Christmas Traditions From Around The World You Must Know

Trimming your Christmas tree, preparing holiday cookies, and opening Christmas presents are just a few of the many Christmas traditions worldwide. But how do people celebrate Christmas in other regions of the world? Several Christmas traditions are universal, such as singing carols, decorating a Christmas tree, making advent calendars, and eating a lot of Christmas ham. Still, we believe some traditions throughout the world will surprise you. 

You might even wish to incorporate some of these customs into your household. Others, on the other hand, you might wish to avoid! Imagine waking up to find rotten potatoes in your shoes, left by a naughty Santa Claus. Or how about some Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner? Those are authentic Christmas traditions from all across the world, believe it or not. You’ll see how diverse these global holiday customs are, from Christmas on the beach in New Zealand with fresh seafood to a heated porridge that keeps families warm during the frigid Finland winter. Furthermore, we believe that all the following unique Christmas trivia will impress your family at your Christmas party. You can Order Christmas Gifts online and make the day memorable.

Christmas in Sweden:

Since early pagan rituals, the Yule Goat has been a Swedish Christmas symbol. The tradition was given a new lease on life in 1966 when someone came up with the concept of making a large straw goat, now known as the Gävle Goat. The goat is more than 42 feet tall, 23 feet wide, and weighs 3.6 tonnes, according to the official website. The giant goat is built in the same area every year. Fans can also watch a Livestream starting on the first Sunday of Advent and ending after the New Year.

Philippines:

If you think the US goes all out for special day decorations, wait till you see what the Philippines does. Every year, the Ligligan Parul (or Giant Lantern Festival) takes place in San Fernando, with brilliant parols (lanterns) depicting the Star of Bethlehem. Thousands of whirling lights adorn each parol, illuminating the night sky. San Fernando has been dubbed the “Philippine Christmas Capital” due to the festivities.

Japan:

Although this day isn’t a national holiday in Japan (according to Smithsonian Magazine, just about 1% of the population is Christian), its residents find an intriguing and delicious way to celebrate. Families go to their local Kentucky Fried Chicken instead of gathering around the table for a turkey feast. The tradition began after a hugely successful marketing campaign named “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” or “Kentucky for Christmas!” in 1974. The fast-food company has retained its holiday popularity, prompting some customers to place orders months in advance or wait in two-hour lines for its “finger-lickin’ excellent” meals.

Iceland:

Iceland celebrates 13 days of Christmas, similar to the 12 days of Christmas in the United States. The 13 Yule Lads visit Icelandic children every night before this day. After putting their shoes by the window, the kids will go upstairs to bed. If they’ve been good, they’ll have received sweets, but if they’ve been naughty, they’ll be greeted with shoes full of rotten potatoes. You thought coal was a lousy present!

Finland:

On this festive day morning, Finish families customarily consumed rice and milk porridge with cinnamon, milk, or butter. The individual who finds the almond hidden within one of the puddings wins,” although some families cheat by hiding a few almonds to keep the kids calm. It is traditional to warm up in a sauna together at the end of the day.

New Zealand:

Because summer in New Zealand coincides with Christmas, many customs revolve around gathering around a barbeque or grill. Families and friends can enjoy a casual barbeque of fresh seafood, meat, and seasonal veggies. The Pohutukawa, a coastal species that blooms a lovely crimson colour in December and provides shade while they sing carols in both English and Maori, is the New Zealand special tree.

Denmark:

This Day was a festival of lighter days, jól, before Christianity arrived at the Danes, as it fell immediately before the winter solstice. Today, dwellings are adorned with nisser, or superstitious characters, who bring protection. On December 24th, Danish families place their Christmas tree in the centre of the room and dance around it while singing carols. You can send Secret Santa Gifts online to your dear ones and make them feel special.

Martinique:

La tribute is a long-standing tradition on the French Caribbean island of Martinique when families visit their neighbours with festive cuisines such as yams, boudin créole, pâtés salés, and pork stew around Advent and New Year’s Day. They sing Christmas carols late into the night, adding their creole lines to standard lyrics.