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10 Fun Christmas Traditions from Around the World You Can Use This Year

As we prepare for the festive season, many of us look for ways to make Christmas celebrations even more exciting and meaningful. One wonderful way to do this is by incorporating traditions from around the world into your own celebrations. Here are ten festive customs that can add a little extra cheer to your Yuletide festivities this year.

1. Las Posadas (Mexico)

In Mexico, Las Posadas is an immersive nine-day event leading up to Christmas that celebrates Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Each night, families gather to reenact the search for shelter, visiting different homes in their neighbourhood. Participants sing carols and, at the final stop, are welcomed in for food and fun. You can adapt this tradition by hosting your own version, inviting family and friends to take part in a fun journey through your home or community.

2. KFC Christmas Dinner (Japan)

In Japan, it’s become a custom to enjoy a fried chicken dinner from KFC on Christmas Day. The fast-food chain is so popular during the holiday season that many families pre-order their meals weeks in advance. While a full KFC meal may not be traditional in the UK, a fun twist could be recreating the experience at home by preparing fried chicken and setting up a themed dinner with festive decorations.

3. Yule Goat (Sweden)

In Sweden, the Yule Goat (Julbock) has a long-standing tradition that dates back centuries. During the festive season, people create straw goats that are often displayed outside homes as decorations. In some areas, they even have a large goat made of straw that becomes a local landmark. You can craft your own straw goat and set it out in your garden or on your mantelpiece, adding a unique touch to your Christmas decorations.

4. Christkind (Germany)

In Germany, children eagerly await the arrival of the Christkind, a traditional gift-bringer who is often represented as an angelic figure. On Christmas Eve, children leave messages for the Christkind, and in return, they find gifts left for them in a beautifully decorated tree. You can incorporate this charming ritual with your family by having a designated ‘gift-bringer’ who leaves surprises for children to find on Christmas morning.

5. Seven Fishes (Italy)

An Italian-American tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Christmas Eve dinner that features a variety of seafood dishes. This feast is meant to honour the wait for the midnight birth of Jesus. You can introduce this delicious tradition by hosting a seafood dinner with family and friends, sampling different fish dishes and sharing stories of past Christmases.

6. The Christmas Pickle (Germany)

Another German tradition, the Christmas pickle, involves hiding an ornamental pickle in the branches of the Christmas tree. The first child to find the pickle receives a special gift or is said to have good luck for the following year. This light-hearted tradition can be a fun game for families, encouraging children to search high and low for the elusive pickle on Christmas morning.

7. Réveillon (France)

In France, families celebrate Réveillon, a sumptuous feast held on Christmas Eve after midnight Mass. This traditional dinner can last for hours and typically features rich dishes like roasted meats, foie gras, and decadent desserts such as bûche de Noël (Yule log). You could recreate this feast by preparing French-inspired dishes, transforming your Christmas Eve into a culinary celebration.

8. Gifting Shoes (Netherlands)

In the Netherlands, children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas on December 5th, leaving their shoes out in hopes of receiving treats and small gifts. You can adapt this charming custom by placing shoes near your fireplace or under the tree for Christmas morning, filling them with small goodies or notes from Santa.

9. Tió de Nadal (Catalonia, Spain)

In Catalonia, the Tió de Nadal, also known as the "pooping log," is a holiday staple. Families gather around a decorated log, which they hit with sticks while singing traditional songs. Finally, they open the log to reveal sweets and gifts hidden inside. This amusing tradition can be hilariously adapted to suit your home; simply create a ‘Christmas log’ filled with treats and involve everyone in the fun.

10. Setting Off Firecrackers (Philippines)

In the Philippines, New Year’s Eve celebrations are often marked by firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and to welcome in the New Year with a bang. Although this is typically not done on Christmas, incorporating a festive atmosphere with harmless sparklers or confetti poppers on Christmas Eve can add excitement to your celebrations, welcoming the holidays in style.

Conclusion

As you prepare for this year’s Christmas festivities, consider blending in some of these unique traditions from around the world. Whether it’s a delicious meal, a fun game, or a decorative touch, these customs can enrich your celebrations and create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Embrace the spirit of Christmas by sharing joy and happiness, embodying what this magical season is all about.

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