The strangest Christmas customs from around the world

(or how Christmas is celebrated outside our bubble of snow, carp and salad)

In Iceland, it is not advisable to wear old clothes at Christmas. According to local legend, the Jólakötturinn – a giant Christmas cat – roams the countryside and is said to eat anyone who has not been given something new to wear. Therefore, children are anxiously waiting for at least their socks.

Instead of a star or an angel, Ukrainians put cobwebs and spiders on their trees – handmade or made of wire. According to an old legend, a tree covered in gold cobwebs brought good luck to a poor family.

In Caracas, it is common to go to morning mass on roller skates. From December 16 to 24, roads are even closed so that believers can safely "skate" to the church.

Norwegians hide all their brooms on Christmas Eve so that evil witches don't steal them and fly through the sky at night. An old Nordic custom that is mostly accepted with a smile today - but they prefer to put the brooms away.

In Russia, Santa Claus doesn't bring gifts to children, but Grandfather Frost (Grandfather Frost) with his granddaughter Snow White. Unlike in the West, however, he does not visit at Christmas, but on New Year's Day – December 31. Children traditionally ask him in verse: „"Santa Claus, bring a present?"“ and he will answer only after a poem or a song.

In the southern hemisphere, it is summer at Christmas, so it is celebrated outdoors, often under palm trees. Santa does not bring gifts to children, but Magi the horse – they leave water and grass at his door. And on the table? Even a roasted peacock!

In Denmark, on New Year's Eve, they break porcelain in front of their friends' doors. The more shards, the more luck. And the bigger the pile in front of your house – the more people like you!

Finnish Santa – Joulupukki – comes in person, not at night. He knocks on the door and asks: „"Have you been good all year?"“ Instead of devils, he has little elves with him who take naughty children to the ice kingdom.

In Lithuania, a log is dragged along at Christmas as a symbol of all the troubles of the year. People sing, wish for good luck, and finally burn the wood in a ceremonial manner - so that all the bad things burn with it.

In Hawaii, instead of snow, the sea splashes and Santa Claus arrives on a boat. Christmas begins here with a festive "Christmas boat" that brings traditional food and gifts.

22. December is a holiday in Spain. The Fat One – the largest and oldest lottery in the world. It is broadcast live on television and literally the entire country participates. Happiness here is measured not only by love, but also by numbers.

Every nation has its own charm and quirks. Maybe this year you'll try ice skating instead of carp... or just buy new pajamas. Just in case an Icelandic cat happens to walk past your house. 🐾

„Christmas is the time when we are most acutely aware of what we lack and who is not among us.“ John Irving

„Christmas is a time when you miss home, even when you’re home.“ Carole Nelson Douglas

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