7 Unique Christmas Traditions Celebrated Around the World
Christmas may seem like a pretty generic holiday, but there are plenty of bizarre traditions that take place on the festive day.
Keep scrolling to discover some unique Xmas customs celebrated around the world. Maybe you'll adopt some of them for your own festivities?
Spider Web Ornaments
In the Ukraine, Christmas trees are adorned with spider webs and even spider ornaments. It's done as an ode to the origin of tinsel. As the legend goes, a family went to bed with an undecorated tree and woke up to it being covered in cobwebs. Once the light hit the webs, they turned into tinsel.
Polar Bear Plunge
Diving into freezing water doesn't sound all that fun, but some brave souls choose to do just that on Christmas morning. It is for a good cause though, so maybe we'll muster up the courage to try it one of these years.
Hidden Pickles
A pickle ornament is hidden in Christmas trees across the U.S. and parts of Canada. The first person who finds it is said to have good luck all year. Unfortunately, we've never been the first to find the pickle.
Roller Skating to Mass
Attending Christmas mass is common in many parts of the world, but the people of Venezuela take this to a whole other level. They make their way to church by roller skating through the streets, which are closed off to traffic.
Finding the Almond in the Rice Pudding
In Swedish tradition, it's common to eat rice pudding as a dessert after your Christmas dinner. But, of course, there's a twist: Hidden in the pudding is an almond. Whoever finds it is said to be married before next Christmas.
Night of the Radishes
Taking place in Oaxaca, Mexico, Night of the Radishes is a must-see event. Tons of radishes are carved and put on display during the Christmas market. There's even a competition for the best display, which has been held for over 100 years.
La Befana
Instead of being visited by Santa Claus, the children of Italy are brought presents by an old woman known as La Befana who flies around on a broomstick. Move over, Santa. We'd pick this Christmas Witch any day.
Speaking of bizarre holiday traditions, check out the interesting way people are decorating their Christmas trees HERE.