Finland: Tea with Joulupukki
Finnish Santa Claus - Joulupukki - is not just a grandfather in a red fur coat, but a real resident of Lapland. He sits quietly in his house in the village of Rovaniemi and waits for guests to come to him. Yes, yes, you can come there on an excursion, hug Joulupukki and make a wish. But be prepared: he is, of course, magical, but he does not reject tips. Well, as they say, Christmas is an expensive business!
Japan: Christmas KFC
In Japan, they do not cook borscht or bake pies for Christmas - everyone there goes to KFC! Yes, fried chicken is the main symbol of the holiday. And you have to order the set in advance, because there are too many people who want to try the Christmas baquette. Can you imagine? Santa who brings not gifts, but wings. Now that's what I call a modern approach!
Hungary: looking for a golden nut
In Hungary, it is customary to hide a golden nut somewhere in the house, and the children must find it. Whoever finds it will get luck and gifts. However, there is a suspicion that luck here lies in the fact that one of the adults did not forget where they hid it. Can you imagine what it will be like to explain to a child why the nut ended up in daddy's bag?
Australia: Santa on a surfboard
When we wrap ourselves in scarves and hats, Australians celebrate Christmas on the beach. Here, Santa rushes to the children not on a sleigh, but on a surfboard. And instead of the traditional "Ho-ho-ho!" he probably shouts something like: "Hang ten, mate!" Although it sounds unusual, it certainly looks very funny. Well, the Australian Santa must have a lovely tan.
Germany: a shoe and presents
In Germany, children hang their shoes by the fireplace, and Saint Nicholas brings them presents. And if you've been bad, you'll get coal. Can you imagine how convenient this is for parents? No need to figure out what to do with an old pair of shoes. And a lesson for the children: if you don't want coal, be a good boy!
Iceland: thirteen Santa Clauses
Here, at Christmas, there is not one, but thirteen Santa Clauses. Each of them comes on a different day in December, leaving presents for the children or... potatoes. No, not the toy kind, but real ones. In general, the Icelanders have their own views on how to surprise a child.
Italy: a gift-giving witch
In Italy, gifts are brought not only by Babbo Natale (the local Santa), but also by a witch named Befana. She flies in on a broom and puts presents in stockings. If the stocking is empty, then perhaps she decided that it would be better to update her wardrobe. Who knows, maybe Befana is a hidden fashionista?
Ukraine: spider web on the Christmas tree
In Ukraine, among the toys on the Christmas tree, you can find... a spider web. This is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Legend has it that once a spider spun a web on a poor Christmas tree to make it look richer. In general, if you forgot to remove the web before the holidays, feel free to say that it is a tradition.
What do all these traditions have in common?
Each country puts its soul into Christmas in its own way, adding its own colors, deliciousness and, of course, humor. The main thing is to rejoice, laugh and share this magical mood with loved ones. Well, if you suddenly want to celebrate the holiday in the style of KFC or decorate the Christmas tree with a spider web - why not?
With love and a smile, your Nadya, a lover of traditions and unexpected gifts!