5 Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World

Ordinarily, Santa miraculously flies through the air with a herd of reindeer guided by one with a special bright red nose.  He showers well-behaved children with toys while shouting “ho ho ho” on his merry way.

Although this is typically the American version of the international holiday, other countries have their own unique way of spreading holiday cheer. Some ditch the reindeer for a Santa companion and others prefer to believe a bit of good luck will be headed their way.  Regardless of belief, in the following five destinations Christmas is a holiday in which extraordinary traditions rarely go unnoticed.

Iceland: 13 Yule Lads

Whoever said the more the merrier had definitely celebrated Christmas the Icelandic way.  That’s because here, 13 Yule Lads come to town 13 days before the holiday to put special gifts inside the shoes of good little boys and girls. 

Although the Yulemen were once believed to be evil beings in nature, who were determined to punish children unmercifully, they have evolved into more jolly figures over the years.  But when children have misbehaved, instead of receiving a present they have wished all year, they are more likely to be rewarded with a rotten treat in their shoes when these gift-giving lads come to town.

Italy: Befana

Witches not only make a special appearance during Halloween, they also show up to oddly spread good cheer in Italy. During Epiphany, which could be deemed as the Italian version of Christmas, the old witch named Befana rides her broomstick carrying a hamper full of goodies to place in the socks of kids on Jan. 5 (Epiphany Eve).

Traditionally covered in soot — perhaps because of the many chimneys she descends — Befana is repaid for her kindness in true Italian fashion by leaving out a glass of wine and delicious food.

Czech Republic: Golden Pig

Fasting during the holidays may seem a bit absurd, especially since Christmas is traditionally celebrated with a huge feast, but in the Czech Republic some choose to hold off on being a glutton in hopes the “golden pig” will arrive.

If it does make a special appearance on the wall right before dinner, then celebrators are expected to have a prosperous year ahead.

Netherlands: Zwarte Piet

Rudolf may be considered Santa’s sidekick, but in the Netherlands the reindeer has some strong competition.  His name is Zwarte Piet who is known as a black-faced figure that accompanies Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) when he makes his yearly visit. 

According to legend, it is Zware Piet who checks the list to see which child is naughty or nice and he also climbs down the chimney to place gifts in kids’ shoes left by the fireplace every Dec. 5; and takes bad children back to his home in Spain. As part of the holiday festivities he sails to a specific Dutch harbor on St. Nicholas Day with Sinterklaas, who then leads a festive parade through the town. 

Ukraine: Spider Web

If you want to add a bit of Ukrainian folklore to your Christmas celebrations then you might be inclined to decorate your tree with a spider web. This is because it is believed that a web once brought joy to the home of a poor family who had a Christmas tree but had no means to decorate it.  However, the family was awakened to a Christmas miracle when they noticed the tree was covered with a spider web. 

When it was lit it became beautifully illuminated in silver and gold, which has transpired in the tradition that exists today. Amid the decorations a fake spider web is commonly placed on the tree to guarantee good luck.