How People Celebrate Christmas Around the World - How People Celebrate Christmas Around the World
Christmas traditions vary wildly around the world, from festive meals to quirky folklore. Some countries stretch celebrations for months, while others mark the season with unusual rituals. These customs often blend ancient beliefs with modern twists, making the holiday unique in every culture.
In Italy, children await gifts from La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who delivers sweets to good children and lumps of coal to the naughty ones. Meanwhile, Norway has a different approach to witches—families hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to stop them from flying in and stirring up trouble.
The Philippines takes the longest to celebrate, with festivities running from September to January. Over in Poland, families set an extra place at the Christmas table, honouring both deceased relatives and unexpected visitors. Germany’s northern Bavaria welcomes the *Specht*, a straw figure wielding a scythe, to chase away evil spirits on Christmas Eve. Catalonia’s nativity scenes include the *Caganer*, a figure caught in the act of defecating, believed to bring fertility and good fortune. Iceland’s *Jólakötturinn*, a giant Christmas cat, lurks in folklore, ready to devour anyone too lazy to work. Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, sees residents roller-skating to church during the holiday season. Japan, however, has one of the most unexpected traditions—thanks to a 1970s KFC marketing push, millions now feast on fried chicken and strawberry-topped Christmas cakes every year. Pre-orders for KFC’s festive buckets are so popular that nearly 3.6 million families place them annually.
From witch folklore to fast-food feasts, these traditions show how Christmas is celebrated in wildly different ways. Some honour the past, while others embrace modern quirks. Each custom reflects a culture’s values, history, and sense of fun during the holiday season.
