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Christmas is a globally celebrated holiday, known for family gatherings, festive meals featuring turkey, roast beef, salmon, Yule logs, and the excitement of unwrapping gifts beneath the Christmas tree.
Customs differ widely across nations. Here are ten unique practices that go beyond the usual gift exchanges, eggnog, holiday feasts, and tree decorations, offering something truly extraordinary.
10. Finding Love Behind the Door in the Czech Republic
Imagine meeting your soulmate during the holiday season. In the Czech Republic, this belief is taken seriously through an unusual tradition. A single woman stands by a door and tosses a shoe over her shoulder. If the shoe lands with its tip pointing toward the door, it is believed she will marry within the next year.
Other traditions for finding love include Poland's Wigilia, a cherished Christmas Eve dinner where straw is placed under the tablecloth. Drawing a piece of straw can predict love: green means marriage is near, while yellow suggests another year of singlehood. In Sweden, finding an almond in your risgrynsgröt, a cinnamon-flavored rice pudding, means love is on the horizon.
These love-finding customs, along with others, are enjoyed worldwide—often just for fun!
9. Naked Family Time in Estonia
In Estonia, families have a unique way of unwinding after their Christmas feast—they gather nude in a sauna. Those who are shy, beware!
Estonians have turned this humorous tradition into a Christmas blessing, especially given Tallinn's average December temperature of -5°C (23°F). After decorating their homes, families relax in saunas before heading to midnight church services through the snowy streets. What could be more festive than sweating together on a chilly winter night? This tradition is also shared by Finns and other cultures in cold climates.
8. Misbehaving Kids Face Consequences in the Netherlands
On December 5th, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands to deliver gifts to children. Accompanied by his helpers, the Zwarte Pieten, he carries a list of naughty children who receive coal instead of presents.
Dutch folklore describes Sinterklaas as living in Madrid, dressed in a red bishop’s robe and miter, with assistants called Zwarte Pieten (Black Peters). While their dark appearance is said to come from chimney soot, the tradition has sparked controversy in modern Dutch society.
The Zwarte Pieten are said to pack misbehaving children into sacks and take them to Spain—a nod to the Netherlands' history under the Holy Roman Empire (1518–1714).
7. The Fearsome Feline of Iceland
In Iceland, Yule, a pagan winter solstice festival, aligns with Christmas. As night falls, the Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn) roams the countryside, a terrifying creature that hunts humans—specifically those who haven’t acquired new clothes for the festivities. This medieval tradition was used to scare workers into finishing their wool tasks quickly, as the punishment for failing was being hunted by the beast.
The Yule Cat became a motivator for the poor to work diligently, ensuring everyone had warm, new clothing for Christmas and avoiding the cat’s wrath. Children, terrified of the consequences, behaved well, allowing adults to focus on their work without fear of being eaten by a monstrous feline.
Beyond the folklore, there’s a practical side to this tale. With Reykjavik’s winter temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F), the cold itself could be as deadly as the Yule Cat.
6. Santa Claus Competitions in Switzerland
Every year, the Swiss village of Samnaun hosts the Santa Claus World Championship, or ClauWau. Teams dressed as Father Christmas from across the globe compete in events like ski races, snowshoe sprints, sledding contests, and gingerbread baking battles, crowning unique champions in festive style.
This year, 20 teams of Santas gathered in Samnaun, a picturesque village in the eastern Alps. They competed in events like the Santa downhill race, Christmas gift collection and delivery, and a geography-themed gingerbread baking challenge.
One of the highlights was the chimney descent competition, a crucial skill for any Santa hopeful. In the end, the host country’s team, “Teleschmutzlis,” claimed the championship title.
5. Mexico’s Radish Festival
Every December 23, the Mexican state of Oaxaca hosts “Noche de Rabanos,” or “Night of the Radishes.” This unique art festival features intricate sculptures carved from oversized radishes, displayed by around 100 participants annually. The tradition, rooted in the 16th century, reflects the region’s colonial heritage.
The festival originated when market vendors began carving radishes to attract customers during the holiday season. Its popularity led Governor Francisco Vasconcelos to formalize the event in 1897, establishing it as a cherished Oaxacan tradition.
The festival kicks off in the morning, allowing visitors to observe artists crafting their radish sculptures. However, the finished masterpieces are unveiled in the evening. The event also features citywide music performances, fireworks, and dazzling light shows.
4. Spider Decorations in Ukraine
While many are familiar with the German tradition of hiding a pickle in the Christmas tree, Ukrainians take a different approach by adorning their trees with spider webs. This unique custom might seem strange, but it holds deep cultural significance.
In Ukrainian culture, spiders and their webs symbolize good luck. Instead of traditional ornaments like garlands and stars, they use spider webs to decorate their trees, wishing for prosperity and fortune in the coming year. This tradition stems from ancient Ukrainian Christmas folklore.
One popular tale tells of a poor widow who couldn’t afford tree decorations. Spiders, moved by her children’s tears, spun beautiful webs to adorn the tree overnight. The next day, the family’s luck turned, and they lived in abundance.
3. The Pooping Log of Spain
Tió de Nadal, or Caga Tió, is one of Catalonia’s most amusing and unique Christmas traditions. This festive figure, resembling Santa Claus with a Catalan red hat, brings joy to children during the holiday season.
In Spain, especially in Catalonia, children eagerly anticipate “Caga Tió,” or the “pooping log.” This quirky tradition involves a small wooden log with a painted face that “gifts” presents. Placed by the fireplace in early December and covered with a blanket, the log is fed chocolates and nuts nightly. By Christmas, it “poops” out treats like nougats, candies, small toys, and money—the more it’s fed, the more it gives.
Children must care for Caga Tió daily, ensuring it’s well-fed and covered with a blanket to stay warm. Good behavior is essential, as misbehaving kids risk receiving no gifts. On Christmas, children sing a special song and gently hit the log with sticks to encourage it to “poop” out its surprises.
2. Latvia’s Christmas Halloween
In Latvia, a Christmas tradition takes a spooky turn, resembling Halloween. After the Night of the Candles, a remembrance event, Latvians prepare for Kekatas, a festive mask procession. Participants dress in elaborate masks, visit homes, and sing, dance, and play games, bringing good luck to the households they visit. In return, they receive food and small gifts.
The masks, which can depict animals, people, or mythical beings, ensure anonymity for the participants. Beyond spreading luck, the masked visitors also aim to ward off evil spirits.
1. Elf on the Shelf in the USA
Elf on a Shelf, a modern tradition created by a mother and her daughters, has become a beloved holiday practice across the U.S. Starting in Georgia, it involves a “Scout Elf” who monitors children’s behavior and reports back to Santa each night. The elf’s magic lies in its ability to move to a new spot daily, keeping kids on their best behavior.
With over 15 million Scout Elves in action, their hiding spots have grown increasingly creative. From charming to hilarious—and sometimes even inappropriate—the elf’s daily antics are documented in countless stories and videos.
