Christmas is indeed one of the magical periods observed in countless ways globally, with each culture trying to provide its unique touch to festive seasons. Every nation, from feasts to folklore, holds unique customs, making it an even more memorable time. Want to introduce some new traditions to your celebration or simply get the scoop on some cultures from around the world? Read some of the most interesting, bizarre, and just plain fun Christmas traditions around the globe. And now, let’s peel away how Christmas traditions warm up and bring joy to every corner of the world. The unique celebration of Christmas in Bournemouth takes on a seaside charm amidst festive cheer!
1. Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads: A Playful Twist on Santa Claus
In Iceland, Santa Claus isn’t alone! Instead, children await visits from the “Yule Lads,” 13 mischievous characters who come down from the mountains during the 13 days before Christmas. Children leave shoes by their windows each night, and the Yule Lads leave small gifts or treats for the well-behaved—or a potato for those on the naughty list! This fun tradition keeps the excitement building up until Christmas Day, making every night unique for kids in Iceland.
Tips to Try
- Embrace this Icelandic tradition by creating small “stocking stuffer” gifts for 12 days before Christmas Eve.
- For a twist, each night’s gift could be themed, like a small snack or a Christmas ornament.
2. Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines
Christmas is an exaggeration in the Philippines when it comes to its fiestas. However, there is the “Giant Lantern Festival,” where San Fernando city people compete to create dazzling lanterns that shoot up to 20 feet in diameter with magnificent designs and thousands of vibrant lights. Such a mind-blowing festival provides a sense of pride amongst Filipinos and encourages tourism from across the world.
Tips to Try
- Host a mini lantern-making session with family or friends using paper, lights, and craft supplies.
- Display the lanterns in your home or yard to bring a bit of Filipino flair to your Christmas decor.
3. “Christmas in Bournemouth” by the Sea
Christmas by the Sea has its charm, a beautiful example of Christmas in Bournemouth. Bournemouth can light up the festive lights, an enchanting Christmas market, and the Alpine-inspired “Christmas Tree Wonderland” with high trees and beautiful lights. Locals and visitors can make merry skating, mulled wine, and festive treats by the seaside in this magical destination.
Tips to Try
- Take a page from Bournemouth’s book by creating a seaside-inspired Christmas decor at home with shells, sandy hues, and nautical ornaments.
- Host a cosy “Christmas Wonderland” night with hot cocoa, fairy lights, and classic holiday music to capture that wintery Bournemouth feel.
4. The Christmas Witch “La Befana” in Italy
Children look forward to the time of “La Befana,” the good witch who, on January 6th, Epiphany, drops gifts at every good child’s house. According to a legend, she comes and flies over the fields of the countryside on a broomstick to reach each house of all those good children, leaving some candies or small trinkets for them but taking away coals from those naughty ones. This delightful custom is a beautiful way to extend the holiday spirit into the New Year.
Tips to Try
- Tell the story of La Befana on Christmas Eve, adding an element of Italian folklore to your celebration.
- Create a small treat basket that “La Befana” could leave for family members to find in the morning.
5. Mexico’s “Las Posadas” Processions
Christmas in Mexico starts with “Las Posadas,” a nine-night drama that restages Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. The play proceeds from door to door, singing Christmas carols so that they can gain access to a house, with an evening climax of feasting and celebration. This tradition brings the community together and celebrates the deeper meaning of Christmas.
Tips to Try
- Host a mini “Las Posadas” with your friends or family, gathering together for a night of carolling and sharing a meal.
- Incorporate Mexican treats like tamales or hot chocolate to complete the experience.
6. Ukraine’s Spider Web Christmas Decorations
In Ukraine, spider webs are considered a good luck decoration for holidays. This is because of a legend about a poor widow who could not afford Christmas decorations. She woke on Christmas morning to find her tree covered in sparkling spider webs. Today, Ukrainians decorate their trees with tinsel or artificial spider webs to pay homage to this folk tale.
Tips to Try
- Use silver tinsel or DIY spider web ornaments to add a Ukrainian touch to your Christmas tree.
- Share the story with family and friends, adding a new layer of meaning to your holiday decor.
7. Norway’s Broom-Hiding Tradition
Another peculiar Norwegian tradition is hiding brooms on Christmas Eve so evil spirits and witches cannot fly over their homes. This has been done for centuries, and families continue to follow it as part of their Christmas Eve traditions. Hiding the brooms adds a fun and mysterious touch to the holiday night.
Tips to Try
- Try your own “hide the broom” game on Christmas Eve, adding a bit of mystery for family members to uncover.
- For kids, turn it into a mini scavenger hunt with small prizes for finding hidden “Christmas brooms.”
Conclusion:
Learning about these unique Christmas traditions worldwide reminds us of the universal joy and warmth this season brings. Whether it’s welcoming Iceland’s Yule Lads, indulging in Japan’s festive KFC meal, or enjoying Christmas in Bournemouth by the sea, each custom offers a way to make the holiday season memorable. By adopting one or two new traditions, you can add a fresh spark to your celebrations and embrace the diversity of holiday joy that spans the globe.
