Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and traditions. While many countries share similar customs, like decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and feasting on festive meals, some have adopted unique and quirky traditions that add a special flair to their holiday season.
At McGrath Real Estate, we love anything a bit quirky, so let’s take a journey around the world to explore some of the most unusual Christmas traditions that make this time of year truly unforgettable and a little bit special.
An Aussie beach Christmas: Is there anything more Aussie than eating a roast turkey Christmas lunch on a steaming hot day, swatting flies away in our shorts, t-shirts and thongs? There's also nothing better than following lunch up with a leap into the pool or a drive to the beach for a swim!
KFC Christmas Feast in Japan: In Japan, Christmas Eve dinner takes an unexpected twist with a finger-licking tradition – a KFC fried chicken feast. Originating from a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s that promoted KFC as a Christmas meal, many Japanese families now indulge in the crispy delight to celebrate the season.
Jolablokaflod in Iceland: Icelanders have a heartwarming tradition known as Jolablokaflod or the Christmas Book Flood. On Christmas Eve, families exchange books and spend the evening reading together and drinking hot chocolate or nibbling on a block. This cozy tradition emphasises the joy of shared stories and the love of reading.
Krampusnacht in Austria and Germany: On December 5th, Austrian and German children have a reason to be on their best behaviour as Krampus, a horned, devil-like creature, roams the streets punishing the naughty. Men dress up as Krampus, creating a lively parade featuring chains and sticks to keep the holiday spirit in check.
La Befana in Italy: Italian children eagerly await the night of January 5th for the arrival of La Befana, a good witch who, like Santa Clause, brings gifts to well-behaved children. She leaves treats for the good kids and lumps of coal for those who have been a bit naughty throughout the year.
Roller Skate Mass in Venezuela: In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas Eve takes an active turn with Misa de Aguinaldo en Patines, or Roller Skate Mass. Thousands of people roller skate their way to the Catedral de Caracas for midnight mass, turning the city streets into a festive skating rink.
Giant Lanterns (Parol) in the Philippines: The Philippines becomes a breathtaking spectacle during the Christmas season, with the display of giant lanterns, known as Parol. These colourful and intricate lanterns symbolise hope and guidance, creating a mesmerising display that lights up the holiday season.
Hiding the Brooms in Norway: Norwegian families take precautions on Christmas Eve by hiding their brooms. This peculiar tradition aims to prevent the mischievous witch Julenissen from stealing the brooms to ride around the house. Julenissen, however, is known for bringing gifts to children along with his playful pranks.
Christmas Spider in Ukraine: Ukrainian families incorporate a touch of arachnid magic into their Christmas tree decorations. Some adorn their trees with fake spider silk and spider ornaments, believing it brings good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Burning Yule Cat in Iceland: Icelandic folklore introduces the Jólaköttur, a mischievous cat that roams the countryside during Christmas. Families leave out fish or treats to appease the cat, ensuring it doesn’t devour children who haven’t received new clothes for the holiday.
The Christmas Pickle in Germany: Some German families engage in a festive hide-and-seek with a pickle ornament hidden within the Christmas tree. The child who discovers the pickle on Christmas morning is said to receive good luck for the coming year.
The Tió de Nadal in Catalonia: In Catalonia, Spain, families create the Tió de Nadal, a log with a painted face and legs. On Christmas Eve, they beat the log with sticks, coaxing it to "poop" out presents. This playful tradition adds a touch of humour to the holiday season.
The Caga Tió in Catalonia: Similar to the Tió de Nadal, the Caga Tió is a Christmas log tradition in Catalonia. Instead of beating the log, children sing a song to coax it into releasing its gifts. This lighthearted custom embraces the festive spirit in a unique and amusing way.
The Yule Lads in Iceland: Icelanders celebrate the 13 nights leading up to Christmas with the mischievous Yule Lads. Each Lad has a distinct personality, leaving small gifts or tricks for children based on their behaviour. This tradition adds an element of anticipation and surprise to the holiday season.
Burning the Yule Goat in Scandinavia: In Scandinavian countries, a giant straw goat would be erected and then burned on Christmas Eve. This tradition was believed to symbolise the burning of the old year and the welcoming of the new.
Mango Christmas Trees in India: While Christmas trees are a popular symbol in India, some families in Kerala, South India, decorate mango trees instead of traditional pine trees. This unique custom reflects the local flora and adds a touch of tropical flair to the holiday decorations.
Giant Christmas Trees (Kerstboom) in the Netherlands: The Netherlands is known for its tall and impressive Christmas trees. The trees are often decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel, and they are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
These quirky Christmas traditions from around the world remind us that the holiday season is a time for creativity, joy, and the celebration of diverse customs. You may already have some Christmas customs and traditions among your family and close friends.
At McGrath Real Estate, we can’t wait for the festive season and getting together with family and friends. Traditionally, some of us take some time away; however, we’re still around (albeit with shorter hours) over the Christmas New Year break if you’re thinking of doing anything with your property.
Phone our office on 8350 4200, or drop into 42 Brighton Road, Glenelg.