How Well Do You Know Unusual Christmas Traditions Around the World?

In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. This is because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which places Christmas 13 days after the Gregorian calendar used in Western countries. On this day, Russians attend church services, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals with their loved ones.

In Japan, some people have adopted the tradition of eating KFC for Christmas dinner. This unique tradition started in the 1970s, when KFC launched a successful advertising campaign promoting 'Kentucky for Christmas.' Today, it is not uncommon for Japanese families to pre-order their KFC meals weeks in advance to avoid long lines on Christmas day.

In Mexico, it is a tradition to eat 'tamales' on Christmas Eve. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa dough and filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. The preparation of tamales is often a communal activity, with family and friends coming together to make large batches of these delicious treats.

In Japan, a unique tradition has developed where people enjoy a festive bucket of KFC on Christmas Eve. This custom started in the 1970s due to a successful marketing campaign by KFC, and it has since become a popular and quirky Christmas tradition in Japan.

In Norway, it is a tradition to hide brooms on Christmas Eve. This stems from an old belief that witches and evil spirits would come out on this night to steal brooms and wreak havoc. Norwegians still practice this quirky tradition to ward off any mischievous spirits.

In Poland, it is customary to thoroughly clean the house before Christmas Eve. This is done to ensure that the house is ready to welcome Baby Jesus, who is believed to bring gifts on this night. People in Poland spend days cleaning, decluttering, and decorating their homes for the festive season.

In the Netherlands, it is a tradition for Santa Claus to be accompanied by 'Zwarte Piet' or 'Black Pete.' Zwarte Piet is a controversial character, often portrayed with blackface, who assists Santa Claus in delivering gifts. The tradition of Zwarte Piet has faced criticism for its racial stereotyping, and there have been ongoing debates about its appropriateness.

In Norway, it is a tradition to burn a Yule log during Christmas. This practice dates back to ancient Norse traditions and symbolizes the transition from darkness to light during the winter solstice. The Yule log is usually a large wooden log that is burned in the fireplace or outdoors as a part of the Christmas celebrations.

In Germany, there is a Christmas tradition where a pickle-shaped ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree. The first child to find it on Christmas morning is rewarded with a special gift or believed to receive good luck for the year ahead. This unique tradition is often seen as a fun and lucky way to celebrate the holiday season.

In Romania, many people celebrate Christmas by roller-skating to church. This tradition is particularly popular in the city of Bucharest, where the streets are closed off to cars, allowing people of all ages to skate freely to their place of worship.

In the Czech Republic, the Christmas tradition involves a witch-like figure called 'Ježibaba' who brings gifts to children. Ježibaba is believed to have roots in Slavic mythology and is depicted as an old woman with a broomstick. She visits children on Christmas Eve and brings them presents if they have behaved well.

In Greece, it is a tradition known as 'siga-siga' to break plates on friends' doorsteps on New Year's Day. This practice is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits for the coming year. The tradition has evolved over time and is now more commonly observed in certain areas like Athens.

In Turkey, it is a tradition to smash pomegranates on New Year's Eve. This tradition symbolizes good luck and fertility for the coming year. The red color of the pomegranate is associated with prosperity and abundance. Many Turkish families gather together and smash pomegranates at midnight, then share and eat the seeds as a ritual.

In Kenya, some communities have a unique tradition of eating fried caterpillars during Christmas. These caterpillars, known as 'kumbi kumbi,' are considered a delicacy and are typically fried or roasted before being served. The tradition is rooted in local culture and is seen as a way to celebrate abundance and unity during the festive season.

In Ireland, it is a tradition to light a giant bonfire on Christmas Eve. This practice is believed to have originated from an early Christian tradition of lighting fires to commemorate the birth of Jesus. The bonfires serve as a symbol of light and warmth during the dark winter nights.