Only eight more days till break! Today we’ll be talking about Christmas traditions around the world.
1. KFC – Japan
Christmas is not a huge holiday in Japan, but in recent years, a new Christmas tradition has emerged: feasting on KFC. You have to admit, this is definitely an unusual Christmas dinner!
2. Roller Skate to Church – Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, many people roller skate to church on Christmas. Many of the streets throughout the city are closed to cars so people can celebrate Christmas with this unique tradition.
3. Fried Caterpillars – South Africa
The Pine Tree Emperor moth– also known as the Christmas caterpillar– can be enjoyed as a Christmas delicacy in South Africa. The caterpillars are covered in different colors and are said to give people who eat them good luck in the new year.
4. Christmas Book Exchange – Iceland
On Christmas Eve in Iceland, a fun, cozy tradition, Jólabókaflóð or the “Christmas Book Flood” takes place. The tradition originated during World War II. Paper was one of the few things that was not rationed. Jólabókaflóð is a tradition where people exchange books and enjoy a night reading together while sipping hot chocolate.
5. Spiders on the Christmas Tree – Ukraine
In Ukraine, it is said that hanging spiders that are made from materials like straw, wire, and beads will bring prosperity. This tradition comes from an old folklore story. Some Ukrainians make their own spiders and others purchase premade ones.
6. Fruitcake – Egypt
Chances are you’ve at least heard of having fruitcake for Christmas, but did you know this tradition originated in Egypt? Fruitcake was dropped into the tombs of pyramids because it was seen as a must-have for the afterlife.
7. Sauna – Sweden
In Sweden, on Christmas Eve, it is a tradition to soak up some warmth during the chilly winter season and spend some time in a sauna. In fact, many Swedish families have a sauna in their own home.
8. La Befana – Italy
La Befana is a folklore figure in Italy. She is often depicted as a witch-like old lady. She rides a broomstick and delivers presents to the stockings of well-behaved children in Italy while leaving reminders to kids who have been “naughty” the night before Epiphany. Epiphany is the celebration of the day the Wisemen visited baby Jesus. Epiphany takes place on January 5th.
What do you think about these Christmas traditions from places around the world? Maybe there’s even one you’d like to add to your Christmas celebration this year. Well, whatever traditions you decide to celebrate this year, have a great Christmas!
Works Cited:
“La Befana: Italy’s Beautiful Christmas Tradition.” Walks of Italy, 6 Jan. 2013, www.walksofitaly.com/blog/travel-tips/introducing-la-befana.
“We Examine 20+ Popular Christmas Traditions | Minted.” Www.minted.com, www.minted.com/lp/christmas-traditions.
Archie, Ayana. “These Are Some Christmas Traditions around the World, from Fistfights to KFC.” WPR, 14 Dec. 2023, www.wpr.org/news/these-are-some-christmas-traditions-around-world-fistfights-kfc.
“Here Are 25 Surprisingly Fun Christmas Traditions from around the World.” The Pioneer Woman, 11 Sept. 2023, www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g41466285/christmas-traditions-around-world/.
