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Each culture has its own unique ways of celebrating, going beyond gifts and common festivities.
Christmas is an international celebration, and while we’re used to seeing Santa Claus delivering presents in a sleigh, there are many different ways the holiday is celebrated around the world. Each country has its own traditions, some with meanings completely different from those we know in the United States. From a witch who delivers presents to skating to church, these are some of the international traditions that will make you want to explore other cultures, or at least make you laugh.
6 curious Christmas beliefs and traditions around the world
Iceland – The Yule Cat
In the United States, children fear receiving coal during Christmas, but in Iceland, they fear not receiving clothes. According to Icelandic folklore, the Yule Cat roams the snowy countryside looking for those who haven’t received new clothes before Christmas. The legend says that workers who finished processing autumn wool before Christmas received new garments as a reward. Those who didn’t get them risked being devoured by the cat. This somewhat unsettling belief truly reflects Icelandic Christmas traditions.
Norway – Hiding the brooms
One of the most curious Christmas traditions in Norway comes from ancient folklore, when it was believed that witches and evil spirits emerged on Christmas Eve in search of brooms to ride through the night. For this reason, on Christmas Eve, Norwegians hide all the brooms in their homes to avoid unwanted attention from these beings. Though modern Norwegians consider it a fun tradition, it remains a fascinating glimpse into the country’s historical beliefs, adding a unique and memorable touch to the holiday celebrations.
Italy – The Witch Befana
Though Santa Claus also makes an appearance in Italy, there is someone else who delivers gifts to children: the witch Befana. On the eve of Epiphany, every January 5th, Befana distributes candies and gifts to Italian children. According to legend, the witch missed the birth of Jesus, and since then, she has dedicated herself to searching for him each year, leaving sweets for children along her way.
This tradition is especially popular in southern Italy, where Befana, a witch who looks like a grandmother, becomes a beloved character, with a unique story that Italians celebrate with warmth and joy.
Slovakia – Throwing pudding on the ceiling
During Christmas, Slovakia has one of the stickiest traditions. The eldest member of the family throws a spoonful of “loksa,” a traditional Slovak pudding, onto the ceiling. It’s believed that the more it sticks, the greater the prosperity and good fortune the family will have in the new year. Although this tradition requires a good deal of cleaning, it often brings laughter and good humor to families, highlighting the most important aspect of the holiday: togetherness.
Venezuela – Skating to church
In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas morning starts with a lot of energy. The tradition involves closing the streets to vehicles, allowing only people wearing skates to glide to church for the Christmas Eve Mass. It’s believed that this tradition began decades ago, and it fills the city with joy and laughter, with skaters of all ages sliding through the streets.
Catalonia – The Tió de Nadal
This is one of the most unusual Christmas traditions. It’s the “Tió de Nadal” in Catalonia, which consists of a wooden log decorated with a face. Throughout December, the log is fed with sweets and treats, keeping it warm under a blanket. On Christmas Eve, children hit the log with sticks while singing songs, until, in a peculiar manner, the candies and gifts “come out” of the log, as if it were defecating.
For Catalan families, the Tió de Nadal is a beloved tradition, combining humor, joy, and a unique sense of festive creativity.
Christmas highlights the importance of spending time with family and loved ones, and these traditions show that the true Christmas spirit lies in the connection and enjoyment of each other’s company. Each culture has its own unique ways of celebrating, going beyond gifts and common festivities, reflecting the desire to come together and enjoy the small moments that make Christmas special. What other curious traditions and beliefs do you know?
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