Winter Holiday Traditions Around the World

Most family gatherings in this country take place on Christmas Eve, with huge feasts, gifts exchanged at midnight, and children going to sleep to the sound of fireworks.

Argentina

In this country, it is tradition in the weeks up to Christmas to join in Christmas picnics organized by various churches and sing Christmas carols on the beach. As this country is in the southern hemisphere, the festive season is during summer time and thus it is easy to understand that during Christmas time friends and family often gather at the beach.

Australia

In this country, Krampus comes and visits children but, unlike Santa, his visit is not welcome: Krampus seeks out only naughty children to punish them, and if he finds a particularly naughty one, he takes that child away with him in his sack. But the celebration comes when people dress up as witches and devils and take to the streets, carrying torches and causing mayhem, for the annual Krampus Run, which is designed to scare the "devil" out of people!

Austria

Residents of this country celebrate Misa del Gallo ("Mass of the Rooster") on Christmas Eve, with people bringing roosters to midnight mass to symbolize the belief that a rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus Christ.

Bolivia

In this country, you will often find a crib or nativity scene in front of a church. Father Christmas travels from Greenland to Brazil to give presents to this country's kids. Many cities display Christmas trees during the month leading up to the and often the year end is celebrated with fireworks. The floating Christmas tree in this country's capital city is said to be the largest Christmas tree in the world.

Brazil

Someone living in the Yukon Territory of this country thought to come up with a "hair freezing" competition. You know, going outside and getting your hair wet and hoping that the air will freeze it quickly enough to actually look like something. The good news about this competition is that it takes place at a hot spring, which means that none of its participants will freeze completely—just their hair.

Canada

The annual Cavalcade of Lights in this country marks the official start to the holiday season. The Square and Christmas tree are illuminated by more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights that shine from dusk until 11 pm until the New Year. On top of that, you'll get to witness spectacular fireworks shows and engage in some outdoor ice skating.

Canada

Temperatures drop so far below zero in this country that the Songhua River that flows through the city freezes completely. Sculptors harvest huge blocks of ice from the frozen river and carve it into smaller cubes, which they use to build what can only be described as a whole city of ice.

China

Little Candles' Day marks the start of the Christmas season across this country. In honor of the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies and front yards. The tradition of candles has grown, and now entire towns and cities across the country are lit up with elaborate displays. Neighbouhoods compete to see who can create the most impressive arrangement.

Columbia

The people of this country, celebrate Christmas on December 24, and by eating a traditional Christmas meal. And it's a not-so-delicious doozy: carp and potato salad. Many residents buy their carp live a few days before and let it swim in the bathtub until its fateful day comes.

Czech Republic

On Christmas Day, women in this country throw a shoe at their house to determine if they'll get married in the new year. How the shoe lands is key: if it lands with the heel facing the house, the woman can expect to be single throughout the next year.

Czechoslovakia

Fruitcake originated in this country (in ancient times), where it was considered essential for the afterlife.

Egypt

In this country, most people start with Christmas decorations early, that is as early as mid of November. Many families decorate their houses with lots of fairy lights and sparkling displays. Often the house owners collect donations from visitors to their displays in aid of local charities. So remember if you like a display place some spare coins into the honesty boxes and help the good causes.

England

In this country, people believed that the first visitor on Christmas, called the "first-footer," would determine the household's luck. Dark-haired men were seen as desirable first-footers, but women and fair-haired or red-headed men were often deemed unlucky

Estonia

In spite of this country's Christian heritage, Christmas is not an important holiday there. Most people actually call the holiday Ganna or Genna after a hockey-like ball game played only once a year, on Christmas afternoon.

Ethiopia

Many homes in this country come equipped with their own sauna, and at Christmas time this cozy spot becomes a sacred space associated with long dead ancestors. On Christmas Eve, it's customary to strip naked and take a long and respectful stint in the sauna, which is also believed to be home to the legendary sauna 'elf'. After the sauna session, residents head out to the evening celebrations - while spirits of those ancestors take their place.

Finland

This country is widely known for its food and delicacies. People in the Provence region even go so far as to serve a sumptuous feast of seven main courses and 13 desserts at Christmas! Among the most popular festive dishes are: Fougasse (pancakes), nougat with honey and pistachios, pumpkin pie and dried fruits.

France

Tom Smith invented Christmas Crackers around 1846. He was inspired by this country's habit of wrapping sugared almonds in twists of paper as gifts.

France

Hanging a pickle on the Christmas tree is an old tradition in this country, called Weihnachtsgurke — the pickle was the last ornament hung on the tree and the first child to find it got an extra gift.

Germany

In this country many people observe a traditional folk libation ritual at Christmastime. In it, people drink from a cup and then pour some of its contents on the ground as a symbolic offering to their ancestors.

Ghana

In this country's culture, kissing under the mistletoe was considered an unspoken promise to marry your mate.

Greece

The Kallikantzaros are evil goblins that come up from the Earth's core, and their job is sawing at the World Tree to terrorize homes during the 12 days of Christmas. No two regions of this country describe these goblins the same way. Sometimes they're small, sometimes they're large; but they're typically black and hairy and have features of animals. On Christmas, they come up to the Earth's surface and cause mischief during the night throughout the Yuletide. They disappear on January 6, heading back to their home.

Greece

Winning the award for longest preparation time, this country's traditional Christmas dish, kiviak, takes a full seven months to prepare. It begins with hollowing out a seal skin and stuffing it with 500 auks- a sea bird (feathers and all)- to ferment. When the holiday rolls around, it's served straight from the seal

Greenland

In this country's villages, local men in devil costumes appear on the streets and chase children during the first week of Advent.

Guatemala

In this country, residents spend the week before Christmas sweeping up, collecting rubbish and then piling everything in a huge heap outside. Finally, an effigy of the devil is placed on top and the whole thing is set on fire.

Guatemala

A bunch of adult men in this country dress up as horned devils each March, with the idea that the sight of them (which is, admittedly, terrifying) will chase away the winter.

Hungary

People in this country will often exchange books on Christmas Eve, then spend the rest of the night reading them and eating chocolate. The tradition is part of a season called Jolabokaflod, or "The Christmas Book Flood."

Iceland

The Jólakötturinn, or the Yule Cat, is not your average Christmas kitten — and he cares deeply about fashion. Dating back to the 19th century, this vicious monster will eat you on Christmas Eve if you don't have new clothes to wear. The Yule Cat, meant to encourage farmers to finish sheering their sheep before the holidays, needs an offering of wool in order to be satisfied, so donning a Christmas sweater is encouraged.

Iceland

Þorrablót (written "Thorrablót" in English letters) sees this country's residents quite literally eat winter, or at least an effigy of it—Thorri, the god of winter, manifests himself in disgusting foods like ram testicles and fermented shark. The jury is out on what, specifically, this is supposed to accomplish: Some residents believe it starts the process of forcing winter out, while others simply believe it is a show of strength in the face of it.

Iceland

Though only 2% of the nation's population is Christian, Christmas is a national holiday in this country. Even non-Christians observe Christmas traditions such as lighting oil lamps along the perimeter of the home's courtyard or roof.

India

Yalda Night is a celebration of the Winter Solstice celebrated in this country, considered one of the most important celebrations of the year. The word Yalda means birth, and the festival is a celebration of the longest, darkest night of the year. Ancient Persians believed that evil forces were dominant on this night, and the next day belonged to the Lord of Wisdom, Ahura Mazda. Family members gather together and eat, drink, and read poetry all night. Watermelon, and pomegranates, which symbolize the cycle of life, are served, along with nuts.

Iran

Though Santa is treated to milk and cookies in America, he gets a nice pint of Guinness Beer and mince pies at many a house in old this country.

Ireland

Forget Santa Claus, in this country, it's all about Befana. Just like Santa, Befana visits homes during the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) and leaves candy and presents in socks for good boys and girls. Bad children get coal, dark candy or sticks. Though Befana is portrayed as a haggard old woman covered in soot, she is kind and will sweep homes with her broom before she departs, brushing the problems of the previous year behind.

Italy

In this country many children get two sets of gifts - one on the 24th of December and a larger gift on the 6th of January. On this day, Italians celebrate Epiphany Day and according to popular belief, a witch called La Befana arrives in the night to fill good children's stockings with sweets, while naughty ones get chunks of black coal.

Italy

In this country, Christmas is considered the "Festival of Love". It is not uncommon to see couples spending a romantic evening together, while singles will be out partying and looking for the love of their life.

Japan

Most people think of this country's cuisine, which largely centers around seafood and rice, as being relatively healthy. So it may come as a surprise to know that family Christmas traditions in this country include eating their big holiday meal at fast food giant KFC!

Japan

On Christmas Day, tradition allows this country's children to go up to any adult and say, "Editi 'aleik!" ("You have a gift for me!"). If the adult has a present to spare, the kids add this to their Christmas morning haul.

Lebanon

In this area of the world, people prepare for Christmas months in advance, stockpiling gifts and dividing into jeptas, or teams, that hold song-and-dance competitions on Christmas Day. They also build a piñata-like wojke containing little presents (matches, money, soap) for God.

Marshall Islands

In this country, residents engage in a three-day festival, beginning on December 23rd, that includes carving vegetables, specifically oversized radishes, to look like the nativity and symbols from this country's folklore. Farmers began carving radishes into figures as a gimmick to attract customers' attention during the Christmas market. It later turned into a competition, and today attracts thousands of visitors who want to see the veggie creations.

Mexico

Native to this country, the poinsettia was originally cultivated by the Aztecs, who called it Cuetlaxochitl ("flower which wilts"). The plant's brilliant red color symbolizes purity for the Aztecs, and they often used the plant to reduce fever.

Mexico

In this country where winter starts during the month of June, locals celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year (which, for much of the country's population, sees temperatures that are pleasant and even balmy) by flying kites and putting on art exhibitions.

New Zealand

In this country, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve before going to bed. It was believed that witches and other mischievous spirits stole brooms from households to ride on Christmas Eve.

Norway

In this country, onDecember 24th, which is known as La Noche Buena ("the Good Night"), is the main day for celebrations. After mass, families go home to feast, open gifts, and toast each other at midnight. The most important decorations are pesebre- Nativity scenes intricately carved from wood or stone. Gifts are spread around the manger rather than a tree, and it's considered lucky to be the one chosen to put the figurine of baby Jesus into the manger on Christmas Eve.

Peru

The Giant Lantern Festival is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in this country. The festival attracts spectators from all over the country and across the globe. Eleven villages take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern. Originally, the lanterns were simple creations around half a meter in diameter, made from origami paper and lit by candle. Today, the lanterns are made from a variety of materials and have grown to around six meters in size. They are illuminated by electric bulbs that sparkle in a kaleidoscope of patterns.

Phillippines

Spider webs are common Christmas tree decorations in this country because, according to legend, a spider wove a blanket for Baby Jesus. Many of this country's people consider spiders to be symbols of goodness and prosperity.

Poland

The traditional Christmas feast in this country, families sometimes set extra places at the dining table for deceased relatives. It's thought that the practice will ensure good fortunes for the household. In some areas crumbs are left on the hearth as well.

Portugal

In this country, carolers dress in bear costumes and dance on New Year's Eve in order to drive away evil spirits and help enrich the soil for the new year. Even though the bear costumes look scary and sinister, it's actually a time of joyful celebration and a rich tradition passed down through the generations.

Romania

The present-day custom of lighting a Yule log at Christmas is believed to have originated from the Feast of Juul. This was a Winter Solstice festival observed in this country when fires were lit to symbolize the heat and light of the life-giving Sun. A Yule or "Juul" log was burned on the hearth in honor of the this country's god, Thor. The log was never allowed to burn completely and was kept as a token of good luck, then used as kindling to start the following year's log.

Scandinavia

This country has historically made a much bigger deal of celebrating Hogmanay (the last day of the year, a.k.a. New Year's Eve) than Christmas. In fact, Christmas was banned by the country's Parliament for more than 300 years, and was only made legal again in 1958.

Scotland

Before dinner can get started, the head of the family in this country takes a spoonful of food and throws it at the ceiling. Usually it's Loksa, a traditional Christmas dish made from poppy seed filling, bread and water.

Slovakia

This country is home to some of the world's most unusual holiday food fare. Every December locals feast on a seasonal delicacy- the deep-fried caterpillars of Emperor Moths!

South Africa

In this country, it is customary to wear red underwear on New Year's Eve.

Spain

Instead of Elf on a Shelf, el Caganer is the most important holiday figurine, even if it is a little obscene. The male figurine's name is translated to the defecator, which makes sense since the porcelain doll is squatting with his pants down. And yes, he is trying to take a "number two." The exact legend of how this tradition got started is unknown, but legend has it that farmers would be punished with a poor crop harvest and bad fortune if they didn't include a caganer within their nativity scene.

Spain

Americans may celebrate Christmas by watching "A Christmas Story," but in this country, no holiday is complete without Donald Duck. Every year at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the 1958 Walt Disney special "Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul" ("Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas") airs on TV, and reportedly a whopping 40 percent of the country tunes in. This country's translation reflects Donald Duck's popularity in this country, compared to other countries where Mickey Mouse is far more popular. In America, this holiday program is called "From All of Us to All of You," and it's significantly more obscure.

Sweden

Easily the most outlandish Christmas tradition on this list, meet Tió de Nadal, the Christmas poop log. Tió de Nadal is made from a hollow log, with stick legs, a smile, and a red hat. Every evening between December 8th and Christmas Eve, the children feed the log small treats with water, and leave him under a blanket to keep him warm. On Christmas Eve, things get weird. Children are tasked with beating the log with sticks while singing traditional songs which include amazing lyrics such as "Poop log, Poop nougats, Hazelnuts and mato cheese, If you don't poop well, I'll hit you with a stick, Poop log!". After Tió de Nadal is properly beaten and serenaded, the log magically poops out presents and candy - where he is then considered useless and thrown in the fire for warmth.

Sweden

One of this country's more unique Christmas traditions is a Yule goat made of straw, who is believed to help guard the Xmas tree. Straw is commonly used for holiday decorations in homes in this region of the world, because it reminds them that Jesus was born in a manger.

Sweden

This country's children receive gifts from one of the wise men's camels, purported to be the youngest and smallest in the caravan, who fell down exhausted at the end of the long journey to Bethlehem.

Syria

In this country, finding one of these creepy bugs in your Christmas tree is considered good luck. That's because of the Legend of the Christmas Spider, in which a pine cone grew into a Christmas tree in a poor family's hut and was covered in spider webs. When the children opened the windows on Christmas Day, the webs turned into gold and silver, meaning the family would never live in poverty again. Today, spiders are popular tree ornaments.

Ukraine

There are 12 courses in the traditional Christmas Eve supper in this country, each of them dedicated to one of Christ's apostles.

Ukraine

The Polar Plunge is held annually in January throughout many parts of this country to ring in the new year. Participants brave often sub-zero temps and plunge into a nearby body of water, quickly, foregoing wetsuits. The events are usually held to benefit a charity or bring awareness to a cause.

United States

Going to church during December to celebrate the Christmas season is not unusual, but in Caracas, the capital of this country, people get to Mass in an unusual way: rollerskating. It's not totally clear why people skate to church, but local neighborhoods will close the streets starting at 8 a.m. to make way for the worshippers on wheels.

Venuzuela

There isn't a particular day this region participates in this tradition, but from the time of Christmas to late January, the celebration of Mari Lwyd is supposed to bring good luck. One person will dress as a horse with an actual horse skull and is usually accompanied by a group of people. The group will go to homes singing carols in exchange for food and drinks. The tradition is thought to stem from ancient Celtic rites.

Wales