It is almost Christmas and while we are all set to celebrate the day as we like it, let us tell you about the unique and interesting ways Christmas is observed around the world. Yes, it is not the same Christmas tree and Santa Claus tradition across the globe. In fact, some countries have the strangest Christmas traditions. It will be an interesting roller coaster ride to check out different Christmas traditions followed by different people around the world. So hop on!

Cobweb Decorations in Ukraine

Forget the lights, baubles, glitter threads, bows, wreath, lights, gingerbread cookies/Santa Claus shaped ornaments! In Ukraine, people are more inclusive! They even use cobwebs as a part of the decorations. But this unique Christmas tradition holds a special legend. Long ago, a poor widow who could not afford to decorate the tree for her children was helped by spiders in her house who spun beautiful webs on the pine tree.

Christmas in France- St. Nicholas Day

In France, Christmas starts with the St. Nicholas Day on December 6 and it includes giving away to children sweets, chocolates and gifts.

SantaCon in NYC

SantaCon is celebrated in New York City where everyone dons the attire of Santa Claus to make it a SantaCon festival.

Portugal: Consoada Feast

In Portugal, Catholics fast before Christmas only to break it after midnight Mass with the Consoada feast. This feast includes a variety of meat, pudding, and traditional sweets.

 

Eating KFC in Japan

One of the most unrelated tradition followed it Japan that started in the 1970s includes eating Kentucky's Fried Chicken on that day. Yes, eating KFC fried chicken bucked on that day as a part of a festive campaign aka "Kentucky for Christmas" has become a tradition.

Burning the Devil in Guatemala

Similar to Ravan Dahan in India, about 500,000 fires rage in Guatemala on December 7 as a tradition that signified burning effigies of the devil to get rid of the negativity.

Naked Sauna Bath in Finland

In Finland, a naked sauna bath is considered to be a Christmas tradition! This ritual includes sauna baths signifying home to the legendary sauna 'elf'.

What is the Christmas tradition followed in your house or area? Tell us in the comment section. Some traditions followed in different houses have nothing to do with the rituals but in fact, is something people have been doing since a very long time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 16, 2020 02:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).