In England, traditional festive Christmas traditions include hanging stockings and decorating a tree. However, there are also some more unusual and unique Christmas traditions celebrated around the world. A new study by easyJet found that 90% of British holidaymakers are looking for a different Christmas experience and 80% would like to travel abroad for a new Christmas experience. Reasons for this desire include making new memories, experiencing different cultures, and trying something new with loved ones. In response to this, easyJet has compiled a list of some of the most unusual ways people celebrate Christmas.
One of the unique Christmas traditions mentioned is in Finland, where it is common for locals to have a sauna on Christmas Eve to connect with departed ancestors. In Czechia, the tradition is to throw shoes, while in Scotland, they have a tradition of fireball swinging. In Wales, there is a tradition of carrying horse skulls on poles around houses before engaging in a “battle of the rhymes.” These are just a few examples of the unique and interesting ways people celebrate Christmas around the world.
Some other unique Christmas experiences Brits said they would like to try include attending the St Lucia Candlelight Procession Parade in Tivoli, Copenhagen, where the park is illuminated by thousands of fairy lights. In France, there is a special Provins Medieval Market that puts a historical twist on traditional festivities. In Switzerland, there is the Krampus Night parade where people dressed as Krampus punish naughty children just before Christmas. These experiences offer a different and immersive way to celebrate the festive season.
Other unique Christmas traditions include the Morcote bell-ringing in Switzerland, where people gather in the bell tower to eat and drink while taking turns ringing the church bells by hand. In Iceland, the Yule Lads visit children over the 13 days leading up to Christmas, leaving gifts or rotting potatoes in shoes based on their behavior. In Austria and Germany, there is the tradition of Frau Perchta, a witch who roams the countryside during the 12 days of Christmas. These traditions offer a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating ways different cultures celebrate the holiday season.
In Italy, there is the tradition of La Befana, an old witch who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany, similar to Santa Claus. In Denmark, J-Dag marks the release of Tuborg’s Christmas beer, only available for the 10 weeks before Christmas. In Greece, the Kallikantzaroi goblins are believed to cause trouble during the 12 days of Christmas until they are banished on Epiphany. These unique Christmas traditions showcase the rich cultural heritage and folklore that make the holiday season a special time of year.
With so many unique and interesting ways to celebrate Christmas around the world, it is no wonder that many British holidaymakers are looking for new experiences during the festive season. Whether it is attending a candlelight procession in Copenhagen, experiencing a medieval market in France, or participating in a shoe-throwing tradition in Czech Republic, these traditions offer a festive and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season. By exploring different cultures and customs, travelers can create lasting memories and embrace the spirit of Christmas in a whole new way.
