Ten Weird and Strange Christmas Traditions From Around the World

If you think Christmas is pretty traditional and the same all over the world you might want to read this article. Because, after a lot of research I have discovered what is a festive tradition in one place could be seen as weird, crazy or strange somewhere else. While this is not about judging these traditions because they are not the same as mine, but it is about bringing them to you as a point of interest. But it does have to be said…some of them are quite strange…

Spider Trees (Ukrainian)

In Christmas trees all over Ukraine and other parts of the world, there is a folk tale that says a poor family woke up on Christmas morning to find their once bare tree decorated with spider webs that shined silver and gold in the morning sun and then turned into the real thing, so people put the spider’s webs all over their trees to bring wealth into the home.

Festive Crackers (the United Kingdom and Commonwealth)

Festive Crackers (the United Kingdom and Commonwealth)

Because I have lived in the UK all my life this didn’t seem that strange to me, but it seems it is rather odd to everyone else! These crackers or bonbons are filled with fun items, jokes and a paper crown. The person holding the longer end of the cracker which holds a special prize is also said to receive good luck for the year ahead.

Kentucky Fried Christmas (Japan)

At this time of year over in Japan, they are in the process of pre-ordering their fried chicken for Christmas! It is common practice to eat KFC during Christmas rather than any other meal!

The Christmas Witch (Italy)

The Christmas Witch (Italy)

In Italian folklore is not Santa but an old witch who delivers gifts and candy to children on Epiphany Eve (January 5th). But strangely it does keep the same tradition of leaving cookies and milk for her as well.

Festive Poop (Spain)

In certain parts of Spain, it has become customary to decorate the traditional nativity scene with a character called “El Caganer”, also known as “the pooper”, very odd indeed.

The Christmas Radish Carvings (Mexico)

The Christmas Radish Carvings (Mexico)

Every year historical and mythological events are sculpted from radishes by Mexican artists for the holiday celebration. El Festival de Los Rabanos (The Festival of Radishes) is a one of a kind festival.

Santas Everywhere (USA)

Santas Everywhere (USA)

Each and every year in New York City there is the Worlds biggest Santa gathering to celebrate the holiday season! To see the images of thousands of Santa’s walking down the street is quite a sight.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (Norway)

It is a superstition in Norway that makes all the households hide their brooms on Christmas Eve because they believed the witches and evil spirits will rise from the graves and try to use the brooms to fly through the sky!

Skate Town (Venezuela)

From December 16th to December 24th the city streets of Caracas are closed off just before 8 AM to all traffic to allow anyone and everyone to skateboard, roller skate and generally mess around on the city streets.

The Christmas Pickle (Germany)

The Christmas Pickle (Germany)

A pickle ornament is hidden on the Christmas tree and the idea is that the first person to find the pickle gets an extra present on Christmas!

Do you know of any other festive traditions that we didn’t mention here? If you do why not tell us about them in the comments below. 

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