Weird Christmas traditions by Laura StulginskaitÄ—

Caganer (‘Crapper’)

Christmas is celebrated all around the world and every country has its unique traditions. Some of them are very sweet, but others will make you ask yourself: ‘Why?’. Here are some of the weirdest Christmas traditions from around the globe.

Japan. KFC feast
Thanks to a lack of turkeys and smart marketing, a KFC bucket with fried chicken is the main dish at Christmas in many Japanese homes.

Spain, Catalonia. Caganer (‘Crapper’)
Statuettes of well-known people defecating are a Christmas tradition in Catalonia, dating back to the 18th century. The figures symbolize fertilization, hope and prosperity for the coming year. Statuettes can be of regular people or famous celebrities and politicians.

Krampus

Iceland. The Yule Cat
One famous Icelandic Christmas character is the Yule Cat who eats children who haven’t worked hard enough. So, if you have finished all your work before Christmas you are safe. The Yule cat only looks for the lazy ones in old clothes.

Austria. Krampus
Krampus, the terrifying companion of St. Nicholas and one of Austria’s unique Advent traditions. He looks to punish children who have misbehaved this year.

Befana

Norway. Hide the brooms
In the past, people believed witches came out on Christmas Eve to look for brooms to ride on so they hid them. Today Norwegian women still hide all brooms in their house before going to bed on Christmas Eve.

Italy: The good witch
In Italy, instead of Santa Claus, children are waiting for Befana – a kindly witch that hands out presents at Christmas.