{"id":48564,"date":"2023-11-27T09:48:17","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T14:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=48564"},"modified":"2023-11-27T09:48:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T14:48:17","slug":"around-the-world-in-20-traditions-a-festive-journey-through-christmas-and-new-years-customs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/around-the-world-in-20-traditions-a-festive-journey-through-christmas-and-new-years-customs\/","title":{"rendered":"Around the World in 20 Traditions: A Festive Journey Through Christmas and New Year’s Customs"},"content":{"rendered":"
As the festive season wraps the globe in a flurry of lights, joy, and celebration, it’s not just the tinsel that sparkles; it’s also the diversity of traditions that illuminate our world in unique ways. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are universally recognized holidays, yet they are celebrated with an array of customs as varied as the cultures that observe them. From the sun-drenched beaches of Australia to the snow-laden landscapes of Finland, each tradition offers a window into the heart of its people and their celebratory spirit.<\/p>\n
In this article, I take you on a festive journey, exploring twenty countries and their unique, sometimes quirky, traditions that make Christmas and New Year’s celebrations special. So, buckle up your imaginary seatbelts and prepare for a whirlwind tour of global festivities. Whether it’s about finding a hidden pickle in a Christmas tree or roller-skating to church, these customs not only add to the holiday cheer but also remind us of the incredible diversity and beauty of human culture.<\/p>\n
Join me as we unwrap the world’s festive secrets, one country at a time.<\/p>\n
In Australia, where December falls in the middle of summer, Christmas celebrations take a sun-soaked twist. Australians often swap snowy landscapes for sandy beaches, hosting festive beach parties. These gatherings are filled with barbecues, beach cricket, and even Santa Claus ditching his traditional attire for something more suitable for surfing! This unique celebration reflects Australia’s warm climate and outdoor culture, offering a distinct contrast to the conventional \u2018White Christmas\u2019 imagery. It’s not just about the setting, though; it’s a reflection of the Australian spirit\u2014relaxed, friendly, and always ready for a good time.<\/p>\n
A surprising custom has emerged in Japan, a country where Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated: feasting on Kentucky Fried Chicken! This tradition began in the 1970s, thanks to a successful KFC marketing campaign. It has since become so popular that families often place their orders weeks in advance to avoid long lines. The KFC Christmas meal often includes chicken, cake, and champagne, symbolizing a Western-style Christmas celebration. This unique tradition highlights how global brands can influence and create new cultural practices, merging them with local customs.<\/p>\n
In Norway, a peculiar yet charming Christmas Eve tradition involves hiding brooms. It\u2019s a custom rooted in ancient beliefs that on Christmas Eve, evil spirits and witches emerge. To prevent these malevolent beings from stealing their brooms for midnight rides, Norwegians hide them away. This tradition is a nod to Norway\u2019s rich folklore and superstitions surrounding the Yuletide season. Today, while the fear of witches has faded, the custom persists, adding a playful and historical aspect to the festive preparations and reminding Norwegians of their cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
A unique Christmas tradition unfolds on the vibrant streets of Venezuela, where people of all ages strap on roller-skates and glide through the streets. This custom is particularly popular in the capital, Caracas, where roads are often closed to traffic to ensure the safety of the skating congregation heading to the early morning Mass. This tradition, known as “Misa de Aguinaldo<\/a>,” brings a festive and communal spirit to the religious observance, with families and friends joining together in a colorful, moving parade. It\u2019s a vivid expression of the joy and togetherness that characterizes the Venezuelan Christmas.<\/p>\n5. Iceland<\/strong><\/h2>\n