12-23-2024 5:37am

Odd Christmas Celebrations Not to be Missed from Around the World

Chris Edwards Editor

Odd Christmas celebrations one probably won't see in New Mexico or many places around the US but some of us may be familiar based upon our experiences and or heritage.

If this tradition doesn't scare kids into behaving who knows what will. In Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore, the Krampus is Father Christmas’s scary friend, a devilish creature who punishes naughty children throughout the festive period. The mythical beast, who is hairy, with hooves and large horns, is ‘celebrated’ every year on the fifth of December in many cities throughout Germany and Austria in a festival named Krampusnacht, the Christmas season begins often marked with a parade in which hundreds dress up as Krampus and chase each other through the streets.

In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, revellers travel to early-morning church services on roller skates throughout the festive period. Roads are even closed off especially on mornings between 16 December and Christmas Eve as an unusual Christmas occurrence

In Portugal, a more religious Christmas is also a time for remembrance, as families set extra places at the dining table on Christmas Eve (or sometimes on Christmas morning) for deceased relatives. The practice is called consoda and is thought to bring the family good luck, with a meal, consisting of salted cod, potato and a range of regional desserts.

Ukrainian Christmas trees are traditionally decorated with a fake spider and web. The custom, which is said to bring good luck, stems from an old wives’ tale about a poor woman who could not afford to decorate her tree. She woke up on Christmas morning to find a spider had covered it in a glittering web.

And finally a traditional Scandinavian Christmas symbol, the Yule goat was believed to have been a spirit that would appear before the festive season to make sure that celebrations were carried out correctly. In later centuries, the goat’s role was as a gift-giver, before eventually being replaced by Father Christmas. Nowadays, small goats made out of straw are popular tree decorations throughout Scandinavia.

And whats your Christmas tradion? Share your thoughts on traditions for Christmas.