From KFC dinners to pooping log, weirdest Christmas traditions from around the world

Christmas is celebrated globally and it brings with it fascinating and unusual traditions that go beyond Santa Claus and gift-giving. These customs reflect the rich cultural diversity and creativity of holiday celebrations worldwide.

In Japan, KFC has become synonymous with Christmas dinner. This unique tradition started in the 1970s with a marketing campaign, “Kentucky for Christmas,” that combined with the limited availability of home ovens in Japanese households. During December, Colonel Sanders statues at KFC outlets are even dressed in Santa outfits.

Caracas, Venezuela, offers a festive twist with families roller-skating to church services during the week leading up to Christmas. Roads are closed to accommodate this lively and colorful tradition.


In Catalonia, Spain, families embrace the quirky “caga tió” tradition, where a wooden log, decorated with a painted face and a hat, is "fed" treats throughout December. On Christmas Eve, the log is humorously beaten until it "excretes" small gifts and candies. Catalonia also incorporates figurines called “caganers,” or pooping characters, into nativity scenes.

Icelandic folklore warns of the Yule Cat, a mythical feline that "eats" those who fail to receive new clothes for Christmas. This legend encourages workers to complete tasks like wool processing before the holiday season.

Norway has its own intriguing tradition of hiding brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches from stealing them for midnight rides.

In Austria, Krampus, a demonic figure, roams the streets in December, punishing misbehaving children while accompanying Saint Nicholas.

Guatemalans burn piles of rubbish topped with a devil effigy in the "La Quema del Diablo" ritual to cleanse their homes of evil spirits.

In Sweden, the giant Yule Goat, a straw structure, is a famous Christmas symbol, but it’s often the target of arsonists.

Italians celebrate Befana, a witch who rides a broomstick. She delivers treats to children on January 5th, Epiphany Eve. This act is seen as an “apology” for missing Jesus Christ's birth. A horse skull adorned with ribbons, known as Mari Lwyd, features in Welsh Christmas celebrations. It is carried on a pole to homes, where its bearers challenge residents to rhyming contests. The goal is to gain entry and receive food and drinks.

Finally, San Francisco hosts an annual SantaCon event. Nude participants add an unusual element to this otherwise traditional gathering.

These traditions, from Venezuela's roller skates to Catalonia's pooping log, showcase the creativity and cultural richness of Christmas celebrations around the globe.