Christmas is in the air 🙂 Get ready to embark on a festive journey as we explore the quirky and unconventional Christmas traditions that paint the world with unique hues of holiday spirit.
From Catalonia’s “Caga Tió” to the Christmas spider in Ukraine, these offbeat celebrations will not only broaden your cultural horizons but also add a dash of eccentricity to your holiday season. And prepare for 11 unique Christmas celebrations that will surprise you!
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So, fasten your seatbelts (or sleigh harnesses) as we dive into the enchanting world of Unconventional Christmas Celebrations!
Unconventional Christmas Celebrations: Quirky Traditions Across Continents
Catalonia’s “Caga Tió de Nadal”
Our first stop on this festive expedition takes us to Catalonia, Spain, where the locals have a tradition that might make you do a double-take. Meet “Caga Tió de Nadal,” a log with a smiling face that becomes the center of attention during Christmas.
Families “feed” the log treats in the days leading up to Christmas, and on Christmas Eve, they gather around, beat the log with sticks, and sing songs urging it to, well, relieve itself of presents.
You heard it right – it’s a pooping log! Pooping presents, no less! You can witness this hilarious tradition in action in various towns across Catalonia. [1]
Ukraine’s Christmas Spider
Hop on a virtual sleigh to Ukraine, where Christmas decorations take a unique twist. Forget about the traditional tinsel and baubles – in Ukraine, it’s all about the Christmas spider.
According to folklore, a poor family once found a Christmas tree spider that, in gratitude for their hospitality, spun its web around the tree, turning it into sparkling silver and gold.
Today, Ukrainians incorporate spider-themed ornaments into their Christmas decorations, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. [2]
Japan’s KFC Christmas Feast
If you find yourself in Japan during the holiday season and craving a taste of Christmas, you might be surprised by the popularity of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Yes, you read that right – KFC has become synonymous with Christmas in Japan. It all started with a successful marketing campaign in the ’70s, and now, ordering a KFC Christmas Bucket has become a festive tradition for many Japanese families.
And yes, I read this information, but I also had a Japanese lady I met – of over 50 – confirming it:)
If you’re in the Land of the Rising Sun during Christmas, you can join the locals in indulging in this unexpected yuletide feast. [3]
Iceland’s Yule Lads
In Iceland, you can forget about Santa and his elves; it’s all about the Yule Lads. Let’s discover another unique Christmas tradition in the world!
These mischievous characters, sons of the troll Grýla, visit children on the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas.
Each Yule Lad has his own distinct personality and antics, ranging from stealing sausages to slamming doors.
You can experience the charm of the Yule Lads by exploring the festive Christmas folklore and even attending local events where these characters come to life.
In the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, kids leave one shoe on the windowsill. The Yule Lads leave wither candy or, for naughty boys and girls, rotten potatoes.
From the information I read [4] today, the Yule Lads are not as scary as they used to be. In fact, in 1746 parents were officially banned from scaring kids with stories about these creatures.
As a side note here, there are maaaany stories (fairytales) that are scarier in the northern part of Europe – and nowadays even those are “not recommended” to children. They are interesting to read though and what it is even more interesting is to go to the root, the source of the fairytales and all these scary tales.
Italy’s La Befana
Photo source: Pixabay
While many of us eagerly await Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, Italy has its own festive gift-bringer – La Befana.
According to Italian folklore, La Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5th, known as the Epiphany.
Legend has it that she was a housekeeper that houses the Three Wise Men. They invited her to come to baby Jesus, but she refused to accompany them, because of her work.
Then she changed her mind, wanted to see Jesus, but couldn’t as the guiding star wasn’t there anyone. Filled with regret, now travels the world on her broomstick, leaving gifts for children.
You can witness La Befana’s influence across Italy during the Epiphany celebrations – on January 5th. [5]
Caribbean Christmas Junkanoo Parade
Next on this list of unconventional Christmas celebrations with quirky Christmas traditions across continents we are going to the Caribbean for a Christmas celebration like no other – the Junkanoo Parade.
Originating in the Bahamas, this vibrant and colorful parade takes place on Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Year’s Day. Participants dress in elaborate costumes, dance to lively music, and create a festive atmosphere that is both energetic and visually stunning. Experience the Caribbean’s unique blend of culture and celebration during this lively holiday event. [6]
Norway’s Broom-Hiding Tradition
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In Norway, Christmas Eve comes with a touch of the supernatural. Legend has it that on this night, witches and other mischievous spirits come out to play. Let’s discover one of the quirky Christmas traditions around the world.
To thwart their plans, Norwegians hide their brooms and mops before going to bed.
It’s a tradition rooted in superstition but adds a quirky and magical element to the Norwegian Christmas festivities. [7]
Philippines’ Giant Lantern Festival
The Philippines brightens up the Christmas season with the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Locally known as “Ligligan Parul,” this festival showcases gigantic, intricately designed lanterns, some reaching up to 30 feet in diameter.
The vibrant display of lights symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and has become a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over the country.
The city of San Fernando in Pampanga becomes the Christmas Capital of the Philippines and its exhibitions can be admired for days in the city.
Experience the enchanting glow of these colossal lanterns during this annual celebration of one of the most interesting Christmas celebrations worldwide. [9]
Christmas Eve on Roller Skates in Venezuela
Whether it is an alternative to sledding or not, this peculiar Christmas tradition in Venezuela is the reason that in Caracas the streets are closed until 8 am so that people can skate freely. [9]
One thing is clear: this Christmas celebration is all about fun as people of all ages go roller skating!
Gävle Goat: A Swedish Yuletide Icon with an Unconventional Spark
Discover the Gävle Goat, an iconic Swedish Christmas tradition that takes center stage each year in Gävle’s Castle Square.
Standing as a colossal embodiment of the traditional Swedish Christmas goat ornament, the Gävle Goat has graced the town since 1966, becoming a beloved symbol of holiday spirit.
Yet, what sets this straw creation apart is the fiery twist it endures annually. Despite security measures and community efforts to protect it, the Gävle Goat faces an unusual challenge – an attempt by daring individuals to set it ablaze before Christmas.
This peculiar tradition has transformed the Gävle Goat into a symbol of resilience and community spirit, leaving locals and global onlookers in suspense each year as they witness this fiery dance between tradition and the unexpected. [10]
The Christmas Pickle Hunt: Unraveling a Quirky Ornamental Tradition”
The last unconventional Christmas tradition from this article has to do with a… pickle.
Embark on a festive quest with the Christmas pickle, an eccentric tradition that adds a dash of mystery to holiday decorations.
Originating from German-American roots, the Christmas pickle involves hanging a distinctive pickle-shaped ornament on the tree.
The fun begins as eager participants, often children, scour the branches on Christmas morning to uncover the hidden pickle.
The first to spot this emerald-hued treasure is rewarded with a special blessing or an extra gift, sparking joy and laughter amid the holiday festivities.
In some parts, the person who finds this pickle Christmas decoration is said to have good luck all year round! Either way, finding the pickle decoration in the Christmas tree is a good thing! [11]
Conclusion
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As we wrap up our journey through the unconventional Christmas celebrations around the world, one thing becomes clear – the holiday season is a kaleidoscope of traditions, each with its own unique charm and story to tell.
From pooping logs to festive spiders, KFC feasts to mischievous Yule Lads, from a benevolent Italian witch to a pickle ornament, a quirky goat, the world’s Christmas traditions showcase the diversity and creativity of cultures worldwide.
This holiday season, consider adding a sprinkle of these unconventional celebrations to your festivities.
Whether you find yourself beating a log in Catalonia, admiring a Christmas spider in Ukraine, savoring KFC in Japan, mingling with the Yule Lads in Iceland, or awaiting the arrival of La Befana in Italy, these traditions are sure to make your Christmas a one-of-a-kind experience.
So, venture beyond the familiar and embrace the quirkiness of global Christmas celebrations – after all, ’tis the season to be jolly and delightfully unconventional!
Information sources:
[1] https://www.tiodenadal.online/caga-tio-tradition/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_the_Christmas_Spider
[3] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-japan-is-obsessed-with-kentucky-fried-chicken-on-christmas-1-161666960/
[4] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-thirteen-yule-lads-icelands-own-mischievous-santa-clauses-180948162/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Befana
[6] https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/portal/public/gov/government/
[7] https://niftybuckles.wordpress.com/2022/12/15/norways-hiding-the-brooms-christmas-eve-julaften-tradition/
[8] https://www.facebook.com/GiantLantern/
[9] https://metro.co.uk/2017/12/20/christmas-around-the-world-why-venezuelans-roller-skate-to-mass-on-christmas-eve-7018407/
[10] https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/the-strange-legend-of-the-swedish-yule-goat
[11] https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/christmas/the-christmas-pickle-ornament/
Photos in the pins (other than the ones included in the article) sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
