To kick start this holiday season, Esteban Touma, teacher and content producer at Babbel Live, shares his insights into some of the most fascinating and quirky Christmas traditions celebrated across the globe.
From the Yule Lads in Iceland with their distinct personalities, to the roller-skating kids of Venezuela, and the craze for festive fried chicken in Japan, here are 10 of the world’s most unique and quirky Christmas traditions.
5. Krampus in Germany, Austria and Hungary
Not all festive traditions are wholesome and heartwarming, in fact some are far from it. In Germany, Austria and Hungary, legend has it that while Santa brings toys to “nice” children, ‘Krampus’ - Santa’s less than kind alter ego - punishes children who are on the “naughty” list by scaring them or throwing them into his sack. As a prank, people in Austria and neighbouring countries occasionally dress up as Krampus in early December.
6. KFC in Japan
While turkey may be a Christmas dinner staple in Western nations, in Japan Christmas is associated with Kentucky Fried Chicken. An estimated 3.5 million Japanese families eat fried chicken on Christmas Eve thanks to a marketing stunt by KFC in the 1970s called Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii, or “Kentucky for Christmas”. This tradition is so popular that many place their orders months in advance.
7. Hiding broomsticks in Norway
To protect themselves and their families during the festive season, Norwegians hide their brooms away in cupboards the night before Christmas. It is believed that this is when naughty witches and evil spirits come to life in search of their broomsticks to ride across the country.
8. La Quema del Diablo in Guatemala
A unique purification ritual and tradition practised by Guatemalans on the 6th of December is none other than La Quema del Diablo, or ‘the Burning of the Devil. It is a time when families set bonfires outside of their homes and burn statues of Satan to eradicate evil spirits, symbolising and celebrating the victory of good over evil, and to mark the start of the Christmas season.