For most of us, Christmas is all about having a beautifully decorated Christmas tree under which we gather to get our Christmas gifts. It's also the time for family celebrations over a grand dinner. However, your host country may have some unusual Christmas traditions that can surprise you.
In Portugal, leave the dishes on the table
If you like to party but hate doing the dishes, this one is for you! In Portugal, you can enjoy Christmas Eve as much as you want without worrying about the dishes. According to the local tradition, Portuguese families do not clear tables after Christmas dinner, in case their deceased relatives feel hungry during the night. It brings good luck. They even add a couple of extra chairs at the dining table, just to make sure there's enough room for everyone. We hope you won't feel uncomfortable with this.
The Japanese have KFC for dinner
You are probably wondering what you should cook on Christmas Eve, especially if you're expecting guests. The Japanese have found a trick! Thanks to KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), cooking Christmas dinner is no longer an issue for them. So don't be surprised to see overcrowded KFC outlets on Christmas Eve. Some families prefer to order KFC and have it delivered to their doorstep. However, due to high demand, it's better to order in advance.
Norwegians hide their brooms for Christmas
According to a Norwegian belief, evil spirits and witches are out on Christmas night. And we all know that witches need a broom to fly. So on December 24th, you won't see anyone cleaning the house. No one wants to find broken brooms under a tree on Christmas Day. Norwegians hide not only their brooms but also their cleaning products. Don't forget to hide yours too.
Venezuelians go to church on rollerblades
Have you ever imagined wearing your best dress or suit and go to the church on rollerblades? This might sound crazy in your home country, but it's a Christmas tradition in Venezuela. During the week before Christmas, many streets in Caracas, the capital, are closed until 8 a.m. so that worshipers can rollerblade safely to church for the 'Misa de Aguinaldo'.
Austria: watch out for demons
You've probably heard of Gruzzlebeard who terrorises children as from early December. If you've moved to Austria with young children, make sure you don't come across Krampus, Gruzzlebeard's Austrian counterpart. According to legend, the role of this demonic creature is to punish children who have been nasty before Christmas. Men dressed in devil costumes, carrying chains, small bells on their belts, and a basket roam the streets looking for children. Parents will mention Krampus to keep their children from going outside.
Caga tio in Catalonia, Spain
Caga tio is a truly weird Christmas tradition in Catalonia, Spain. Catalonians are used to create a character from a log on which they draw a face and put on a red hat. For fifteen days before Christmas, they feed the log with fruits, nuts and candies. On Christmas Eve, family members gather around the log to hit with a stick while singing a song, hoping it will poop candies. Cribs are also decorated with small ceramic pooping figurines.
Denmark: Nisse, the gnome
Have you ever heard of Nisse the gnome? This folk tale creature has a special place in the Nordic culture. In Denmark, as in Norway and Sweden, Nisse replaces Santa Claus, except that there are many Nisse. On Christmas Eve, Danish families prepare sweet rice porridge for him, hoping this will bring good fortune for the following year. Otherwise, Nisse could play some nasty tricks on them for a whole year.
Czech Republic: throw a shoe over your shoulder
If you are a single expat woman living the Czech Republic and are looking for your soul mate, this one is for you. There's a belief in this country that says if an unmarried woman stands with her back to the door and throws a shoe over her shoulder on Christmas Eve, she will know whether she'll be getting married soon. If the shoe lands with the toe facing the door, it means she will get married within a year. If the heel faces the door, she will have to wait until next Christmas to try again.
South Africa: fancy fried caterpillars for dinner?
For many of us, Christmas dinner is all about meat or a roast turkey followed by a mince pie. How about a nice plate of fried caterpillars? Surprised? But this is a Christmas tradition for real in South Africa. However, we're not talking about the caterpillars you usually find in your garden. The Pine Emperor moth, also known as the "Christmas caterpillar", is appreciated for its festive colours, especially by children. Besides, eating caterpillars for Christmas brings good luck, according to South African.
Surf and barbecue in Australia
If for you Christmas comes along with snow, cold and a nice family dinner followed by coffee or hot chocolate by the fireplace, forget about all this in Australia. With the warm temperatures, almost everyone celebrated Christmas in their swimsuits with a barbecue at the beach. Surfers traditionally wear their Christmas hats. Another Aussie tradition is to eat shrimp for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Aussies invade the seafood markets very early to stock up on fresh shrimp.
