Holidays are a time for traditions, but some of them are downright bizarre. While you might be busy hanging stockings or trimming the tree, other cultures are out here smashing radishes or hiding brooms from witches. It’s proof that festive cheer looks a little different everywhere you go. Ready to explore some of the strangest holiday customs from around the world? Let’s dive in.
1. Norway: Hiding Your Brooms
It’s Christmas Eve, and instead of just pouring the eggnog, you’re frantically hiding your brooms. Why? Because Norwegians believe witches and evil spirits are out prowling that night, and a visible broom is basically a free ride for them. It’s weird, sure, but also kind of charming. At least it doubles as a great excuse to finally tidy up before the holiday guests arrive.
2. Japan: KFC Christmas Feasts
Forget the roast turkey—Christmas in Japan is all about fried chicken. Thanks to a brilliant KFC marketing campaign in the ’70s, families now flock to the Colonel’s house for their holiday feast. People even preorder their buckets weeks in advance. It’s a quirky twist on the holiday meal, but honestly, who doesn’t love a side of crispy drumsticks with their presents?
3. Catalonia: The Pooping Log
Leave it to Catalonia to turn a wooden log into a holiday icon. Meet “Caga Tió,” or the pooping log. Families “feed” it treats throughout December, and on Christmas Eve, kids smack it with sticks until it “poops” out sweets and gifts. Yes, you read that right. It’s weird, it’s delightful, and it somehow works. Just maybe don’t ask too many questions.
4. Venezuela: Roller Skating to Church
In Caracas, Christmas isn’t just about Mass—it’s about how you get there. Families trade in their cars for roller skates, zooming through the streets together in a colorful parade. Roads are even closed to traffic to make it safer. It’s like a festive, family-friendly version of a skate party, and honestly, we’re kind of jealous.
5. Iceland: Mischievous Yule Lads
Forget Santa—Iceland has the Yule Lads, a crew of 13 pranksters who visit kids in the days leading up to Christmas. Each Lad has their own unique quirk, from Spoon-Licker to Door-Slammer. Good kids get small gifts, while naughty ones get, yep, potatoes. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and just the right amount of creepy to keep things interesting.
6. Sweden: Burning the Giant Goat
Every year, the Swedish town of Gävle builds a massive straw goat for Christmas. And almost every year, someone tries to burn it down. Despite security measures like cameras and guards, the goat rarely survives the season. It’s become a strange cat-and-mouse game that locals (and the internet) can’t get enough of. Festive? Sure. A little unhinged? Also yes.
7. Ukraine: Decorating with Spiderwebs
In Ukraine, tinsel and ornaments take a backseat to… spiderwebs. The tradition comes from a folktale about a poor family whose tree was magically decorated by spiders. It’s said to bring good luck, and honestly, it’s kind of beautiful in a spooky, Tim Burton sort of way.
8. Austria: Krampus Night
Santa’s jolly and all, but Austria’s Krampus is here to make sure you behave. This horned, terrifying creature punishes naughty kids on December 5th, and people celebrate by dressing up as Krampus and parading through the streets. It’s equal parts creepy and festive—a perfect reminder to stay on the nice list. Or else.
9. Mexico: Radish Carving Night
Move over, pumpkins—Oaxaca, Mexico, has radishes. Every December 23rd, locals carve intricate designs into the root veggies for the “Night of the Radishes.” From nativity scenes to fantastical creatures, the carvings are as impressive as they are bizarre. It’s a quirky way to kick off the holiday, proving that even radishes can be magical with a little imagination.
10. Italy: Red Underwear for New Year’s
In Italy, New Year’s Eve isn’t complete without a bold wardrobe choice: red underwear. It’s believed to bring luck and love in the year ahead, and pretty much everyone gets in on it. It’s cheeky, playful, and way more fun than your standard New Year’s resolutions.
11. Portugal: Dinner with the Dead
In Portugal, Christmas dinner might come with some extra guests—ghostly ones, that is. Families set extra places at the table for loved ones who’ve passed, honoring their memory during the holidays. It’s a touching tradition that keeps the spirit of family alive, even if it does add an eerie vibe to the festivities.
12. Finland: Christmas Sauna
Finnish families have a unique way of preparing for Christmas: sweating it out in a sauna. It’s a time to relax, reflect, and cleanse before the holiday chaos begins. Afterward, everyone gathers for a big meal, feeling refreshed and ready to celebrate. It’s wholesome, cozy, and honestly, not a bad idea.
13. Scotland: Blackening the Bride
Weddings near the holidays in Scotland come with a messy twist. Friends cover the bride (and sometimes the groom) in a mix of soot, flour, and other sticky substances as a way to ward off bad luck. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and probably not great for your dry-cleaning bill, but it’s all in good fun.
14. Germany: The Pickle Ornament
In some German-American households, a pickle-shaped ornament is hidden on the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it gets a prize or good luck for the year. The origins are murky—most Germans haven’t heard of it—but it’s a quirky and playful addition to the holiday tradition lineup. Who knew pickles could be festive?
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
