While there’s no place like home for the holidays, it’s fun to learn about the unique Christmas traditions around the world. Here are some of the most unusual things people in other cultures do to celebrate the winter season.
Austria
Christmas starts early in Austria. On December 6 children ‘fess up to all of their good and bad deeds over the year. St. Nicholas rewards good behavior with nice gifts like candy and fruit. But those misbehaving kids have to worry that a half-man, half-goat creature named Krampus will drag them away. In some areas men dress up as Krampus and run through the streets. Clearly this is a tradition I should have adopted when my kids were younger. The threat of Krampus is probably a far better motivator than the promise of Santa Clause to inspire good behavior!
Ethiopia
Many people might not realize that Ethiopia has a rich Christian history, and 2/3 of its population identifies as Christian. They call Christmas “Genna.” Since they follow the Ethiopian Orthodox Calendar, Genna is celebrated on January 7. On this day, Ethiopians participate in a candlelit procession wearing a thin white shawl called a Netela. The procession circles the church three times before the service begins. Afterwards, they play a game called “Gena” that is similar to hockey and inspired by shepherds tending their sheep the night of Jesus’ birth. Unlike other Christian countries, however, Christmas in Ethiopia doesn’t include gift-giving. But there’s plenty of special food as most people fast for 43 days prior to Genna and are ready for a feast!
Germany
I’m so fascinated with German Christmas traditions that I wrote a whole post on it! I love the idea of a traditional Christmas market where you can shop for gifts and decorations while sipping mulled wine and feasting on delicious foods. Germany is THE place to visit Christmas markets. About 3,000 markets occur throughout the country – just about every city has one.
Iceland
American children are captivated by the idea of one Santa Claus. Imagine how it might be to have 13 different Father Christmases! This is what Icelandic children experience in the 13 days prior to Christmas. Called Yule Lads, each have a distinct look and personality described in their name: Sheep-Cote Clod, Gully Gawk, Stubby, Spoon Licker, Pot Licker, Bowl Licker, Door Slammer, Skyr Gobbler, Sausage Swiper, Window Peeper, Door Sniffer, Meat Hook, and Candle Beggar. Starting on December 12 and continuing through December 25, one of these Yule Lads descends from the mountains and leaves a small gift for good children and a raw or rotten potato for the bad. Kids leave their shoes on the windowsill to collect these gifts.
The Yule Lads are a bit mischievous, as their names suggest, but their mother is truly intimidating. She’s a troll with the name of Grýla. She tosses naughty children in a sack, totes them back to her cave, and cooks them into a stew for dinner. Her beloved cat is also creepy. The Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn, eats people who don’t get new clothes for Christmas. But the good news is that one new item of clothing like a pair of socks is enough to keep the cat away. So make sure you buy some new clothes before your December trip to Iceland!
Japan
Only about 1% of people in Japan are Christians, but this doesn’t keep them from celebrating the Christmas holidays. But the most unique of their Christmas traditions is to gather around a delicious meal of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The tradition dates from a 1974 ad campaign encouraging the Japanese to “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!). Today, you must pre-order your meal months in advance or stand in long lines to pick up your “finger lickin’ good” feast. If you have ever been in charge of Christmas dinner, you will see the wisdom in this idea and might even want to try it yourself!
Mexico
Those of us who live in Texas may be somewhat familiar with Mexican Christmas traditions like Las Posadas (The Inns). Between December 16-24, parties are held at various homes. Prior to the party, guests form a procession to commemorate Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn in Bethlehem. At each stop they make, the group reads scripture or sings carols. They are denied lodging but are offered refreshments. The event culminates in Mass then a party featuring a star shaped piñata for the kids.
Nordic Countries
The Nordic countries of Sweden, Finland, and Norway celebrate St. Lucia’s Day. St. Lucia was one of the first Christian martyrs. In St. Lucia ceremonies, the oldest girl in each family dresses in a white gown and wears a wreath of candles in her hair as she participates in a candlelit processional. Afterwards, she serves S-shaped Lucia pastries, coffee, and mulled wine to her family.
Poland
Special foods and traditions make an appearance at Christmas in many cultures. In Poland, this takes the form of a thin wafer made with flour and water and stamped with the image of the Nativity. Called Oplatek, this tradition dates back centuries. Each person present at Christmas Eve dinner breaks off a piece and shares good wishes with each other before consuming the flavorless wafer.
What unusual Christmas traditions do you celebrate in your home?
These are just a few of the Christmas traditions around the world, but we all have our own unique way of approaching the holidays. Tell us below if your family does anything unique or special! And happy holidays from the Extravelgance family to yours!