When you think of Christmas traditions, you probably picture cozy family dinners, Christmas trees, and stockings hung by the fire. But let’s be real—there’s a whole world of surprising Christmas traditions out there that make even the wackiest family traditions seem tame.
From fried chicken feasts in Japan to hiding your brooms in Norway, here’s a look at some of the most unexpected Christmas traditions from around the globe.
Japan: KFC for Christmas Dinner
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a public holiday, but that doesn’t stop millions of people from celebrating it in their own way—with a bucket of KFC. This tradition dates back to a brilliant marketing campaign by Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1974 called “Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii” (Kentucky for Christmas). Now, it’s almost a national pastime to pre-order your fried chicken weeks in advance to avoid missing out on the festive feast.
Norway: Hiding the Brooms
In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve. Why? According to folklore, Christmas is the prime time for witches and evil spirits to roam the earth. By hiding their brooms, Norwegians ensure that witches can’t fly off into the night and cause mischief. It’s a quirky mix of superstition and holiday spirit that’s been passed down for generations.
Ukraine: Spider Web Decorations
In Ukraine, Christmas trees often sparkle with spider web decorations. This isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s rooted in a folk tale about a poor widow whose family couldn’t afford decorations. Legend has it that spiders spun beautiful webs on their tree, which transformed into silver and gold threads by morning. Today, Ukrainians add artificial spider webs to their trees for good luck.
Venezuela: Roller-Skating to Church
In Caracas, Venezuela, it’s a Christmas tradition to roller-skate to church for early morning mass. The streets are closed to traffic to make way for the skating crowd, creating a festive and uniquely Venezuelan scene. After mass, skaters often gather with friends and family to enjoy traditional holiday treats like hallacas and pan de jamón.
Italy: Befana the Christmas Witch
In Italy, the Christmas season isn’t just about Santa Claus. Children also look forward to a visit from Befana, a kind old witch who delivers gifts on the night of January 5th, Epiphany Eve. According to legend, Befana was invited by the Three Wise Men to visit baby Jesus but got lost along the way. Now, she flies on her broomstick, leaving treats for good kids and coal for the naughty ones.
Germany: The Pickle Ornament
Germans are known for their elaborate Christmas markets and traditional decorations, but one lesser-known custom is the pickle ornament. The pickle is hidden on the Christmas tree, and the first child to find it gets a special gift or good luck for the coming year. Although its origins are debated, this quirky tradition adds an element of fun to tree-decorating.
Greenland: Exotic Christmas Feast
In Greenland, the Christmas feast features some dishes you won’t find at your average holiday table, like kiviak—raw auk birds fermented in seal skin—and mattak, which is whale blubber with a layer of skin. While these may sound unusual to outsiders, they’re a cherished part of Greenlandic culture and celebrations.
Austria: Fear of Krampus
While Santa rewards good children, Austrian kids who misbehave might get a visit from Krampus, a horned, demonic figure who punishes the naughty. During Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) on December 5th, people dress as Krampus and roam the streets to scare children and adults alike. It’s a mix of Christmas cheer and eerie folklore that makes Austria stand out.
Philippines: The Giant Lantern Festival
In the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated with the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Enormous lanterns, some over 20 feet tall, are lit up in intricate patterns during this annual competition. It’s a dazzling display of craftsmanship and community spirit.
South Africa: Fried Caterpillars
In South Africa, Christmas comes with a crunchy twist—fried caterpillars. Specifically, the pine tree emperor moth, known locally as the Christmas caterpillar, is eaten as a festive treat. It’s believed to bring good luck for the coming year, adding a unique flavor to the holiday season.
Why These Traditions Matter
These unexpected traditions remind us that Christmas is about more than presents and decorations—it’s a reflection of cultural identity, history, and creativity. Whether you’re biting into fried chicken in Japan or dodging Krampus in Austria, these customs showcase the diversity and richness of holiday celebrations around the world. They’re a reminder that there’s no “right” way to celebrate, as long as the spirit of the season—love, generosity, and joy—is alive and well.
