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

As the festive season approaches, why not spice up your Christmas celebrations by incorporating some delightful traditions from around the globe? Here are ten fun ideas to inspire your festivities this year:

1. La Befana (Italy): In Italy, instead of Santa, children eagerly await La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who brings gifts on the night of January 5th. You could leave out a stocking for her, filled with goodies, and share the story of her journey each Christmas Eve.

2. Julklapp (Sweden): Embrace the Swedish tradition of 'Julklapp', where family members exchange wrapped gifts with funny rhymes attached. Everyone must read their rhyme aloud to guess who the gift is from, adding a playful twist to gift-giving.

3. KFC for Christmas (Japan): In Japan, it’s become a tradition to feast on fried chicken for Christmas dinner. You could order a special takeaway or make your own festive chicken feast, complete with holiday decor to capture the spirit.

4. The Feast of the Seven Fishes (Italy): For a culinary delight, consider serving a meal featuring seven different types of fish on Christmas Eve, honouring the Italian-American tradition. This could become a loving ritual in your own home.

5. Befana’s Sweet Treats (Italy): Alongside La Befana, children in Italy often leave out stockings for the witch filled with sweets and treats. Consider creating a special treats basket for little ones on Christmas Eve, inspired by this charming custom.

6. Christmas Markets (Germany): Dive into the festive spirit by visiting or creating your own Christmas market at home, complete with mulled wine, handmade crafts, and delicious festive foods, embodying the German tradition where communities come together to celebrate.

7. The Christmas Pickle (Germany): In Germany, the last decoration placed on the Christmas tree is a pickle ornament. The first child to find it on Christmas morning receives an extra gift! You could adopt this charming tradition to create excitement for the little ones.

8. Posadas (Mexico): Celebrate in true Mexican fashion by recreating ‘Las Posadas’, a tradition representing Mary and Joseph’s journey. With friends and family, enact the story with song, food, and fun.

9. Gifts on the Night of the 24th (Spain): In Spain, gifts are exchanged on the night of January 5th, before the Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day). Embrace this timing in your own tradition by celebrating the 12 days of Christmas and enjoying festive gatherings.

10. Christmas Lantern Festival (Philippines): In the Philippines, colourful lanterns called “parols” adorn homes and streets. Create your own lanterns at home to brighten up your Christmas celebrations and share the significance of light during this season.

By adding these diverse traditions to your Christmas celebrations, you can create new memories while embracing the joy and warmth that this holiday brings across cultures. Happy holidays!

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