As the holiday season unfolds, a tapestry of diverse celebrations and traditions take place across the globe. While families in the U.S come together to cut down and decorate Christmas trees, various countries around the world embrace their own captivating traditions. From watching Donald Duck cartoons on Christmas Day in Sweden, to hiding broomsticks in Norway, here are five fascinating holiday traditions around the world!
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1. Swedish Christmas Magic: The Donald Duck Cartoon Tradition
In Sweden, the Christmas season is an enchanting time filled with cherished traditions. The highlight for Swedish families is undeniably Christmas Eve, when gifts from Santa are unwrapped after sunset, creating a magical atmosphere where families come together to share the warmth of the season.
Sweden also adds its own unique flair to the holiday spirit. Every Christmas Eve at 3pm, Swedes gather to watch timeless Donald Duck cartoons. Known as “Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul” (Donald Duck and his friends wish you a Merry Christmas), this fascinating tradition has roots dating back to the 1950s when the cartoons first aired on television, becoming a beloved part of the holiday season.
2. Krampus Night: Germany’s Most Frightening Holiday Tradition
In Germany, there are many wonderful traditions that bring out the holiday spirit. The festive season officially begins on December 6th with St. Nicholas Day, where children eagerly await a visit from St. Nicholas, who rewards the good ones with small gifts and treats. This sets the stage for the anticipation leading up to Christmas Eve.
Krampus Nacht, on the other hand, is an unusual holiday tradition celebrated on December 5th by Germans and adds a touch of mischief to the holiday season. On this peculiar night, Germans dress up as the hairy, horned beast, Krampus, or “the Christmas Devil.” They roam around the streets searching for naughty children and frighten them to encourage good behavior. Legend has it that Krampus might even toss particularly misbehaved children into his sack. The tradition is a playful way to acknowledge the darker side of the holiday season, with Krampus contrasting St. Nicholas, who rewards good children.
3. Italian Magic: The Tradition Of “La Befana”
The holiday season in Italy is a festive and joyful time characterized by rich traditions, delicious food, and a strong sense of community. The celebrations typically start in early December and continue through the New Year, encompassing both religious and secular festivities.
One of the most captivating holiday traditions in Italy is “La Befana.” Often portrayed as a friendly witch, “La Befana” is known to be a kind and magical old woman who plays a significant role in the festive season. According to folklore, she travels around by broomstick on the night of January 5th, delivering gifts and sweets to children throughout Italy, similar to the role Santa Claus. The tradition of “La Befana” is a unique part of Italian cultural heritage, adding joy and anticipation to both young and old during the holiday season.
4. Japan’s “Kentucky Christmas”
Christmas is a very popular holiday in Japan despite less than 1% of the population being Christian. Like the U.S, Japanese people celebrate the holiday by decorating Christmas trees, hanging festive lights, and shopping for gifts, but instead of the main event being on December 25th, Japan celebrates on Christmas Eve.
One of Japan’s most intriguing holiday traditions unfolds on Christmas Eve – indulging in fried chicken, often sourced from the popular fast-food chain, KFC. This tradition traces back to the “Kentucky Christmas” marketing campaign that was launched in 1974. Today, KFC’s crispy fried chicken has become synonymous with Christmas in Japan, embraced by an estimated 3.5 million Japanese families. Thanks to this quirky tradition, KFC chains witness an extraordinary surge, selling about 10 times more on December 24th compared to an average day. Japan’s “Kentucky Christmas” adds a flavorful twist to the festive tapestry of Christmas celebrations!
5. Whimsical Norway: Hiding Broomsticks On Christmas Eve
Christmas in Norway is a magical and festive season, observed with a blend of timeless traditions and modern celebrations. Christmas Eve, or “Julaften,” is the main day of celebration in Norway. Families gather for a festive dinner featuring traditional dishes like ribbe (roast pork belly), pinnekjøtt (salted and dried lamb ribs), or lutefisk (dried fish). After the meal, they exchange gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Some Norwegians add an interesting twist to the holiday season. According to local folklore, Christmas Eve becomes a night where witches and malevolent spirits roam the night sky. Embracing this belief, and given the traditional association of witches with broomsticks, families hide all brooms within their households, firmly believing that this practice prevents any mischievous witches from getting their hands on them. This captivating and whimsical tradition adds an extra layer of enchantment to the Norwegian Christmas spirit.
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