7 unusual Christmas traditions around the world

Christmas is a time for traditions. Every family has their own unique way of celebrating the holiday, from the food they eat to the activities they enjoy. But did you know that there are many unusual Christmas traditions around the world? In this blog post, we will take a look at 7 of the most unusual Christmas traditions from countries all over the globe. From Finland to Japan, you'll be sure to learn something new about how others celebrate this special time of year.

So, without further ado, let's take a look at some of the most unusual Christmas traditions around the world.

1. Japan

In Japan, Christmas is not just about Santa Claus or presents. It is also a time to eat KFC. That’s right, KFC is so popular on Christmas that it has become an inseparable part of the Christmas food traditions and the chain offers a special Christmas dinner. The dinner includes a bucket of chicken, sides, and even a cake. This is because KFC was one of the first Western restaurants to open in Japan, and it became popular as a Christmas tradition. Christmas in Japan is also a time for giving gifts. And if you're looking for a unique Christmas gift, you may want to consider giving a "fukubukuro." These special bags are often filled with random items, and are given out by businesses on New Year's Day. It's said that the contents of the fukubukuro are meant to represent the year to come - so you never know what you might get!

2. Norway

When it comes to Christmas, Norway has some unique and unusual traditions that are definitely worth learning about! For example, did you know that in Norway Santa is called “Julenissen”? And instead of leaving candy in the children’s shoes, Julenissen leaves them presents! Another interesting tradition is the “julbord”, or Christmas table. This feast is typically held as a part of the Christmas Eve traditions, and it includes a variety of traditional Norwegian dishes. Some of the most popular items on the julbord include pickled herring, lutefisk (dried cod), and lefse (potato flatbread).

3. Sweden

In Sweden, Christmas is all about the Advent. The Advent is a time when people light candles and prepare for the coming of Christ. The Advent begins on the first Sunday of December and ends on Christmas Eve. Apart from that, The Julbocken, or Christmas Goat, is a beloved figure in Swedish Christmas folklore. According to legend, the goat was originally used to haul logs for the Yule fire. But one year it got loose and ran through the streets, knocking over everything in its path. Nowadays, the Julbocken is a popular decoration, often made of straw or wood. And in some towns, there's even a live goat that pulls a cart filled with presents through the streets!

4. Czech Republic

You must have heard about the cute mistletoe tradition but have you heard of the ‘shoe throwing’ tradition in the Czech Republic? You read it right! You see, when it comes to throwing shoes, the Czech Republic has some pretty unusual traditions. Unmarried women in the Czech Republic throw a show over their shoulders towards the front door on Christmas Day. If the shoe lands with the toe facing the door, she will marry the following year. If the heel is pointing toward the door, she will remain single. So, if you're ever in the Czech Republic and you see someone throwing shoes, don't be surprised. It's just a part of the culture!

5. Finland

We know Finland for having the Santa Claus Holiday village. However, one of the more unusual traditions in Finland is the Christmas Eve sauna. This is when families will gather in their saunas, which are a type of steam room, to enjoy some quality time together. It is of the most unusual Christmas celebrations with family. This tradition is thought to date back to the days when saunas were used as a place to give birth, as they were believed to have healing properties. Another unusual Christmas tree tradition is the practice of burying a live Christmas tree. It is a Christmas Eve tradition and is thought to bring good luck for the following year. The tree is usually decorated with lights and ornaments before it’s buried.

6. Italy

In Italy, Christmas is all about the Befana. La Befana visits the homes of Italian children, leaving sweets and presents for those who have been good, and coal for those who have been bad. Legend has it that La Befana was invited to join the Three Kings on their journey to Bethlehem, but she declined. She later regretted her decision and set out to find the baby Jesus, but she never could. As a part of the Christmas celebration with family, children leave out their stockings for Befana to fill and often leave her a glass of wine and a plate of biscuits as a thank you. If you're looking for a unique and festive way to celebrate the holidays, why not give the tradition of Befana a try?

7. Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is a unique city with a diverse range of cultural experiences and traditions. One of the most unusual and interesting Christmas traditions in Christchurch is the 'Pudding Lady'. For over 25 years, the Pudding Lady has been making and delivering Christmas puddings to the people of Christchurch. She does this in a variety of ways, including by bicycle, horse and cart, and even by boat! The Pudding Lady is a true Christmas legend, and her puddings are loved by all who receive them. So, book your Christchurch holiday packages during the Christmas period, and be sure to track down the Pudding Lady and try one of her delicious puddings!

Apart from these mentioned traditions, there are several such traditions that are followed around the world such as In Ghana, Christmas is celebrated with a festival called Kwaku. This involves dressing up in brightly coloured clothes and masks, and dancing through the streets.

In Greece, it's common to hang a pomegranate on the Christmas tree. This is because the pomegranate is a symbol of good luck.

In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. This is because the Ethiopian Orthodox Church uses a different calendar than the rest of the world.

In Australia, Christmas comes in the middle of summer. This means that many people celebrate by going to the beach, and eating traditional summer foods like shrimp and lobster.

These are just a few of the many unusual Christmas traditions from around the world. So, if you're looking for something different this holiday season, consider celebrating Christmas in one of these unique ways.