Christmas is celebrated in countless ways across the globe – some heartwarming, some hilarious, and some downright surprising! From Iceland to Japan, holiday traditions show us the joy of celebrating in different cultures. Here are 7 unique Christmas traditions that will inspire your festive spirit – and maybe even give you some ideas to try at home.
1. Iceland: The 13 Yule Lads
In Icelandic folklore, 13 merry but mischievous brothers known as the Yule Lads, take turns visiting children on the 13 nights before Christmas Day. Children place their shoes on their windowsill in hope of waking up to a present the following morning. The good kids receive a treat while the naughty ones get a rotting potato.
Fun fact: Each Yule Lad has a unique personality, like the ‘Spoon-Licker’ who steals spoons to lick them clean or ‘Door-Slammer’, who slams doors to wake people.
Try this tradition: Bring a touch of Icelandic magic home – leave a small gift in a shoe for a family member and share the story with them.
2. Japan: Illuminations and KFC for Christmas
In Japan, cities are decorated with elaborate and dazzling Christmas light displays and many families celebrate Christmas with fried chicken from KFC! What started as a marketing campaign in the 1970s has now become a beloved tradition.
Fun fact: People order their buckets weeks in advance to secure their Christmas bucket.
Try this tradition: Host a KFC-style holiday dinner with friends or family – complete with festive decorations for a fun twist.
3. Catalonia, Spain: Tio de Nadal aka Caga Tio, the pooping log
In the lead up to Christmas, children feed a wooden log with a painted face that wears a traditional barretina woollen cap and a blanket draped around it to keep warm. On Christmas Eve, they whack the log with sticks, while singing a song, to make it ‘poop’ out presents!
Fun fact: Once the log has had enough wacks, parents sneak small presents like toys and sweets under the log’s blanket.
Try this tradition: Create a mini log at home with small treats or surprises for a playful family version of the tradition.
4. Greece: Decorating Boats Instead of Trees
In coastal regions of Greece, small boats are decorated with lights. This tradition is known as the karavaki.
Fun fact: This tradition honours Greece’s maritime heritage, honours St Nicholas and is thought to represent safe homecoming for sailors.
Try this tradition: Try decorating a miniature boat or nautical ornament at home to celebrate a maritime-inspired holiday.
5. USA: Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Americans love to wear over-the-top sweaters featuring Santa, reindeer, or holiday puns – the uglier the better!
Fun fact: ‘Ugly sweater parties’ have become a popular way to celebrate the season with humour.
Try this tradition: Christmas sweaters are becoming increasingly popular in Australia – even in the middle of summer! Stores like Kmart now stock plenty of fun options, making it easy to host an ugly sweater contest with friends, co-workers or why not host a classroom party with students. It’s a light-hearted and festive way to get into the holiday spirit!
6. Italy: La Befana
In Italy, children receive gifts from a friendly witch named La Befana exactly 12 days after Christmas day, and the night before Epiphany on the 6 January.
Fun fact: An old woman who on the night of the 5th, visits children to fill the stockings left hanging on the fireplace with sweets or coal – just like Santa, but rides a broom.
Try this tradition: Host a La Befana-themed party with candy treats for a post-Christmas celebration.
7. Europe: Winter Christmas Markets
Europe is famous for its winter Christmas markets, which blend shopping, food, and festive entertainment in charming old-world settings. Each market has unique regional twists: German markets highlight crafts and mulled wine, while Italian markets may feature handmade nativity sets.
Fun fact: Germany is considered the birthplace of the tradition with famous markets like Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Dresden Striezelmarkt and Cologne Christmas Markets.
Try this tradition: Even if you can’t travel to Europe, Christmas markets in Australia are very popular for people to get into the Christmas spirit!
Across the globe, you’ll find countless other festive quirks – from mince pies in the UK to Kerststol in the Netherlands each highlighting the creativity and joy of celebrating the season. We hope you have fun trying out some of these traditions at home to celebrate different cultures and destinations! Tag us if you do! @worldstridesaustralia
