How The Rest Of The World Celebrates The Holidays

Baubles and lights hanging on a Christmas tree

4min read

Published 5 December 2023


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Major Holidays In December

During December in Australia, most people are getting ready for a visit from Santa, but across the globe there are a number of celebrations that are just as important to those who are part of them. 

Hannukah

Hannukah is an eight-day Jewish festival that is celebrated with nightly menorah (candle) lightings, special prayers and fried food. The festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and reaffirms Judaism.  

Hannukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25, which is usually in December according to the Gregorian calendar. In 2022, Hannukah runs from 18 December and ends on 26 December. 

All nine menorah candles lit for Hannukah
All nine menorah candles lit for Hannukah
All nine menorah candles lit for Hannukah

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an important annual celebration for members of the African American and Pan-African community. The holiday runs from 26 December until 1 January and culminates in a communal feast that is known as Karamu. 

Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the celebration’s seven principles: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).

A family lighting the kinara in celebration of Kwanzaa
A family lighting the kinara in celebration of Kwanzaa
A family lighting the kinara in celebration of Kwanzaa


Unique Christmas Traditions

In Australia, Christmas day usually involves unwrapping presents left under the tree by Santa before heading off Christmas lunch with the relies. However, in other countries, Christmas festivities are very different. From Santa’s evil side kick, to cobwebs and KFC, here are some of the most unique Christmas traditions from around the globe.

Austria - Watch Out For Krampus

Naughty children in Australia should count themselves lucky they don’t live in Austria! According to the legend, instead of getting coal in their stockings, kids are hunted down by Saint Nick’s evil accomplice ‘Krampus’, who hits them with branches and sticks. The lyric “You better watch out” never felt more accurate! 

During the first week of December, people will dress as the folkloric beast as part of parades across the country. The costumes generally consist of fur, large horns, a demonic mask and a bundle of sticks. The group will march through town- frightening, chasing and even flogging anyone who crosses their path. While the idea of being hit may sound alarming to those unfamiliar with the tradition, the Krampus offer no real harm and will aim for your legs so that it only stings for a moment. 

A person wearing a Krampus costume with large horns, sharp teeth and long hair.
A person wearing a Krampus costume with large horns, sharp teeth and long hair.
A person wearing a Krampus costume with large horns, sharp teeth and long hair.

Japan - KFC

In 1974, a simple slogan, “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” which means Kentucky for Christmas started a national tradition that is still thriving today. While Christmas may not be a national holiday in Japan, you will still see families across the country flocking to their nearest KFC store for some “finger lickin’ good” food. The tradition is said to be so popular that people will order boxes months in advance or wait in two-hour-long lines to get their food.

Finland - Sweat It Out

On Christmas morning, families in Finland traditionally eat a porridge made of rice and milk topped with cinnamon, butter, or milk. An almond will be placed in one of the puddings, and whoever finds it first is crowned the winner, some families will even place multiple almonds in bowls to keep the kids happy. After a day of festivities, families in Finland will end the day warming up in a sauna together to rest and cleanse.

Sauna at night in the snow covered in lights
Sauna at night in the snow covered in lights
Sauna at night in the snow covered in lights

Sweden - Donald Duck

It may surprise you to hear that one of Sweden’s Christmas traditions involves sitting down to watch Donald Duck. Every year at 3pm on Christmas, families will gather around the tv and tune in to Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul which translates to “Donald Duck and his friends wish you a Merry Christmas.” 

The Walt Disney Christmas special first aired in 1959 and has since been shown every year like clockwork. The tradition is still incredibly popular with large parts of the country said to still take part. 

father and daughter sitting on couch watching TV together
father and daughter sitting on couch watching TV together
father and daughter sitting on couch watching TV together

New Zealand - Native Christmas Trees

Christmas for our Kiwi neighbours may look a lot like Australia with families gathering around the barbeque, but there is an emerging tradition that is flipping the script. Some New Zealand families are moving towards using the Pōhutukawa, which comes alive with blazing red flowers in December each year. The trees are also a sacred part of Maori culture. 

A Pōhutukawa with blazing red flowers at a New Zealand beach
A Pōhutukawa with blazing red flowers at a New Zealand beach
A Pōhutukawa with blazing red flowers at a New Zealand beach

Iceland - The 13 Yule Lads

Who said Santa Claus only pays a visit once a year? Meet the 13 Yule Lads, Iceland's mischievous Santa Clauses who take turns visiting children on the 13 nights before Christmas. Each Yule Lad has their own distinct name and personality, including Stubby, the Santa Claus who's short and steals food from frying pans, and Door Slammer, who as you can guess, stomps around and slams doors.

On each of the 13 nights, Icelandic kids will place one of their shoes on their windowsill, for kids who have been nice, the Yule Lad will leave candy, and for those who have been naughty, they will receive a shoe full of rotting potatoes.

three pairs of shoes wrapped in paper by christmas tree
three pairs of shoes wrapped in paper by christmas tree
three pairs of shoes wrapped in paper by christmas tree

Italy – Befana The Witch

In Italy, don’t expect a jolly man in a red suit to come down your chimney, instead you can expect a visit from Befana. According to Italian folklore, Belfana is a witch who visits all the children of Italy to fill their stockings with Candy and presents. Much like Santa, Belfana comes down the chimney and is left treats by the children who live there. 



Watch: The Top 10 Places To Spend Christmas

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