Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way… Though, have you ever thought about it? Christmas traditions can be SO different worldwide. While in the middle of decking the halls, hanging stockings, and singing “Silent Night” with our families, other cultures take their celebrations to the most out-of-this-world ways! Ever heard of a pooping log or a scary demon who punishes naughty kids instead of giving them gifts? The world’s weird Christmas traditions are something you NEED to hear about.
So buckle up, grab your eggnog (or KFC), and let’s take a hilariously strange tour through Christmas traditions around the world! And even more, let’s determine the craziest of them. Ready? Here we gooooo!
Austria – Krampus
It’s Christmas Eve. You’re snuggled up in your warm bed, waiting for Santa. But, wait… what’s that sound? Is it sleigh bells? Nope! Its chains rattling. In Austria, children don’t just get a visit from jolly ol’ St. Nick. Oh no, they also get a visit from Krampus, the half-demon, half-goat creature who’s here to scare the living daylights out of you.
Krampus isn’t handing out candy canes. Oh no. He’s chasing naughty children with chains, putting them in a sack, and taking them to his lair (or, you know, just scaring the bejeezus out of them). This weird Christmas tradition is so beloved by locals that there are actual Krampus parades. People dress up as this terrifying demon and roam the streets, frightening everyone they see.
- Who it suits: Those who love spooky vibes, horror movies, and terrifying their kids (in the holiday spirit, of course).
- Why it’s strange: Because Krampus is not exactly Santa’s jolly counterpart, Santa gives presents, and Krampus gives nightmares!
- Strangeness rating: 10/10.
It’s a creepy mix of Christmas and a horror film. Who needs a scary movie when you’ve got Krampus?
Japan – KFC
Japan is an amazing country, indeed. And Christmas here is just as amazing. Imagine Christmas Eve. The whole family is gathered around the table. The delicious fragrance of a roasting turkey floats from the kitchen. How tasty! Wait a second — no, that aroma doesn’t waft in. The Japanese go for a bucket of KFC instead!
It all started in the 1970s when KFC ran a successful marketing campaign in Japan. Suddenly, weird Christmas traditions were born! Now, millions of Japanese families order their KFC feast weeks in advance. I’m talking about Christmas with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and a side of biscuits. Can you imagine?
So, next time you think of stuffing your stockings, maybe just stuff your face with some crispy chicken instead! How’s that for one of the funny Christmas traditions around the world? And it’s delicious, too!
- Who it suits: Fried chicken enthusiasts, people who want an easy meal, and anyone who craves KFC during the holidays.
- Why it’s strange: When you think of Christmas, you think of turkey and ham, not KFC! The idea of fried chicken as the star of Christmas dinner is as bizarre as delicious.
- Strangeness rating: 8/10.
Fried chicken as the Christmas feast? It’s unique, but it makes you scratch your head.
Australia – Beach Parties
A snow-covered Christmas tree? No, not in Australia. Christmas Down Under means it’s summertime, and that means BBQs, beach parties, and surfing Santas. Picture this: you’re enjoying Christmas dinner, not by the fireplace, but with your toes in the sand and a cold drink in your hand.
Here’s how it works: Australians celebrate Christmas with their famous beach BBQs, surfing in Santa hats, and even having Christmas “picnics” on the sand. Santa might be swapping his red suit for board shorts and a tank top! Talk about crazy Christmas traditions, right? Forget the fireplace — this is a weird Christmas dreamland!
- Who it suits: Sun lovers, beachgoers, and people who want to skip the cold and jump straight into summer vibes.
- Why it’s strange: Christmas without snow? It feels a little off, right? There’s something odd about hearing Christmas carols while you’re sunbathing!
- Strangeness rating: 7/10.
A Christmas BBQ on the beach is fun, but someone also likes mixing hot chocolate with ice cream. It’s confusing but awesome!
Italy – La Befana
Ready for some witchy business? In Italy, Christmas goes out with a bang on December 25th. That’s when candles gutter low, and La Befana, that kindly old witch, sweeps in on her broomstick. That’s the twist: good and naughty children, on the one hand, and the other sweets — the dowry tells. Or they get a lump of coal.
La Befana didn’t make it for the first Christmas; she was doing some spring cleaning (because witches have to keep their houses clean occasionally), so she has been at it ever since, distributing gifts. Cool, right? So, whether you like your Christmas with a dash of magic or just straight-up candy, this is one of the unique Christmas traditions that’ll put a spell on you.
- Who it suits: Fans of witches, magic, and adding a dash of the mystical to Christmas.
- Why it’s strange: A witch delivering presents instead of jolly old St. Nick? That’s not your typical Christmas spirit.
- Strangeness rating: 6/10.
A witch on a broomstick? That’s a magical way to celebrate Christmas, but not what you expect!
Germany – Pickle in the Tree
Now we’re talking. Let’s see how well you can search for a pickle! No, this is not some weird food challenge — in Germany, it’s a Christmas tradition to hide a pickle ornament deep in the tree branches. And here’s the fun part: the first child to find the pickle gets a special gift or some good luck for the whole year if we feel generous.
Isn’t this a little…odd? It’s one of the strange Christmas traditions that’s sparked more than a few debates. But hey, it’s fun and keeps the kids entertained. How well do you think you could find that pickle? Better start training those Christmas tree-searching skills now!
- Who it suits: Families who love challenges, children who enjoy looking for hidden objects, and pickle enthusiasts.
- Why it’s strange: Why a pickle? They could have chosen anything! A candy cane or star — but a pickle?
- Strangeness rating: 5/10.
Weird but fun! Searching for a pickle adds extra excitement to the holiday season.
Ukraine – Spiderweb Decorations
What’s the spookiest thing you can think of at Christmas? Spiders? Well, Ukraine thinks spiders are just fine when decorating your Christmas tree.
That’s right. In this unusual Christmas tradition (by the way, it’s not something you come across often, and the further we go, the more it fades into the past), families decorate their trees with spiderwebs! But don’t freak out. It’s all based on a legend. According to the story, a poor family couldn’t afford decorations, but their tree was covered in beautiful sparkling spiderwebs when they woke up on Christmas morning. So, spiderwebs became a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone decorates their Christmas trees with spiderwebs. No, of course not! But sometimes, you can find people creating their spiderweb designs and adorning their trees with them. Kind of creepy, but kind of charming, too!
- Who it suits: Nature lovers, fans of spooky tales, and anyone looking to add a bit of mystery to their holiday decor.
- Why it’s strange: Spiderwebs on your Christmas tree? That’s one of many weird Christmas traditions we heard today. But what an unusual choice for a holiday decoration.
- Strangeness rating: 9/10.
Spiderwebs add a touch of spooky to Christmas. Can’t say that’s very common!
Guatemala – La Quema del Diablo
Ready for some fire? Because Guatemala is here to bring the heat to your Christmas celebrations. Meet “La Quema del Diablo” or “The Burning of the Devil.” No, this is not some Halloween re-run — it’s one of those funny Christmas traditions that involve gathering effigies of the devil and lighting them on fire in huge bonfires.
The idea is that you burn away the bad vibes and evil spirits lingering before Christmas. Talk about a fiery way to start the holiday season! Imagine roasting marshmallows while watching the devil burn — talk about an intense Christmas Eve.
- Who it suits: People who love bonfires, fiery traditions, and a bit of drama to start the holiday season.
- Why it’s strange: Burning the devil? That’s some intense holiday spirit! Most people are still recovering from Thanksgiving by then.
- Strangeness rating: 10/10.
Burning effigies to rid your home of evil? It’s not your average activity and one of the weirdest Christmas traditions we could find.
The Netherlands – Shoes by the Fire
The tradition of hanging stockings for mom, dad, and yourself, including your cat and dog, is well known to everyone. It’s become a normal part of Christmas, and no one wonders where it came from anymore. But in the Netherlands, that doesn’t matter. Instead of stockings, they hang shoes! Children leave their shoes beside the fireplace and wait for Sinterklaas. Of course, you can’t fit a big gift in there, but small presents and sweets — no problem.
Of course, if you’re a slob, rude, or don’t listen to your elders, dear children (and possibly adults), you won’t find anything good in your shoes. You’ll find coal! So, if you’re ever in the Netherlands, make sure your shoes are sparkling clean — or at least they better smell nice — because Sinterklaas doesn’t take any excuses.
- Who it suits: Kids who love the excitement of waking up to small surprises in their shoes.
- Why it’s strange: You’ve heard of stockings, but shoes? It’s a new way of saying, “Hey, Santa, don’t forget me!”
- Strangeness rating: 7/10.
It’s not your usual holiday footwear situation, but it’s cute and unique!
Catalonia – Pooping Log
Alright, get ready to laugh. Spain has another funny Christmas tradition that you are going to giggle at. It’s called “Caga Tio,” the “Pooping Log.” Yes, you read that right. In Catalonia, families have this wooden log (sometimes with a painted face) that, after feeding it with treats — starts whacking it with sticks while singing some traditional song. And voila! The log “poops” out candies and small gifts. Well, yes, pooping logs! This is one of the weirdest Christmas traditions around the world that you’ll ever come across.
- Who it suits: Anyone with a sense of humor, families who enjoy interactive traditions, and people who think poop jokes are hilarious.
- Why it’s strange: A log that poops candy? Who thought this up?
- Strangeness rating: 10/10.
It’s hard to top a pooping log in terms of weirdness!
Wales – Mari Lwyd
Finally, Wales has its spooky twist on Christmas: Mari Lwyd. In this unique tradition, a person dresses up as a ghostly horse with a skull and goes door-to-door, challenging people to rhyming battles. The goal? If the group wins the battle, they’re invited inside for food and drink. It’s like a spooky rap battle — with horse skulls and more Christmas cheer!
This tradition dates back centuries and, while not as common today, still pops up in rural parts of Wales. It’s one of the peculiar Christmas customs that amalgamate mystery, fun, and a pinch of uncanny charm. So, if you’re in Wales, watch for the Mari Lwyd — it’s one of the strangest Christmas traditions you’ll ever see!
- Who it suits: People who love rhyming, spooky vibes, and festive competition.
- Why it’s strange: Ghostly horse skulls singing Christmas rhymes? That’s truly unique!
- Strangeness rating: 9/10.
It’s a Christmas battle you can’t ignore!
Conclusion
So there you have it, 10 somewhat weird Christmas traditions around the world. From Krampus to the pooping log, these insane Christmas customs are not run-of-the-mill holiday traditions. But hey, that’s what makes Christmas so fun, right? It’s all about celebrating in some strange, wild way or another. Whether surfing Santas in Australia or burning the devil in Guatemala, these unique Christmas traditions make the holiday season magical (and occasionally a little scary).
Which one of these traditions are you going to try this year? Maybe a Krampus costume or a little pickle hunting? Who knows — the holiday season is full of surprises.
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