Cheers to another festive season
Think you know Christmas? Think again. While some of us stick to roast dinners, fairy lights and the same playlist on repeat, the rest of the world is out here celebrating with witches on broomsticks, roller skates to church, competitive vegetable carving and entire buckets of fried chicken. From centuries-old folklore to accidental marketing genius, these global traditions prove that Christmas isn’t just a holiday – it’s a wonderfully weird, joyfully chaotic spectacle.
Australia
Santa, but Sunburnt
Christmas jumpers? Absolutely not. In Australia, Christmas means beaches, barbecues, cold seafood and backyard cricket. Santa often rocks up in shorts, and no one’s mad about it.
Germany & Austria
Krampus Unleashed
On 5 December, Christmas cheer takes a dark turn. Enter Krampus: horned, snarling and stomping through Alpine towns rattling chains and terrifying passers-by. Naughty children beware – this is festive fear at its finest.
Iceland
Shoes, Sweets and Rotten Potatoes
Icelandic kids leave their shoes by the window for visits from the 13 mischievous Yule Lads. Be good and you’ll get treats. Be bad and you’ll wake up to a rotten potato. Character-building, really.
Italy
A Witch Steals the Show
Italian Christmas tables groan under antipasti and roasts, but the real star arrives on 6 January. La Befana – a friendly broomstick-riding witch – delivers gifts and fills stockings. Proof that witches deserve festive love too.
Japan
Christmas, Extra Crispy
In Japan, Christmas dinner doesn’t involve turkey – it involves a KFC bucket. Millions of families pre-order fried chicken weeks in advance, thanks to a genius 1970s marketing campaign. It’s iconic, irresistible and completely non-negotiable.
Latvia
Masked Mummers on the Move
During Christmas, groups known as Kekatas roam Latvian streets in elaborate masks depicting animals, spirits and death itself. They dance, perform and are rewarded with food and drink – but only if no one recognises them. Festive, mysterious and slightly chaotic.
Mexico (Oaxaca)
Radishes, but Make Them Art
On 23 December, Oaxaca hosts the Night of the Radishes, where carved vegetables become full-blown Christmas scenes. The displays last just a few hours, but the creativity (and competitive spirit) is next level.
Norway
Hide Your Brooms
Norwegians hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to stop witches and evil spirits from stealing them. Sensible? Maybe not. Festive folklore? Absolutely.
Philippines
Star Power
Filipino Christmas celebrations sparkle with parols – colourful star-shaped lanterns made from bamboo and paper. Hung everywhere, they light up the streets and signal that Christmas has well and truly arrived.
South Africa
Christmas Goes Al Fresco
With December temperatures soaring, South Africans swap roasts for picnics and braais. Expect outdoor feasts, beach views and a laid-back festive vibe that screams summer.
South Korea
Cash is King
Christmas gifts often come in the form of money tucked into decorative envelopes. Practical, polite and refreshingly stress-free. Honestly, more of us should be doing this.
Sweden
Saffron, Songs and Candle Crowns
On 13 December, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia’s Day. Daughters dress in white robes topped with candle crowns, serving saffron buns and coffee while bringing light to the darkest days of winter. It’s serene, moving and very Instagrammable.
USA
The Great Christmas Pickle Hunt
Somewhere in the Christmas tree lurks a pickle ornament. Whoever finds it first wins an extra present. Why a pickle? No one knows. Why not? Exactly.
Venezuela
Rollerskating to Church
In Caracas, Christmas means roller-skating through the streets on the way to early morning mass. Roads close, music plays and children even sleep with strings tied to their toes to make sure they don’t miss out. Festive cardio at its finest.
Image credit: Pinterest
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
