Weird Christmas traditions from around the world

While some people may consider stuffing a turkey a little odd, that has nothing on these strange Christmas traditions that people take part in around the globe come Christmas time. From evil spirits, to pooing logs (yep, that’s right), there’s some weird Christmas traditions out there!

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Venezuela

In Caracas, it is a tradition for the whole city to roller skate to church for Christmas morning mass, with roads closed to cars.

Christmas traditions in Portugal

On Christmas Day, the main feast, or consoda, is held in households in Portugal. Families often set places for relatives who have passed away. Some also leave crumbs out for these departed souls, as it is believed to bring good luck.


Norway

In Norway, it is believed that evil spirits arrive on Christmas Eve. Residents hide their brooms as they fear the evil spirits will use them to attack people – a great excuse for no housework!

Catalonia

In Catalonia, the Tio de Nadal is found in many homes at Christmas time. It is a hollow log with legs and a face painted on one end. Beginning on December 8, the log is given something to “eat” every night, where treats are placed inside the log. On Christmas Eve, the log is ordered to “poo” and beaten with sticks, revealing the gifts inside that are then shared by everyone. The log is commonly called the caga tio (or “poo log”).

Germany

On December 5, children in Germany place a boot or shoe outside their bedroom door instead of stocking in the hope that they have been good enough to receive some treats from St Nicholas. If they have been good, they receive a tree branch covered with goodies, if they have been bad, the branch will be bare.

US

This is definitely one tradition I could get on board with! In the US, thousands of people all over the country take part in pub crawls dressed as Santa, all in the name of charity.

South Africa

Children beware – don’t eat Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve! In South Africa, legend has it that a boy called Danny dared to eat the plate of cookies made by his Grandma for Santa. In a fit of rage, she killed him. His spirit is now said to haunt South Africa around Christmas time, keeping an eye on children and making sure they are good.

Ukraine

If you haven’t yet put your tree up, how about considering this theme for your decorations this year? In Ukraine, many trees are adorned with spider web decorations amid the tinsel instead of the more customary baubles. The Legend of the Christmas Spider is behind this tradition. The legend goes that there was a poor widow who couldn’t afford to decorate her Christmas tree. When she awoke Christmas morning, she found that a spider has spun its web (tinsel) around the tree.

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Do you have any unique family Christmas traditions?

 

For more Christmas fun, try RECIPE: Parmesan and Pesto Christmas Tree Pull Apart and The COOLEST melted snowmen!

 

KITC Autumn issue out now 2024

By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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