many families now enjoy a Kentucky Fried Chicken dinner as their Christmas celebration.
  3. Las Posadas (Mexico)
    This nine-day reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter ends on Christmas Eve with festivities including food, music, and a piñata for children.
  4. Krampus Night (Austria)
    In contrast to Santa’s cheer, Austria has Krampus, a horned creature who scares naughty children. On December 5th, people dress as Krampus and parade through the streets. (Not to be confused with Belsnickel, who Dwight from The Office dressed up as. Which is who our family thought it was at first!)
  5. Christmas Saunas (Finland)
    In Finland, families enjoy a Christmas sauna as a time for relaxation and reflection before holiday festivities. (We should absolutely adopt this.)
  6. La Befana (Italy)
    Instead of Santa, Italian children await La Befana, a kind witch who delivers gifts on January 6th, Epiphany.
  7. Tió de Nadal (Spain, Catalonia)
    In Catalonia, a wooden log called Tió de Nadal is decorated with a face and “fed” by children until Christmas, when it “poops” out presents after being beaten with sticks!
  8. Gävle Goat (Sweden)
    Swedes erect a giant straw goat in Gävle each year. It’s a popular (though unofficial) challenge to try and burn it down, despite being illegal.
  9. 12 Grapes of Luck (Spain)
    In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, one for each chime of the clock, to bring good fortune for the coming year.
  10. Surfing Santa (Australia)
    In Australia, Christmas falls in summer, and you’ll often find Santa swapping his sleigh for a surfboard to ride the warm waves.

 

We thought we’d give you a little inspiration to “spice up” your Christmas traditions for years to come.

 

Merry Christmas!

– The UFM Team