13 of the Most Bizarre Christmas Customs Across the Globe

In Catalonia, Andorra, and Southern France, it’s a holiday custom to include an El Caganer (meaning “the defecator”) in intricate nativity scenes. No depiction of Bethlehem is considered complete without a small peasant boy relieving himself. Wait, what?

This tradition, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, has children and adults alike searching through detailed dioramas to spot the little boy in the act. While the exact meaning remains unclear, some believe the figure symbolizes fertilizing the earth, while others see it as a satirical take on societal or political matters. Or perhaps it’s simply a humorous way to lighten the solemnity of Christmas with a classic poop joke. Let’s be honest—poop is always hilarious.

Catalonia seems to have a unique fascination with Christmas and excrement. Alongside the hidden pooping boy in nativity scenes, they celebrate Tió de Nadal, a personified log that magically “gifts” presents by defecating them.

Starting on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, families in Catalonia place a hollow log (sometimes adorned with a face and hat) in their homes. Children are tasked with caring for it throughout the month, covering it with a blanket at night and feeding it treats to keep it happy and healthy.

On Christmas morning, the log is placed near the fireplace, and children sing a peculiar song: “Poop, log, almonds and nougats, don’t poop herrings, they’re too salty. Poop nougats, they’re much better. Poop, log, almonds and nougats, and if you refuse, I’ll hit you! Poop, log!”

As the song suggests, the children then strike the log with a stick, demanding it produce the promised gifts. While the kids are momentarily distracted, parents secretly place treats and presents under the blanket, making it appear as though the log has magically delivered them. It’s a charming reminder that children will believe almost anything if it means receiving a gift.

In Italy, on January 5, children eagerly await the arrival of Befana, a kind-hearted witch. Much like Santa Claus, she flies on her broomstick, enters homes through the chimney, and leaves candy and gifts for well-behaved children, while naughty ones receive coal. Unlike Santa, Befana prefers wine and sausage over milk and cookies—a practical choice. She even sweeps the floor before leaving, adding a touch of tidiness to her generosity.

However, there’s a darker twist to this tale. Legend says Befana was invited by the Three Wise Men to visit the newborn Jesus, but she declined, claiming she was too busy cleaning her home. Later, she regretted her decision and set out to find Him, but she never succeeded. To this day, she continues her search, leaving gifts for children in hopes of finding the Christ child. A haunting yet fascinating story!

While Italians embrace their Christmas witch, Norwegians take a different approach. Rooted in ancient pagan beliefs, Norwegians hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches from stealing them and using them to fly off into the night for their mysterious activities.

This tradition raises some puzzling questions. How do witches reach your home without a broom in the first place? Do they simply walk? And if they already possess a broom, why would they need another? These are the mysteries ancient pagans left unanswered.

In Japan, where Christianity is not widely practiced, enjoying Kentucky Fried Chicken on December 25 has become a beloved tradition. This custom is so popular that KFC reportedly earns 5% of its yearly revenue on this single day. The trend began in 1970 when the manager of Japan’s first KFC promoted fried chicken as a way to enjoy a Western-style holiday. The idea took off, and today, ordering KFC for Christmas is so widespread that customers must place their orders weeks in advance to avoid missing out. Ironically, the star of the meal—dry, overcooked fried chicken—is something I wouldn’t touch even on a dare.

In Venezuela, Christmas is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. On Christmas morning, firecrackers are set off to rouse everyone from sleep, followed by a unique tradition where people strap on roller skates and glide their way to mass. After the religious service, families and friends gather to dance, feast, and enjoy music. The roller-skating custom is believed to have originated as a Southern Hemisphere alternative to sledding. It has become so popular that streets in Caracas, the capital, are closed to vehicles on Christmas morning to ensure the safety of the skaters.

Similar to Venezuela’s roller-skating enthusiasts, South African Christians have embraced the challenge of celebrating Christmas during summer with ingenuity and flair. For many in South Africa, Christmas resembles the U.S. Fourth of July: a perfect opportunity to go camping, host barbecues, and relish the warm weather instead of enduring freezing temperatures.

In Sweden, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a televised appearance from Donald Duck. At 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the entire country gathers to watch Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul, which translates to “Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas.” This special features a collection of mostly non-holiday-themed Disney cartoons from the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s.

First broadcast in 1959, Kalle Anka must air precisely at this time and be introduced by a live host—a role so significant that one former host claims the pressure ruined his life. Any deviation from this tradition sparks immediate public outrage.

Despite the rise of streaming services and changing preferences, Donald Duck’s hold on Swedish culture remains strong. In 2020, 4.5 million viewers tuned in (Sweden’s population is 10.3 million), making it the most-watched broadcast in the nation’s history. The Swedes, it seems, are a people of fascinating and enduring traditions.

Krampus has recently surged in popularity, transitioning from an obscure figure in Austrian folklore to a beloved icon in global pop culture. Over the past decade, this menacing counterpart to Santa has become a staple in the holiday traditions of urban enthusiasts worldwide.

As many already know, Krampus is a horned, hairy creature who serves as Santa’s enforcer. While Santa rewards well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus punishes the naughty ones with beatings, allowing the jolly old elf to maintain his benevolent image without getting his hands dirty.

In Iceland, Christmas is dominated by Jólakötturinn, the Yule Cat, a massive black cat that prowls the countryside, consuming anyone not dressed in new clothes. This legend is believed to have originated as a tactic by farmers to motivate workers to finish their tasks before Christmas. Ah, the wonders of capitalism!

If the threat of a colossal cat eating you for your fashion choices isn’t terrifying enough, Icelandic traditions also feature the Yule Lads. These 13 mischievous figures, akin to twisted versions of Santa’s elves, roam the land causing trouble. For example, Stekkjarstaur (Sheep Harasser) has wooden legs and torments sheep, Stúfur (Stubby) steals pans to eat the crust, Gluggagægir (Window Peeper) peeks through windows to find things to steal, and Ketkrókur (Meat-hook) uses a hook to snatch meat. Something to ponder while you’re cozy in bed.

In Oaxaca, Mexico, Christmas revolves around radishes. December 23 marks Noche de Rábanos, or the Night of the Radish, an annual celebration where hundreds of artists carve intricate scenes from the Bible and modern life into thousands of radishes. True to the nature of ephemeral art, these radish creations quickly decay. This tradition traces back to the mid-18th century when Catholic friars brought unusually shaped radishes to the Oaxaca Christmas market, sparking widespread fascination. After all, television was still centuries away from being invented.

Mummering, a peculiar and ancient Christmas tradition, is practiced in rural areas of Canada, Latvia, Newfoundland, and Ireland. Groups of men and women dress in elaborate costumes and visit their neighbors’ homes. Those who open their doors are treated to songs, jokes, and dances. The hosts must guess the identities of the mummers and offer food and drink in return. While mummers claim this tradition is harmless, anyone familiar with horror movies knows the risks of inviting masked strangers into your home at night.

This custom also inspired The Mummers Parade, a Philadelphia tradition that gives the city’s garbage collectors an excuse to start drinking early on New Year’s Day.

While gathering to celebrate the birth of Jesus is nice, the Welsh pre-Christian tradition of Mari Lwyd takes festivities to another level. On New Year’s Eve, groups of people dressed as ghosts carry a decorated horse skull on a pole from house to house, singing a traditional song requesting entry.

Instead of simply turning them away, the homeowners engage in a rhyming battle of insults and challenges. If the ghostly group wins the verbal duel, they are invited inside for food and drinks. If the homeowners prevail, they can presumably return to their peaceful evening.