TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Much like any other celebrations, Christmas traditions around the world are just as varied and enchanting, with many nations infusing their own character into the season’s magic.
Joining in the holiday cheer, people in these nations eagerly prepare to carry on traditions that have endured for generations as the final seconds of the day slip away. From unconventional meals to region-specific festivities, these time-honored customs ultimately keep the wonder of Christmas alive year after year.
To fully plunge into the mood, let’s dive into a vibrant exploration of Christmas traditions across the globe, as highlighted by Conde Nast Traveler and Evans Tour.
Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World
1. KFC Christmas Dinner in Japan
First entry on the list of intriguing Christmas traditions to capture global attention is Japan’s unexpected love affair with KFC.
What began in 1970 as a bold idea by KFC Japan’s first manager, Takeshi Okawara, soon transformed into a nationwide phenomenon, with millions now placing advance orders for their festive buckets.
In a country with very few longstanding Christmas customs, the appeal of an accessible and modern reinterpretation of the holiday meal resonated powerfully. To uncover the full story behind this quirky yet enduring tradition, read about the origin of KFC Japan’s Christmas feast, here.
2. Tió de Nadal in Catalonia
Catalonia’s festive repertoire extends far beyond the more familiar Caga Tió, with the Tió de Nadal standing out as a delightfully whimsical Christmas tradition.
This cheerful log, complete with a painted smile and tiny barretina, is nurtured and “fed” in the lead-up to Christmas, only to “deliver” small gifts and sweets to children on the big day.
Each night, families tuck the log under blankets to keep it “warm,” feed it tiny morsels, and chant playful songs, building a sense of anticipation that ends on Christmas morning. When children finally beat the log with sticks, it “magically” defecates candies and toys.
3. Rollerskating to Christmas Mass in Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas comes alive with Las Patinatas Navideñas, an all-night skating festival held from December 16 to 24. Streets fill with families gliding on skates, singing carols, sharing food, and spreading festive cheer, all leading up to a dawn mass at 5 or 6 a.m.
4. La Befana in Italy
Italy adds a uniquely enchanting twist to the holiday season with La Befana, the benevolent witch who visits children on January 5th. Flying on her broomstick, she fills stockings with sweets and small gifts, keeping alive the warmth and magic of the season.
Legend has it that her quest to find the baby Jesus began when she missed the Magi’s journey, and ever since, she has roamed the skies, spreading joy to households across the country.
5. Picnicking in South Africa
South Africa's Christmas tradition is marked with outdoor gatherings and festive picnics beneath the sun as the warm December temperatures set the tone. Coastal cities like Cape Town come alive with families and friends circling around braais, or charcoal barbecues, grilling meats and seasonal sides.
These sun-drenched celebrations replace the wintery comforts of soups and roasts with lively feasts enjoyed in the open air.
6. Gävle Goat in Sweden
Standing 43 feet tall in Gävle, Sweden, the Gävle Goat has become a Christmas tradition defined as much by its grandeur as by the risk of it being set aflame.
Rooted in Norse mythology, where Thor’s goats Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr pulled his chariot, the Yule goat has long symbolized abundance, protection, and festive spirit. Each Advent, the city comes alive as locals and visitors alike gather to witness its grand unveiling.
7. Parols in the Phillipines
In the Philippines, Christmas is brightened by parols, intricate paper lanterns crafted from bamboo and Japanese paper, most commonly fashioned into radiant five-pointed stars.
When lit with flickering candles or oil lamps, these lanterns cast an enchanting glow, transforming streets and homes into a shimmering wonderland.
Steeped in history that predates Spanish colonization, parols are more than decorations, as they are luminous symbols of hope, faith, and the joyous spirit that defines the Filipino holiday season.
8. Krampus in Alpine Regions
Long before Hollywood introduced him to American audiences, the Krampus has been a fearsome yet beloved fixture of Alpine Christmas traditions.
Roaming the streets of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Liechtenstein on the night of December 5th, this towering, horned figure delivers a stark lesson in morality: rewarding well-behaved children with small gifts while punishing the naughty with birch rods.
His fearsome appearance, complete with snarling jaws and chains, belies the festive energy he brings to holiday celebrations, turning the streets into a spectacle of thrill and tradition.
9. Rotten Potatoes in Iceland
In Iceland, the Christmas season unfolds over thirteen enchanting days, brought to life by the mischievous visits of the 13 Yule Lads. Each Yule Lad has a distinct personality and quirky habits, from spoon-stealing to door-squeaking, turning the nightly ritual into a lively and suspenseful countdown.
Every night, starting thirteen nights before Christmas, children carefully place a shoe on their windowsill, brimming with hope for treats tucked inside by the night-time visitors.
While well-behaved youngsters might discover chocolate, candy, or small trinkets nestled in their shoes, the naughtiest find the unmistakable punishment of a rotting potato inside.
10. Ukrainian Christmas Spider
Many of our Christmas traditions are so ingrained that we rarely pause to consider their origins. Take tinsel, for example: Ukrainian folklore tells of a widow and her children who, unable to adorn their humble tree, awoke on Christmas morning to find it draped in glimmering cobwebs that had magically turned to gold and silver.
This enchanting tale gave rise to the custom of decorating trees with sparkling threads, and even today, Ukrainian families honor the story with tiny spider ornaments that nod to the magical legend.
Across continents, Christmas traditions take countless forms, each steeped in history and local lore. These customs celebrate community, creativity, and a shared sense of festivity, proving that the holiday’s magic is as varied as it is universal.
Editor’s Choice: 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe for a Magical Holiday Season
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
