The festive season is officially around the corner and whilst many of us have our own traditions that we stick to year after year, it’s often very different for everyone across the world. Many often dream of a white Christmas and Australians are known to enjoy their Christmas whilst on the beach with a BBQ! Find out how to celebrate Christmas in Europe, or further afield, here.
In this article, we have put together a snapshot of how cultures around the world celebrate the festivities. Take a look below.
Worldwide Christmas Traditions
Japan & KFC Feast
In 1974, KFC undertook a holiday marketing campaign in Japan. The straightforward phrase "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!" (Kentucky for Christmas!) started a national custom that is still popular today.
Despite the fact that Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, families from all across the nation gather in KFCs across the nation for a special Christmas Eve supper. To such a degree, that pre-orders for KFC are made weeks in advance!
Poland & Carp Scales
Wiglia marks the start of the Christmas celebrations in Poland on 24th December and carp is usually the main meal. Traditionally, a few days before this, the carp is purchased alive and kept in a bathtub full of water until it is killed for the meal by the lady of the house. However, nowadays, people normally purchase a fillet instead.
Another tradition surrounding the carp is the use of its scales. Thought to bring good luck and fortune in the future, their scales are kept in men’s wallets and women’s bras at the time of the meal. Sometimes, the women will then gift these scales the next day to pass on the good luck.
Iceland, Rotten Potatoes & The Yule Cat
Depending on whether children have been naughty or nice in Iceland, they will receive gifts on Christmas day if they have been well behaved or rotten potatoes if they have misbehaved. These gifts or potatoes are delivered by 13 Yule Lads, sons of Grýla, who also have a pet called the Yule Cat.
Since the 19th Century, the Yule Cat has been described as a giant, vicious animal. The tradition for gifting loved one with new clothes comes from the story that if the farmers didn’t reward their workers with new clothes at Christmas, they would be eaten by the Yule Cat.
Czech Republic & Shoe Throwing
Every year, this festive tradition in Czech Republic sees single women throw a shoe out of their front door. Similar to catching the bouquet at a wedding, it is said to predict whether they will be married within the next year or not.
If the shoe lands with the toes pointing towards the door, then this means they will wed in the following year. If the shoe lands with the toes pointing away from the door, they will have to try again Christmas!
Germany & Pickle Decorations
In the 16th Century, it is said that Germany were the ones to embrace the Christmas tree tradition. So much so, that one of their traditions that is still around nowadays involves the Christmas tree and decorations.
It is custom to hide a single pickle ornament within the tree, so it is slightly hidden. Then, the children of the household are asked to find the pickle and the one that emerges victorious will receive an extra present on Christmas day! An interesting souvenir to buy on a trip to Germany, we're sure you'll agree!
Slovakia & Pudding Throwing
Another festive tradition that includes throwing is the pudding throwing tradition in Slovakia. The pudding of choice is loksa pudding which is made from milk, bread, poppy seeds and an ingredient that adds sweetness and stickiness.
The most senior family member is in charge of throwing the pudding at the ceiling. The more pudding that sticks to the ceiling, the more luck the family will have in the new year.
Austria & The Krampus
According to mythology, the Krampus, a devil-like monster, joins St. Nicholas celebrations on 6th December in Alpine nations like Austria. This evil accomplice is said to wander the streets at night in search of badly behaved children.
A list of their good and bad deeds is requested from the kids: children who behave well receive treats like candy, apples, and nuts, while those who don't behave well worry about what the Krampus might bring on Christmas morning.
The Netherlands & Shoes by the Fireplace
In the lead up to 25th December, the children of The Netherlands place shoes by the fire in hopes that Sinterklaas will fill them with small gifts in the night. Whilst we’re used to naughty children receiving coal in their stocking, children who misbehave would traditionally receive a potato in lieu of gifts.
Also, similar to how we would leave a cookie and a drink for Santa and a snack for his reindeer, the Dutch leave carrots in the shoes for Sinterklaas’ faithful steed, a white horse named Amergio.
Norway & Hiding Broomsticks
On Christmas Eve, it is a tradition in Norway to hide all the broomsticks in the home. This is because according to Norwegian folklore, this is the day that spirits and witches take to the skies for shenanigans.
By hiding the broomsticks, a witch’s main form of transportation, it stops them from stealing them and causing all kinds of mischief. If you’re visiting Norway this Christmas, remember to hide the broomsticks!
Italy & Befana the Witch
Whilst Italy celebrates the holiday season with delicious food on both Christmas eve and Christmas day, they also have an extra holiday tradition. On the eve of 6th January, called Epiphany (the 12th day of Christmas), children will excitedly leave their stockings out in the hopes it will be filled with sweets and presents by Belfana the witch.
Similar to Father Christmas, Belfana the witch also travels down the chimney to leave treats for the children. These treats are typically comprised of local delicacies and are only left for those that have been good.
South Africa & A Barbeque
While the festivities vary by area and culture in South Africa, most families get together for a barbeque known as a braaing. The main course includes marinated steaks and boerewors sausages, while the traditional dessert is malva pudding served with custard.
Speaking of cuisine, there is also a festive tradition that includes fried caterpillars. Pine Tree Emperor Moths and Christmas Caterpillars are the creepy crawlies of choice and are commonly covered in festive colours, giving those that eat them some extra luck in the new year.
New Zealand & Alternative Christmas Tree
As Christmastime falls during summer in New Zealand, there is a different tradition when it comes to their Christmas tree. Instead of the common fir tree, New Zealand use the pōhutukawa tree.
This is because it blooms a bright red colour in December and provides shade during the sunny summer days. The first mention of this tradition was in 1867 by an Austrian geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter and led to locals decorating with its branches during the festive period.
Sweden & Giant Goats
Dating back to the 11th Century, the Yule Goat was a man-sized goat figure that had the power to control the devil and was led through the towns by St. Nicholas. Over the years, this story has evolved and, nowadays, it is seen as a symbol of Christmas in Sweden.
You may notice small Christmas ornaments that have been designed with the Yule Goat in mind; it is a small goat made from straw and wrapped in red ribbon. However, in larger cities, they can be made on a much larger scale as originally imagined and is on display throughout the entire festive period.
Greece & Boat Decorations
Surrounded by water, it’s common to see boats in Greece decorated with Christmas lights at this time of year. However, this tradition has extended to homes displaying a small wooden boat that is also decorated on their fireplaces.
These ornaments are then used to collect treats that are given during Christmas carolling and gifted from loved ones.
Egypt & Christmas in January
In Egypt, Christmas Day isn’t celebrated on the 25th December but on the 7th January! Coptic Orthodox Christians observe a specific fast during the 43 days leading up to Christmas (Advent), from 25 November to 6 January, during which they essentially follow a vegan diet.
They don't consume anything made with animal products (including chicken, beef, milk and eggs). It is referred to as "The Holy Nativity Fast." However, people can be forgiven if they are too weak or ill to fast properly.
China & Peace Apples
More common among young people and a more recent tradition is gifting peace apples in China at Christmas. Specifically on Christmas Eve, apples will be wrapped up with colourful wrapping paper and messages will be added wishing them love, peace and a Merry Christmas.
Due to the word for Christmas Eve in Mandarin being “ping’an ye” which means “peaceful night” and apple in Mandarin being “ping guo” which sounds similar, this is where peace apples originated from. They are thought to bless you with a safe and peaceful year ahead.
Have you visited any of these beautiful countries and their cultures during the festive period? Or perhaps you’re looking to adopt your own family tradition? Regardless, Christmas is celebrated across the world in a variety of ways – each as beautiful as the last!
No matter whether you travel to any of these countries at Christmas or any other time of the year, you will experience numerous different traditions and cultures – especially when you choose a Travel Department holiday. Our local guides delve even deeper into the history of every country, so browse our holiday destinations today and book with confidence.
