When you think of Christmas, what comes to mind? Sparkling lights, gift exchanges, and perhaps a jolly Santa Claus? While these are staples in many parts of the world, some countries have taken holiday traditions to a whole new level. 

From roller-skating to church to munching on Kentucky Fried Chicken, Christmas celebrations around the globe are as diverse as they are delightful. So, let’s hop on a sleigh and explore eight of the most unique Christmas traditions from around the world!

1. Japan: Kentucky Fried Christmas

In Japan, Christmas isn’t a national holiday, but that hasn’t stopped the festive spirit from flourishing – albeit in a finger-lickin’ good way. Since the 1970s, it has become a beloved tradition to celebrate with a festive bucket of KFC. Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign, millions of Japanese families now order their special Christmas chicken meals weeks in advance. The alternative? Queueing for hours on December 25th to snag a crispy drumstick and biscuit. It’s safe to say Colonel Sanders has made his mark on Japanese Christmas culture!

2. Venezuela: Roller-Skate to Church

In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, Christmas comes with wheels – roller skates, to be exact! On Christmas morning, it’s customary for residents to attend Mass on skates. To make the tradition safer (and more festive), streets are closed to traffic, allowing families to glide through the city en route to church. Early risers wake up to colourful fireworks lighting up the sky, and then it’s all about lacing up and rolling out. It’s a whimsical way to blend faith and fun during the holiday season.

3. Wales: Challenge a Horse’s Skull

In some Welsh villages, the Christmas season isn’t complete without Mari Lwyd, the grey mare. This centuries-old tradition involves decorating a horse’s skull with bells and ribbons and mounting it on a pole covered by a white sheet. Participants parade door-to-door, singing songs and engaging in playful verbal duels with homeowners. It’s like a festive rap battle! Winning brings good luck for the year ahead. This quirky custom may sound eerie, but it’s cherished as a symbol of community and cheer.

4. Sweden: Goat on Fire

Sweden’s Gävle Goat is a towering 43-foot straw sculpture erected each December in the city of Gävle. Built to symbolise Christmas cheer, the goat often faces an unintended fate: being set ablaze by mischievous arsonists. Despite heightened security measures, including cameras and a live stream, the goat has been torched 39 times since its first appearance in 1966. While authorities continue their efforts to protect it, locals and visitors alike have come to expect the goat’s fiery demise as part of its quirky charm.

5. Catalonia: Caga Tió

In Catalonia, Spain, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Caga Tió – a cheerful wooden log with a painted face and a red hat. The name translates to “Pooping Log,” and the tradition involves children “feeding” the log leading up to Christmas. On the big day, they whack it with sticks while singing traditional songs, and – voilà! – it “poops” out presents. Parents, of course, secretly fill the hollow log with treats, making for a magical (and hilariously bizarre) holiday ritual.

6. Austria: The Frightening Krampus

Move over, Santa – Austria’s Christmas celebrations make room for his terrifying counterpart, Krampus. This horned creature with a long tongue is said to visit misbehaving children, doling out scares and sometimes mild punishments. The Krampus tradition comes to life during parades where locals dress as the fearsome figures and march through town. The atmosphere is equal parts thrilling and spine-tingling, offering a stark contrast to the jolly festivities elsewhere.

7. Ukraine: Spiderweb Decorations

In Ukraine, Christmas trees sparkle with a unique touch – artificial spiderwebs! This unusual tradition stems from a heartwarming folktale. According to legend, a poor widow couldn’t afford to decorate her Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, spiders spun intricate webs all over it. When morning came, the webs turned into shimmering gold and silver, bringing prosperity to the family. Today, spiderweb decorations are cherished symbols of good fortune and creativity.

8. Italy: La Befana the Witch

Italian children eagerly await the arrival of La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who visits homes on Epiphany Eve, January 5th. Legend has it that she was searching for baby Jesus and now delivers gifts to make up for not finding him. Depicted as a friendly old woman riding a broomstick, Befana leaves sweets for well-behaved kids and coal for the naughty ones. This charming figure adds a unique flair to Italy’s holiday traditions.

Christmas is a time of joy, wonder, and sometimes… weirdness! These peculiar traditions remind us that there’s no one right way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether it’s skating to church, rapping with a horse’s skull, or sharing a bucket of chicken, these customs add an extra sprinkle of magic to Christmas. Which one would you like to try?