What are the weirdest Christmas traditions globally?

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Tió de Nadal

In Catalonia, families beat a hollow log while singing to make it 'defecate' gifts^[1][2].

Caganer

Catalan nativity scenes often include a figurine of a person defecating, symbolizing fertility^[1][2].

Befana

In Italy, a witch named Befana delivers gifts to children on January 5, leaving treats for the good^[1][3].

Krampus

Austria celebrates Krampus, a demon-like figure who punishes naughty children during Christmas^[3][8].

Yule Goat

In Sweden, giant straw goats are constructed, often attracting vandalism to burn them down^[3][8].

KFC for Christmas

In Japan, it is a tradition to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner thanks to a 1970s marketing campaign^[1][6][10].

Yule Cat

In Iceland, a giant cat eats children without new clothes during Christmas, promoting gift-giving^[4][11].

Roller-skating Mass

Venezuelans roller-skate to church for Christmas Mass in a popular festive tradition^[3][5].

Spider Web Decorations

In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with spider webs, symbolizing good fortune from a folk tale^[1][4][9].

Shoe Toss

In the Czech Republic, single women throw shoes over their shoulders to predict marriage^[2].

La Quema del Diablo

Guatemalans burn piles of trash topped with a devil effigy to cleanse evil spirits^[4][5].

Night of the Radishes

In Oaxaca, Mexico, locals carve intricate designs into radishes to celebrate^[4][9].

Last-Minute Guests

In Portugal, families set extra places for deceased relatives at Christmas dinner, honoring them^[4][9].

Donald Duck Special

Swedes gather around the TV at 3 PM on Christmas Eve to watch a classic Disney special^[1][6].

Mummering

In Newfoundland, Canada, people disguise themselves and go from house to house performing^[1][4].

Candle Lighting

In Colombia, Little Candles' Day on December 7 marks the beginning of Christmas by lighting candles^[4][7].

Christmas Pickle

In Germany, families hide a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree, rewarding the finder^[4][10].

Sauna Tradition

In Finland, it’s customary to have sauna gatherings on Christmas Eve to purify before celebrations^[1][11].

Kallikantzaros

In Greece, mischievous goblins known as Kallikantzaros come out during the Christmas season causing mayhem^[1][10].

Mari Lwyd

In Wales, people dress as a horse and visit homes for food and drink, performing songs^[4][8].