10 Unique Holiday Traditions From Around The World

11/23/22 by Zack Saadioui

'Tis the season for giving, spending time with family, and eating lots of good food. But what about the unique holiday traditions that different countries around the world celebrate? Here are 10 interesting holiday traditions from around the globe that you may not be familiar with.

Japan - KFC Christmas

KFC Christmas is a popular tradition in Japan. Every year on Christmas Eve, families gather at KFC restaurants to enjoy a special holiday meal. The meal typically consists of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. This tradition started in the 1970s and has become a cherished part of Japanese culture.

Italy - Nativity Scenes

One of Italy's most unique holiday traditions is the Nativity scene. Nativity scenes are a common Christmas decoration in many parts of the world, but Italian Nativity scenes are particularly special. They often include a large number of figures, and are often very ornate. Italian Nativity scenes are typically made by hand, and can be found in homes, churches, and public squares all over the country.

Venezuela - Roller Skating to Mass

In Venezuela, it is a tradition to roller skate to mass on Christmas Eve. This is a fun way to get the family together and spend time skating around the neighborhood. It is also a great way to get some exercise in during the holiday season.

Czech Republic - Eating Carp

In the Czech Republic, it is traditional to eat carp on Christmas Eve. The carp is usually cooked in garlic and served with potato salad. Sometimes, the carp is fried and served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Norway - Giving Books

Norway has a unique holiday tradition of giving books. This tradition began in 1991 when a Norwegian book club decided to give books as Christmas gifts. The tradition has since grown and become very popular. Norwegian children often receive a book on Christmas Eve, which they then read before going to bed.

Iceland - Yule Cat

The Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn, is a giant, monstrous cat said to prowl the Icelandic countryside during the Christmas season, searching for children who have not received new clothes to wear for the holidays. According to legend, those who are caught by the Yule Cat are either eaten or turned into stone. The Yule Cat is thought to be a personification of the harsh winter conditions that Iceland is known for.

Argentina - Crab Dinner

In Argentina, it is tradition to have a crab dinner on Christmas Eve. This meal is typically a family affair, with everyone gathering around the table to enjoy the feast. The crabs are cooked in a variety of ways, depending on the family's preference, but they are always served with a side of rice. This tradition is said to date back to the early days of Argentine settlement, when the first settlers would catch crabs from the nearby river to eat on Christmas Eve. Today, crab is still a popular seafood in Argentina, and Christmas Eve is still a time for families to come together and enjoy a delicious meal.

Germany - Pickle in the Tree

One of the most unique holiday traditions in Germany is the pickle in the tree. This tradition is said to have started with a man named Martin Luther. Luther was decorating a Christmas tree for his children and wanted to find a way to make the tree more special. He came up with the idea of hiding a pickle in the tree. The first child to find the pickle would get an extra present. This tradition has continued and is now a popular way to add excitement to Christmas for children. If you are in Germany during the holidays, be sure to keep an eye out for the pickle in the tree!

Philippines - Noche Buena

Noche Buena, or "Good Night" in Spanish, is a popular holiday tradition in the Philippines. Families gather together on Christmas Eve to feast on a variety of traditional foods, such as lechon (roasted pig), ham, queso de bola (edam cheese), and bibingka (rice cake). The night ends with a midnight Mass, followed by more feasting and gift-giving.

Holland - Wooden Shoes

Holland is a country located in Western Europe, and it is well known for its windmills, tulips, and wooden shoes. Wooden shoes, or clogs, have been worn by the Dutch for centuries, and they were originally designed for farmers and laborers. Today, wooden shoes are still worn by some Dutch people, and they are also a popular souvenir for visitors to the Netherlands.

Conclusion

From eating fried grasshoppers in Mexico to gift giving on St. Nicholas Day in Germany, there are a variety of unique holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Whether it's decorating a Christmas tree with spider webs in Ukraine or hiding a coin in a New Year's cake in Greece, these traditions add an extra bit of fun and excitement to the holiday season. So, next time you're feeling festive, why not try out one of these unique holiday traditions from another culture?