5 Amazing Christmas celebrations around the world

5 Amazing Christmas celebrations around the world

Christmas is Coming…

Christmas is the time of the year, when the world is a lot merrier, and even the winter breeze has its own charm. Though its snowy in many parts of the world, Christmas celebrations spread their warmth all around. More so, it is the time, when kids are filled with ecstasy (after all, it’s the time to get a rotten potato or a gift) and the elders are engrossed with the festivities and rituals.

Since, Christmas is celebrated worldwide, there are many traditional folklores and some unique yet funny traditions. There are ample variations and interesting stories with these customs. Let’s have some fun reading the ones, I rejoiced.

Did you know that “Santa Claus”, is not a Christmas character all around the world?

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5 Unique Christmas Traditions around the world :

1. Iceland :

This, one of the coldest country in the world, famous for its Northern Lights(Aurora Borealis), has the tale of 13 Yule Lads. Christmas is often known as “Yule” in Iceland. And these 13 Yule lads are quite opposite to the Santa’s portrayal. It is assumed that these Yule lads live in the snowy mountain lands with their troll parents and a big black cat, referred as a Christmas Cat. Their nasty mother and the Cat loves to eat naughty kids. Errr…. But that cat eats away only those who didn’t get any new piece of clothes before Christmas.

Well, that’s a perfect way to get something new on festivities “mandatorily”, so that you’re not eaten by the black cat. Quite hilarious!

But, over the recent years, these bloodthirsty mischievous lads have turned somewhat compassionate. Now they are more into tricking people. The first Yule lad arrives on 12th December and the last Yule on 23rd December. Along with playing funny tricks, these lads have got the role of giving gifts to children [as well]. After 24th Dec, Yule lads return back to their highlands one by one.

So, In Iceland, Children put their shoes on the windowsill, and they get gifts from each of the 13 lads when they visit their towns. But, only the good children. The naughty ones might receive a rotten potato, lol!

13 Yule Lads with their mother and Father : Courtesy : Island.is

2. France :The Pooping Log of Catalan region :

Well, one of the cutest tradition of Christmas is writing our secret letters to Santa, right? And how about if you get a response back from Santa? Well, here all children who have written a letter to Père Noël, receive a postcard back, exchanging the greetings! Isn’t it adorable?

Also, the Catalan region of France has quite a bizarre tradition of Pooping Log, Caga Tió . Its a small log and kids decorate it with a smiley face, red Catalan hat. They take care of this Poo log, ensuring that it is warm enough in the blanket and is fed with Turron everyday. It is assumed that the desserts on Christmas Eve are the courtesy of Caga Tió. After the Christmas dinner, kids are given the stick, with which they hit this poo log, singing a special Caga Tió song and it in turns poops out lots of sweets, desserts for kids. So, it is similar to receiving gifts from Santa:)

Such a fantasy it is for kids!

Have a look at this funny tradition here :

3. Austria :

In the folklores around central Europe, “Krampus” is the characteristic figure, described as half goat and half demon. In Austria, it is believed that St Nicholas is accompanied by the Krampus. Krampus, who is one of the most creepy characters, with fangs, long tongue, horns,  is assumed to punish children who have misbehaved. While Saint Nicholas is assumed to reward good children. This happens on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day,  few days before Christmas, on 5th December.

Krampus Parade is also quite famous there.

Sounds one of the most blood-curdling parade, isn’t it?

Christmas is coming, one of the festival celebrated across the world. But the stories around the world are quite gripping and fun. Its not the loving Santa Claus Always. Read 5 most funny and unique Christmas traditions around the world. #christmas #christmasiscoming #christmastraditions #canada #santaclaus #folklores #stories #mummering #Krampus #Austria

4. Canadian Mummers :

Though, Canadians also say that Canada is the country of Santa Claus (And so does Finland natives say), but the Santa Claus parade of Toronto, is the most famous and largest parade. It is estimated that more than 2000 people participate in this yearly parade on Christmas, gaining lots of Media attention.

Beyond this parade, Mummering is one of the old tradition, more famous in small towns and Newfoundland.

12 days, starting from 26th December, mummers wear masks, humps, various costumes and disguise their original identity. A group of mummers visit various homes in their community, knocking. If they are welcomed into a house, the group of mummers then dance, play music, crack jokes mischievously . But the most challenging part is for the hosts to identify the mummers before offering them foods and drinks.

It is said that if the hosts are unable to identify, they need to disguise themselves and be the part of mummers group and set off for next home.

Doesn’t that sounds quite a fun? Atleast, I wanted to be a mummer.

Christmas is coming, one of the festival celebrated across the world. But the stories around the world are quite gripping and fun. Its not the loving Santa Claus Always. Read 5 most funny and unique Christmas traditions around the world. #christmas #christmasiscoming #christmastraditions #canada #santaclaus #folklores #stories #mummering
Courtesy : Flickr

5. Christmas Yule Land : Finland

Well, like most of us, we too believe that Finland is the home of Santa Claus. It is assumed that Santa lives in Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle. Lapland has an address which received letters from all over the world for Santa Claus. There is also a Theme park in that ares, called Christmas Land.

But the most interesting part of Finland’s celebration is the Yule and Christmas Goat. The tales cites that once there was a scary yule goat who always asked for presents from people and never ever gave them any gift back. Yule goat is a part of celebrations in Sweden, Finland and Norway. Yule goat is made up of straw and has red ribbons. With time, the Yule goat started giving gifts and later this responsibility was taken over by “Joulupukki”, the Christmas Goat, and at times Santa is referred as Joulupukki.

 While in Sweden, Galve Goat [A huge straw goat] is created. It is more than 40ft tall. Once built, people wait to see, whether the goat will make it till Christmas or not. As over the years, vandals have often targeted the huge straw goat by trying to burn it down. Locals try to protect the goat via various measure, but  for most of the years it has got burnt completely.

Christmas is coming, one of the festival celebrated across the world. But the stories around the world are quite gripping and fun. Its not the loving Santa Claus Always. Read 5 most funny and unique Christmas traditions around the world. #christmas #christmasiscoming #christmastraditions #canada #santaclaus #folklores #stories #mummering #yulelads #iceland #sweden #finland #galvegoat
Courtesy : Flickr

It’s one of the most talked about tradition and people visit to see the Yule Celebrations and attempt to see whether Yule goat survives or not.

How did you find these traditions? Were you startled by some of these cultures?

Let’s start rejoicing,

Merry Christmas!

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Jhilmil

Quest to live the life surrounded with the charming little bundle's of joy. When they speak, I sing, When they smile, I rejoice , When they hug, I hold them never to lose, Such is my passion for these Gifts of God.This love urged me to navigate separately from my Travel Blog & establish an "All-In-One" Blog for budding mothers. Mum's have multi-tasked this world ,with all her professional commitments , she still makes an extra effort to be a loving, caring and be an intellectual mommy! Cheers, for me too come from the same fraternity, post having a superb academics & close to 8 years of professional experience and blessed with a little one "who has indeed changed my life from Autumn to Spring";)

This Post Has 36 Comments

  1. Sajid Akhter

    Hi Jhilmil,

    I am glad to know about these different ways to celebrate Christmas. It is so interesting and fascinating to know about different countries and their unique culture and customs.

    Thanks for sharing, have a good day.

  2. Manasi

    Wow, I didn’t know about any of this! Loved every bit of the article. A very interesting piece I just say! Thanks for sharing.

  3. Amrita

    This was a fun post. I have never heard these stories but the Yule lad one was fascinating.Will be telling my daughter about these.

  4. Amrita

    This was a fun post. I have never heard these stories but the Yule lad one was really fascinating.Will be telling my daughter about these.

  5. Deborah Miranda

    Wow.. i loved the mummers tradition the best..a great way to have fun within the community and get to know your neighbours.

  6. Wonderful traditions. So many people in the world with so many different ways to celebrate Christmas. Happy to know about them. Thanks for sharing… 🙂

  7. Anita

    Canadian mummers are a riot. But really I had no idea about these stories about Christmas. The Yule lads are a tad scary.

    1. Jhilmil

      Yeah, they are really nasty and scary;)

  8. Siddhi

    Thank you for choosing to write Abt these traditions. I love the feel of Xmas n always wonder how it is celebrated worldwide these traditions are heartwarming.

  9. Ritu Kalra

    Waaoo..its so nice to read such wonderful stories around the world regarding Christmas..never heard of them before..thanx for this..

  10. Akanksha

    These are very unique traditions indeed. Mummers one sounds fun but some can be really scary for kids specially when parents tell stories about these traditions to their kids. I don’t know what image would kids carry in their mind. Christmas is all good and festive here in England. Kids are excited for holidays and they open a door of advent calendar each day to get a treat.

    1. Jhilmil

      True, I tried telling the story of Yule Lads to my son but completely in a fun way, rather than the real terror. It would have been so much fun opening the door to get a treat daily!

  11. Nisha

    My sister lives in Canada and she always makes sure to witness the parade even though it means that she flies many hours to reach Toronto. But she never misses it. Holiday season at its best. I too wish to attend any of these special celebrations some time soon. Great compilation.

  12. Bushra

    Love reading so many interesting Christmas traditions around the globe, the one in Iceland where black cats eats up kids who don’t buy new clothes sounds funny

  13. Charu Chittwal

    It was so damn fun to read this blog, Loved the Austria one the most, I am definitely sharing this blog ahead, thank you for putting this amazing post out

  14. Rohini James

    Christmas traditions and celebrations are so different in every country it always amazes me. A lovely read for the season.

  15. Deepa

    This is such a fun post. I didn’t know about all these ways different countries celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas to you too.

  16. Pooja Budhiraja

    The season of celebration and joy is in every corner . I love this season of Christmas and new year and how it is celebrated

  17. Malik

    This is the beauty of Christmas. The Whole world welcomes it with open arms. One may be in any country he would feel the same warmth of Christmas. Great compilation.

  18. Yachika Jain

    I had no idea about such different Christmas celebration. They have such interesting and amazing tradition. Also, merry Christmas.

  19. Hema

    Thanks for this beautiful write up. It’s truly nice to see how folks across the globe enjoy this amazing festival. Totally enjoyed reading it.

  20. Noor Anand Chawla

    What a lovely Christmas post this is! Each tradition is unique and seems such fun. I especially would love to be part of the Canadian parade. Thanks for sharing!

  21. Akriti

    The krampus in Austria freaked me out.But I rather like the Yule lad story.A very interesting story collection. Who could have guessed!

  22. Roshni Parate

    I really love Christmas season and loved to read the Austria part most, but actually it was really nice to read all of them. Thanks for this post.

  23. Gurjeet Chhabra

    This is really a great post. Come to know about so many places and tradition how they celebrate Christmas. scary one is of Austria even my cousin lives their but never told about it.

  24. Shubhada Bhide

    Those are some awesome places to visit this Holidays. I’ d really love to visit Iceland and France someday. I’m just waiting for the right time. lOl!

  25. Shubhada Bhide

    Wow! France is definitely on my bucket lists. and each places has a difference Christmas traditions around the world.

  26. Shubhada Bhide

    I really love to know each places Christmas traditions. and its really nice to experience it with myself. Have a Merrily Christmas Day to your family.

  27. Diya

    I didn’t know all these places celebrate Christmas like this. This is really fun way to celebrate. I am showing it to my daughter how it us celebrated worldwide.

  28. Ekta

    Hey very well curated list. Thank you so much for sharing such an unique information. I didn’t know about any of this actually. Love the piece. Very well detailed.

  29. Snigdha Prusti

    This is really fun reading about these numerous Christmas celebration tradition around the globe.. I have heard a lot about Toronto’s Christmas parade and really curious to attain once..

  30. These are such wonderful traditions. I am sure why people are in such a holiday mood that all because of such fun traditions everywhere.

  31. Jiya

    Honestly was not aware of so many ways of celebrating Christmas. I just loved reading this post and shown it to my daughter. she was so excited and went and told to her neighborhood friends. that she know so much on ways of celebrating Christmas.

  32. Div80ya

    Thank you for sharing best story with us .. I will share this story with my monkeys .. wonderful story

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