The 14 most unusual Christmas traditions from around the world – and the confusion that led to a Japanese custom
WHETHER it's hanging your stockings by the fire or leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus, we all have Christmas traditions that we follow.
And depending on where you are in the world, your festive celebrations may look very different.
From Donald Duck specials to festive dinners of KFC, we've rounded up some of the more unusual traditions from around the world.
So as you sit back in front of your tree with a belly full of turkey, why not read how others are celebrating the day?
A Cobweb Christmas - Ukraine
If you're not a fan of creepy crawlies then you might not appreciate this tradition.
While we fill our Christmas tree branches with baubles, tinsel, lights, and stars, Ukrainians opt for decorations that mimic spider webs shimmering with dew.
This tradition dates back to a folktale about a poor widow who could not afford to decorate a tree for her children.
Legend has it that the spiders in the house took pity on the family, and spun beautiful webs all over the tree.
When the children awoke on Christmas morning, they found they're beautifully decorated tree.
Spider webs are also considered to be lucky in Ukrainian culture.
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Bad Santa - Austria
Most kids are well acquainted with Santa Claus but few cultures know of his evil accomplice.
Austrian culture has included this sinister character, who is known to all as "Krampus."
This ghoulish creature is said to wander the streets in search of badly behaved children during the month of December.
If you're visiting Austria during the festive season, you can expect to see masked figures out and about scaring kids and adults alike with ghastly pranks.
There is also an annual Krampus parade held in the Austrian capital Vienna.
Feast of KFC - Japan
While Christmas isn't a national holiday in Japan, a lot of the population have developed a unique way of marking the occasion.
In 1974, the American fast food restaurant KFC released a festive marketing campaign in Japan.
The seemingly simple slogan "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!" which translates to "Kentucky for Christmas!" spawned a national tradition that still thrives to this day.
Families from all over the country head to their local KFC for a special Christmas Eve meal in honour of the festive season.
Roller Skates Mass - Venezuela
In the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, people head to mass on roller skates on Christmas morning.
The tradition is now so well established that many of the city's streets are closed to traffic from 8 AM.
It is even said that children will sleep with one lace from their skates tied around their toe and the other skate dangling from the window.
This set-up is to allow their friends to wake them up with a friendly tug on the lace.
Pickle in a Tree - Germany
Putting up a Christmas tree has become a tradition around the world but it is believed to have originated in Germany as early as the 16th century.
However in Germany it is also custom to hide a pickle somewhere within the branches of the tree.
You are then supposed to give a gift to whichever child in the household finds it.
However, some people say that the tradition may not even be German after all.
According to one legend, the Christmas pickle tradition may have started in Spain, when two young boys were held as prisoners inside a pickle barrel.
Saint Nicholas is said to have rescued the boys and brought them back to life.
Christmas Eve Sauna - Finland
It is common in Finland for homes to come equipped with their own sauna.
And at Christmas time, this cosy spot becomes a sacred space associated with your long passed ancestors.
On Christmas Eve, it's customary to strip naked and take a long stint in the sauna, which is also believed to be home to the legendary sauna "elf."
After their sauna session, Finnish people will head out to the evening celebrations.
It is said while they are out, the spirits of those ancestors take their place in the bubbling water.
Shoes by the Fire - The Netherlands
In the lead up to Christmas Day, Dutch children place their shoes by the fire in the hopes that Sinterklaas will fill them with small gifts and treats in the night.
Traditionally, carrots are left in the shoes for Sinterklaas' faithful stallion, a white horse named Amerigo.
Back in the day, naughty children would receive a potato in lieu of gifts.
However, this unique form of punishment is no longer considered an appropriate scare tactic.
The Yule Cat - Iceland
A is said to roam the snowy countryside of Iceland at Christmas time.
Traditionally, farmers would use the Yule Cat as an incentive for their workers.
Those who worked hard would receive a new set of clothes but those who didn't would be devoured by the gigantic beast.
Nowadays it is customary for everyone in Iceland to get new clothing for Christmas to avoid the wrath of the Yule Cat.
Befana the Witch - Italy
In Italy, the 5th of January is considered a notable night during the festive season.
According to folklore, an old woman named Befana visits all the children of Italy on this date.
She is said to fill their stockings with candy and leave them presents if they've been good.
Just like Santa Claus, Befana comes down the chimney and is left treats by the children who live there, typically wine and local delicacies.
Festive Flying Witches - Norway
And witches also play a role in Christmas celebrations in Norway.
According to old tales, Christmas Eve is the day when spirits and witches take to the skies for mischief and tomfoolery.
As witches often use brooms, it's tradition for Norwegian families to hide away any sweeping sticks where the witches won't be able to find them.
Fried Caterpillar Snack - South Africa
And while we enjoy mince pies, selection boxes, and turkey, a different delicacy is on the menu in South Africa.
A particular creepy crawly is a favourite festive snack that local children look forward to.
Fried caterpillars may seem unusual but these caterpillars aren't just the everyday garden variety.
The Pine Tree Emperor Moth, or Christmas caterpillar, is covered in festive hues.
This is said to give all who swallow the insect a little extra luck in the coming year.
Donald Duck Special - Sweden
While the UK has Coronation Street and the King's Speech, Sweden has the 1958 Christmas special called "Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul."
This directly translates to "Donald Duck and his friends wish you a Merry Christmas."
Every Christmas, families in Sweden gather around the television at 3 PM sharp to watch Donald deliver his a festive message.
The day's events are planned around this television special with more than 40% of Sweden's population tuning.
This tradition dates back to the 1960s when televisions were first popularised in Sweden.
These TV sets only two channels, one of which played Disney cartoons at Christmas.
Unique Christmas Tree - New Zealand
When you picture a Christmas tree you likely picture a traditional evergreen pine.
However this is not the case in New Zealand as the Kiwis are all about the Pōhutukawa, a beautiful tree that is native to their country.
It has gnarled roots and bright crimson flowers and was first recorded by Austrian geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter in 1867.
He described how the locals decorated their churches and homes with the brightly coloured branches at Christmas.
Nowadays, the Pōhutukawa tree is a recognised symbol of Christmas around New Zealand and is featured on Christmas cards and decorations, and is even mentioned in Christmas carols.
Festive Yule Goat - Sweden
Sweden's Yule Goat tradition dates all the way back to at least the 11th century.
There are mentions of a man-sized goat figure, led by Saint Nicholas, who had the power to control the devil.
The legend of the Yule Goat has changed quite a bit throughout the years.
In the 17th century, it was common for young men to dress as the goat while pulling pranks and demanding gifts.
By the 19th century, the goat had an impressive PR turnaround, becoming a giver of gifts.
Instead of Santa Claus, men would dress up as the goat and give presents to their entire family.
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Nowadays, the Yule Goat is a traditional Christmas ornament on trees throughout Sweden.
In larger cities, giant versions of the Yule Goat are created out of straw and red ribbons.