When it comes to holiday traditions, Santa and his reindeer are enlivened by quirky and unexpected traditions around the world.
From gift poo logs in Spain to mythical cats punishing lazy Icelanders, these traditions show how creative and wild the holiday spirit can be.
Catalonia poop log
This may be one of the weirdest holiday traditions. It’s a “tio de nadal,” or poop log. This beloved Catalan custom involves giving treats to logs with faces painted on them throughout December and keeping them warm under blankets. On Christmas Eve, children hit logs with sticks, sing traditional songs, and trick them into making poop candies and presents.
You’re not alone if you’re wondering, “What the heck?” But for Catalan families, Tío de Nadal is an important part of the holiday season, blending humor, joy and a unique sense of festive creativity.
Yule Cat: Iceland’s giant cat enforcer
Christmas in Iceland has a furry twist, but it’s not the cute kind. Meet the mythical Yule Cat, who is said to roam the snowy countryside looking for people who haven’t received new clothes by Christmas.
According to legend, workers who finished processing autumn wool before Christmas were to receive new clothes as a reward. If you fail, you will be eaten by the Yule Cat. This beloved but slightly spooky holiday legend adds a unique and slightly spooky vibe to Icelandic holiday traditions.
Befana the Witch: The Old Woman Who Gives Italian Gifts
In Italy, Santa isn’t the only one handing out presents. Befana, the witch who rides on her broom, delivers candy and presents to children on the eve of Epiphany on January 5th. Legend has it that she missed Jesus’ birth and has been searching for him ever since, leaving treats for children as some kind of cosmic apology.
Befana is especially popular in southern Italy, where it is celebrated for its warmth and humor. Her grandma-like image and unconventional story make her a standout in the holiday hall of fame.
Mari Llywyd: The Skull of the Welsh Singing Horse
Wales could win the award for spookiest Christmas custom. Mari liwid is a centuries-old tradition of horse skulls decorated with ribbons and mounted on poles.
Accompanied by a group of singers and performers, Mari Liwid visits homes, pubs and other gathering places, challenging people indoors to humorous and clever rhyming competitions, almost like rap battles. Mari Liwid’s goal is to win admission to the house and be welcomed with food, drink, and fun.
Although its origins date back to pre-Christian times, it is now a beloved tradition in Wales that is closely associated with Christmas. It has a quirky, Welsh feel to it and unites a friendly, fun, if slightly spooky, community.
Chinese food: Jewish Christmas rituals
Have you ever wondered why so many American Jewish families eat dan dan noodles and broccoli beef on Christmas Day? This tradition began when Jewish and Chinese immigrants were neighbors in urban areas. It dates back to the early 20th century. Perhaps the only places open on Christmas were Chinese restaurants, so for Jews who had nothing else to do while their Christian neighbors went to church, opened presents, and ate holiday ham. It became a natural gathering place.
Many American Jewish families spend Christmas Day enjoying a meal at their favorite Chinese restaurant. They’ll likely skip the non-kosher char siew and Sichuan shrimp, but fill you up with salt and pepper chicken, fried egg noodles, and sesame beef.
Roller skating to a church in Caracas
Forget about sledding. People in Caracas, Venezuela celebrate Christmas morning by putting on their skates. To combat the problem of traffic congestion on days when everyone is trying to get to early morning mass, roads are closed to traffic and many families don roller skates to get to church. Music fills the air and the city buzzes with laughter and joy as people head to Christmas services.
This vibrant tradition reflects Venezuela’s sense of community and love of celebration. This is proof that there is a playful side to sacred rituals, and that roller skating is far more festive than sitting in traffic.
KFC: Japan’s finger-licking holiday feast
In Japan, Christmas dinner is Kentucky Fried Chicken. Every December, millions of Japanese families line up at KFC. The tradition began in the 1970s with a marketing campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas.” This was spot on. According to KFC Global, nearly one-third of the chain’s annual sales in Japan occur in December. Fried chicken may not scream Christmas to you, but it’s as iconic as a holiday sweater in Japan.
Naked Santa: San Francisco’s bare-bones holiday antics
When it comes to adding a cheeky twist to your holiday celebrations, leave it to San Francisco. The city’s annual SantaCon event brings together Santas in droves for a day of fun. In true San Francisco fashion, the naughty Santas didn’t miss the chance to show off their gifts, joining in the celebration naked and innocent, showing it all off.
While not everyone is ready to decorate the halls wearing nothing but a Santa hat, naked Santas have become an iconic part of San Francisco’s holiday legend, and are a nod to San Francisco’s playfulness and penchant for pushing boundaries. perfectly captured. Just don’t forget sunscreen. Even in December, California is sunny.
Why are these traditions important?
From pooping logs to giant cats, these quirky customs remind us that there’s no right way to celebrate the holidays. The best traditions are those that bring people together. And what if they involve horse skulls or mythical giant cats? Even better. Because, let’s be honest, it’s the weird, wonderful, and unexpected customs that make this season truly magical.
Robin Donovan is the author of over 40 cookbooks and the founder and creator of All Ways Delicious, a food site filled with easy recipes for the best dishes from around the world. Her writing and recipes have been featured in major media outlets including MSN, Associated Press, Buzzfeed, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Chicago Sun-Times, Fitness, Parade, and San Jose Mercury News.
