Five Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Regardless of your religious beliefs, Christmas has become a worldwide phenomenon. Everyone knows of pine trees, Santa Claus, perpetually rosy Rudolph, and even that one Mariah Carey song.

But if you’re vacationing overseas during the Christmas season, you’d better be ready for the unexpected—the really, really unexpected.

Pack your bags and include a pooping figurine and a pair of skates in your list of travel accessories, because we’re taking you on a wild trip exploring the most fun and unique Christmas traditions around the world.

1. A Toilet Business (Catalonia)

In countless predominantly Christian countries, Christmas traditions include a decorative Nativity scene—essentially a diorama depicting the birth of Jesus with figurines in various sizes and styles.

In some parts of Spain, these nativity scenes—called belenes—include a bonus scene.

Where’s Waldo enthusiasts would have lots of fun searching in the Catalonian belenes for the Caganer—a small figurine depicting a person in a defecating position. If you’re lucky, the figurine might even come in the shape of a famous politician, athlete, or even singer.

2. KFC: Kentucky Fried Christmas (Japan)

Japan is not a traditional Christian country, but the permeating influence of the United States has made Christmas a popular celebration, just not in the way you are used to.

While you’re bound to see Christmas trees and decorations everywhere, the day is stripped of its religious or family meaning. Instead, it’s considered a romantic holiday where couples can go on dates and enjoy the beautiful ambience together.

Oh, and don’t forget the fried chicken. KFC ran an extremely successful marketing campaign in Japan, and now it is a staple dinner option during the holiday.

3. Books and Mischief (Iceland)

Christmas in Iceland is the biggest celebration of the year. Thus, it makes sense they don’t have one Santa, but 13.

The Yule Lads are the 13 sons of the terrifying troll Gryla and her husband Leppaludi. While Gryla likes to eat naughty children in a pot and her cat is always happy to join her, her mischievous Lads have gotten a lot more generous with time.

Starting on the 13^th day before Christmas, each one of the Yule Lads drops by to visit the children. In the past, they used to play pranks, but nowadays they tend to leave presents, one each day.

But if trolls are too much for you, consider another Icelandic Christmas tradition—Jólabókaflóð, the “Christmas Book Flood”, which happens because it’s tradition to gift books during the holidays.

4. A Generous Camel (Syria)

In Syria, the one bringing presents for children is not the jolly Santa Claus—instead, it walks on four legs and has a hump or two.

On January 6^th, children fill their shoes with hay, place them outside, and leave some water. That is for the little camel to eat and drink, as it visits to leave gifts for the children.

According to tradition, when the Three Magi arrived in Bethlehem to honour the birth of baby Jesus, their youngest camel collapsed after the exhausting journey. To celebrate its dedication and bravery despite injuries and pain, Jesus Christ granted the honourable camel eternal life to spread joy around the world.

5. Skating to Church (Venezuela)

Masses are a standard part of Christian tradition during the observance of Christmas. However, Venezuela has turned the routine trips to and from the church into a fun celebration of life and joy with the Patinatas.

Throughout the masses surrounding Christmas, Venezuelan children—and some adults—head to church with rollerskates, bikes, and other wheeled toys alongside friends and family, sometimes singing aguinaldos and other traditional Christmas music.

Many other times, the patinatas happen outside the church context—streets close down so that everyone can have fun on wheels.

Ready to Celebrate Around the World?

Travelling during Christmas can be a fulfilling and magical experience, as it allows you to enjoy unique traditions you’d have never lived through otherwise. Share the yule joy in unknown destinations—you might find your new favourite way to celebrate!