10 Unique And Weird Christmas Traditions Across The World That Will Make Your Jaw Drop

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From twinkling lights, jolliest attire, and glittery ornaments to the unmistakable scent of gingerbread; we all know that Christmas is arriving! However, these look too normal, right?

Well, holiday spirit comes in many forms and it can be anything from witchcraft, having hide and seek brooms, to festive spider webs; this is the the perfect time for a festive dose of eccentricity.

Unwrap the gift of laughter and explore 10 unique and downright weird Christmas traditions that prove the spirit of the holiday season knows no bounds. Check out the list here.

1. Krampus Night in Austria: A Not-So-Friendly Visitor
While many children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, Austrian youngsters also anticipate the visit of Krampus. This horned, hairy creature is said to accompany St. Nicholas on 05 December, punishing the naughty children with a good scare. It's like a festive game of good cop, terrifying cop.

2. Catalonia's Caga Tió: The Pooping Log
In Catalonia, Spain, they have a Christmas tradition that's truly out of the ordinary. Enter the Caga Tió, or "Pooping Log." Families create a festive log, paint a face on it, and treat it like a cherished household member. On Christmas Eve, they "beat" the log with sticks while singing a delightful song, encouraging it to excrete candies and treats. Nothing says holiday cheer like a pooping log.

3. Japan's KFC Christmas Feast: Finger-Lickin' Good Tradition
In Japan, Christmas has taken an unexpected turn with the tradition of enjoying a Christmas feast from none other than KFC. Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign in the '70s, the Colonel's fried chicken has become synonymous with Christmas in Japan. Families place orders months in advance to secure their Yuletide buckets of crispy delight.

4. Norwegian Hide-and-Seek Brooms: Beware of Witches
Norway has a quirky tradition that involves hiding all brooms on Christmas Eve. Why? To prevent mischievous witches and spirits from taking them for a joyride, of course! Norwegians believe that Christmas Eve is when witches and other supernatural beings are most active, so it's best to keep those brooms under lock and key.

5. Ukraine's Festive Spider Webs: Deck the Halls with Arachnid Artistry
In Ukraine, it's not tinsel that graces the Christmas tree but spider webs. According to folklore, a poor family once discovered a magical Christmas spider that covered their tree in silver and gold webs. In homage to this tale, Ukrainians often include spider web decorations on their Christmas trees for good luck and prosperity.

6. The Christmas Pickle in Germany: A Green, Briny Ornament
Germany has a peculiar ornament that adds a hint of competition to the festive season: the Christmas Pickle. The tradition involves hiding a pickle-shaped ornament in the Christmas tree. The child who finds it first on Christmas morning receives a special gift or the honor of opening the first present. It's a briny twist on the classic holiday scavenger hunt.

7. Iceland's Yule Lads: Mischievous Gift-Givers
Move over, Santa Claus. In Iceland, they have the Yule Lads-13 mischievous characters who visit children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each lad has a distinctive personality, from the prankster to the sausage swiper. Children leave their shoes by the window, hoping for small gifts, but beware, as the Yule Lads might also leave potatoes for the naughty ones.

8. South Africa's Summer Christmas Braai: BBQ in the Heat
While much of the Northern Hemisphere enjoys a snowy Christmas, South Africa celebrates the holiday in the heart of summer. Instead of traditional roasts and cozy fires, South Africans gather for a Christmas braai, which is essentially a barbecue. Picture Santa Claus in shorts and sunglasses flipping burgers under the sun. It's a festive feast with a side of sunburn.

9. Italy's Witchcraft to Ward Off Bad Spirits: La Befana
In Italy, they have La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve. Legend has it that La Befana was too busy cleaning when the Magi invited her to join them on their journey to see the baby Jesus. To make up for missing the occasion, she now travels on her broomstick, leaving sweets and treats for children while sweeping away the old year's troubles.

10. The Roller-Skating Waitresses of Venezuela: Caracas' Unusual Commute
In Caracas, Venezuela, it's customary for the city's residents to roller-skate to early-morning Christmas Mass. The streets are even closed off to cars to ensure the safety of the skaters. This unique tradition has become so popular that many people across the city participate, creating a festive and unconventional Christmas spectacle.