10 Christmas Traditions From Around the World
6. Netherlands
In Netherlands, Christmas is not on December 25, but on December 6. And guess what? Instead of Santa Claus, they wait for Sinterklass and Black Pete. Children leave shoes outside their homes with some hay and sugar in them. This is meant for the horse of Sinterklass. In return he leaves candies and nuts for them.
7. Spain, Portugal and Italy
In some parts of Spain, Portugal and Italy, the Christmas tradition is to build a model of holy village, Bethlehem. But what is unusual about the tradition is that, in the traditional scene where idols of Mother Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus are placed, we also find an image of ‘shitter’ or a ‘Caganer’. That’s right, an image of a man passing stools with his butts exposed.
8. Russia and Ukraine
Because of their traditional calendar, Christmas is celebrated on January 7. People fast during Christmas, sometimes for as long as 39 days with January 6 being the last day of fasting. This is then followed with an elaborate feast comprising 12 course supper which everyone enjoys together.
9. Japan
For a majority of people in Japan, KFC (Kentucky Fried Kitchen) has become synonymous with traditional Christmas dinner. Don’t believe it? Go out there on Christmas and see for yourself. You’ll have to make reservations in advance to eat in KFC on the Christmas eve.
10. Germany
In Germany, people observe Nikolaustag St. Claus Day on December 6 where children keep an empty shoe or boot outside their homes. In the morning, good kids find candies and toys placed neatly inside the shoe and the bad ones find a golden birch along with the sweets. The golden birch symbolizes spanking there, warning kids to be good in future.
Regardless of the different names or traditions, Christmas is all about festivities and celebrations. So go out there and enjoy!
