From colorful lights hugging tall Christmas trees of every home to the heartwarming voices of children caroling on the streets, the world is filled with unique and fascinating traditions during the holiday season. While the core spirit of Christmas remains universal, the ways people celebrate vary widely, reflecting their cultural heritage and creativity.
Philippines
Renowned for having deeply-rooted Christian traditions, Christmas stands out as the most celebrated occasion and special holiday in the Philippines. Having the world’s longest Christmas season, the Philippines begins to turn on the Christmas lights and volume up the holiday music as early as September and extends until January. One notable Filipino Christmas tradition is Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses held from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24. Attending all nine masses is believed to grant special blessings or fulfill a wish. These masses are accompanied by the aroma of local delicacies sold outside churches, such as bibingka (rice cake) and puto bumbong (purple sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes).
Japan
Christmas may not be a national holiday in Japan, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a special holiday among the Japanese. Instead of the traditional turkey dinner, many families celebrate it in a unique and delicious way by heading to Kentucky Fried Chicken. Back in the year 1974, the tradition originated in a marketing campaign called “Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii!” which translates to “Kentucky for Christmas!” It was a hit, and decades later, the fast-food chain remains a holiday go-to favorite food place, with some customers placing orders months in advance or braving two-hour lines to get their festive “finger-lickin’ good” fried chicken.
Norway
One of Norway’s unique Christmas Eve traditions rooted in centuries-old folklore. Norwegians hide all the brooms in the house – a practice that carries a deep cultural significance, tied to the belief that Christmas Eve is not only a holy night but also one when the boundary between the natural and supernatural worlds becomes especially thin. According to Norwegian legends, witches and mischievous spirits are particularly active on this night, roaming the skies in search of opportunities for mischief. In these tales, witches often rely on brooms as their primary mode of transportation. By hiding their brooms, Norwegian families symbolically deprive these supernatural beings of the means to carry out their antics.
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, unmarried women take part in a delightful—and slightly quirky—Christmas tradition to have a glimpse of their romantic futures. On Christmas Day, young women stand with their backs to the front door of their homes and toss a shoe over their shoulder. If the shoe lands with its toe pointing toward the door, it’s believed that wedding bells might be ringing soon. However, if the heel points to the door, it’s thought they’ll remain single for another year. The lighthearted custom has grown into a festive highlight, with families gathering to cheer on the toss and share in the excitement of the outcome. Whether the shoe predicts romance or patience, the moment is often accompanied by laughter, good-natured teasing, and perhaps a glass of hot mulled wine for the adults. Over time, this quirky tradition has become less about fate and more about creating joyful holiday memories with loved ones.
Iceland
One of the coziest Christmas traditions in the world is Iceland’s Jólabókaflóð, or the “Christmas Book Flood.” This heartwarming practice dates back to World War II when paper was one of the few materials not rationed. On Christmas Eve, families exchange books and spend the evening reading together, often sipping hot chocolate and enjoying traditional treats. The tradition begins in November with the arrival of the Bókatíðindi, a catalog showcasing new publications, which is delivered to every household. This catalog allows families to carefully select books for each member, making books the most treasured Christmas gift in Iceland. With one of the highest literacy rates in the world, Iceland has earned its reputation as a nation that cherishes the written word, and Jólabókaflóð is a celebration of this deep love for reading.
Finland
In Finland, the sauna is far more than just a place to relax; it is a sacred space deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions. Many Finnish homes feature their own sauna, a custom that dates back centuries. During Christmas, the sauna takes on an especially profound role, becoming a symbolic bridge between the living and the spirits of long-departed ancestors. On Christmas Eve, it is customary for Finnish families to gather in the sauna, where they strip down and spend time in quiet contemplation. The sauna is considered a place of purification and renewal, not just for the body but for the soul.
Austria
In Austria, the Christmas season brings with it a unique and spine-chilling tradition that contrasts sharply with the jolly, gift-giving image of Santa Claus. While children in many parts of the world eagerly await the arrival of St. Nicholas, Austrian children are warned to mind their behavior, or else they may find themselves on the receiving end of a visit from Krampus—a fearsome, horned creature who serves as St. Nicholas’ dark counterpart. Krampus is not merely a mischievous figure but a terrifying one, often depicted with twisted horns, a long, pointed tongue, and a shaggy, fearsome appearance. According to Alpine folklore, Krampus is tasked with punishing those children who have misbehaved, in stark contrast to St. Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts. While St. Nicholas brings sweets and treats, Krampus brings punishment, ranging from a frightening scolding to the threat of being kidnapped or whisked away in a sack.
