The festive season is approaching soon. With long nights and icy roads, the sound of distant sleigh bells brings joy to many. However, no Christmas celebration is the same. We all have our unique family traditions, some weird, and some wonderful.
Whether it's making Christmas cards, cooking up a storm for Christmas Dinner or leftovers on Boxing Day, everyone does something slightly different around festive time.
Christmas culture all over the world is incredibly varied too - and some of these traditions may be surprising!
In this blog, we will explore 9 iconic festive traditions and symbols from all around the globe. Twinkling lights and giving gifts are common, but these unique traditions show how different festive customs can be.
1. The Christmas tree - Germany's evergreen gift
The Christmas Tree tradition started in Germany in the 16th century. People decorated evergreens with candles, fruit, and later glass ornaments. This was influenced by a Pagan tradition as a symbol of life during the winter season.
German people then brought this tradition to the UK and America, and it spread rapidly. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert greatly influenced this by appearing next to their Christmas tree in 1848.
The tree has since transformed into a global symbol of togetherness and magic, with people leaving gifts underneath it. For many homes, Christmas feels incomplete without some tinsel and a decorated Christmas tree.
2. Ukraine’s enchanted Christmas spider
In Ukrainian culture, a sparkling spider ornament is often hidden within the Christmas tree. A folktale tells about a poor widow who had no decorations for her tree. But helpful spiders magically decorated it for her.
The story symbolises hope emerging from hard times. This tradition originates from that story, and finding the spider is believed to bring good fortune. Ukrainians often decorate with silver or golden spider ornaments.
3. Japan's KFC Christmas feast
Christmas isn't a traditional holiday in Japan, but KFC successfully created one. Thanks to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign, millions of Japanese families celebrate Christmas with a KFC bucket.
People make reservations for fried chicken dinners weeks in advance – truly a modern holiday tradition with a crispy twist.
4. Mexico’s festive poinsettias
Christmas isn't a traditional holiday in Japan, but KFC successfully created one. Thanks to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign, millions of Japanese families celebrate Christmas with a KFC bucket.
People make reservations for fried chicken dinners weeks in advance – truly a modern holiday tradition with a crispy twist.
5. Ganna/Genna in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, people celebrate Christmas, called Ganna or Genna, on January 7th according to the Orthodox Calendar. After a day of fasting, communities go to an all-night church service. Many worshippers dress in white shamma cloths when gathering for this candle-lit service.
People link the day to a traditional game called Genna, which is similar to modern field hockey. Legend states that shepherds played this when they heard of Christ's birth.
The celebration focusses more on religious devotion rather than gift-giving.
6. Parol lanterns in the Philippines
The Philippines lights up with Parols, which are star shaped lanterns that symbolise the Star of Bethlehem. These are one of the Philippines' most recognisable Christmas symbols.
Originally made of bamboo and Japanese paper, these lanterns guided worshippers to nightly Simbang Gabi (dawn masses). People also use Capiz shells or LED lights as decorations for these lanterns.
Over time, the designs became more elaborate, especially in Pampanga, where specialist craftspeople create dazzling lanterns. Parols are a hugely popular festive decoration, lining the streets and homes. They represent a beacon of hope and community in the holiday season.
7. La Quema del Diablo from Guatemala
On December 7th, people in Guatemala burn effigies or old items. This event is called La Quema del Diablo, which means 'The Burning of the Devil'. It marks the start of the holiday season and also coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Traditionally, families burned rubbish and old belongings to cleanse their homes. But today, many communities burn symbolic devil effigies instead.
This ritual blends Catholicism with older Mayan purification customs. It’s a symbolic cleansing to cast out negativity and welcome a purified home into the Christmas season.
8. German advent calendars
Originating in 19th Century Germany, advent calendars were once simple chalk marks or images. Often, families would also light candles to count down the days until Christmas.
By the early 1900s, people popularized printed calendars with doors, often filling them with religious scripture. Today, they come in many forms. Chocolate-filled doors are often the most popular choice. However, they can also be small gifts or handmade boxes.
The chocolate calendars became popular after the ending of World War II, which spread worldwide.
9. Norway’s Hidden Brooms
A playful remnant of old folklore, Norwegians once believed that Christmas Eve was a dangerous night, when witches, trolls and spirits roamed free. The folklore states that witches, in particular wandered around searching for a broom to steal.
People hid brooms to prevent mischievous witches from stealing them, and many families still hide them today. While it is now a fun tradition, this custom shows Norway's rich storytelling culture and its strong ties to ancient folklore.
Many wonderful ways exist for celebrating Christmas all over the world – how do you enjoy the holidays? If you’d like to learn more about different festive traditions, why not try one of our Christmas courses?
