Unique holiday traditions around the world

The holidays are a time for traditions. Cultures around the world bring their own unique twist to the holiday season. Below are some interesting holiday traditions from around the world.

 

1. Caracas, Venezuela – Roller skating to Mass

Citizen of the Venezuelan capital have a unique way to get to Mass on Christmas morning—they roller skate! This is so popular that vehicle access in many parts of the city are blocked until 8 am to allow people to roller-skate in the streets.

 

2. Austria – Krampus

Considered Santa’s “dark” counterpart, legend has it that throughout the Christmas season, misbehaved kids are beaten with birch branches or can disappear, stuffed into Krampus’ sack and hauled off to his lair.

 

3. Gävle, Sweden – Yule Goat

People of this Swedish town have erected a giant version of the Yule Goat since 1966. The first Gävle Yule Goat was burnt down on New Year's Eve 1966 and ever since it's been the target for vandals. In its 50 year history it's only survived throughout the Christmas and New Year period about 12 times!

 

4. Catalonia, Spain – Pooping Logs

Known as the “Tio de Nadal” (“Christmas log”) or “Caga Tio” (“crapping log”), hollowed-out logs are given a face and blanket and “fed” nuts, candies and small toys starting Dec 8. Children then beat the log with sticks until it “poops” all the goodies.

 

5. Japan – Kentucky Fried Chicken

Since a successful “Kentucky for Christmas!” marketing campaign in 1974, families in Japan enjoy buckets of “Christmas Chicken” from KFC at Christmas.

 

6. Australia – Holidays on the Beach

In Australia, Christmas falls right in the middle of some of the hottest weather of the year. To beat the heat, Australians flock to the beaches and enjoy ice cream and barbecues.

7. Canada – Santa’s Address

Canada Post has an officially recognized address for Santa. Canadian children can write to Kris Kringle without paid postage. All letters are opened and receive a reply:

SANTA CLAUS
NORTH POLE H0H 0H0
CANADA

 

A Worldwide Tradition – Handel’s Messiah

Audiences across the United States and Europe annually enjoy one of classical music’s great traditions—Christmastime presentations of Handel’s Messiah.

Don’t miss the NJSO and Montclair State University Singers performing the holiday classic, Handel’s Messiah, December 14 at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton and December 16 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

» Concert info and tickets