We are all used to the traditional customs of New Years Day and Christmas in the United States. But internationally there are traditions that deserve recognition for their unique and strange nature. With that let’s get started!

1. Sweden’s Burning Goat

Officially known in Sweden as the Yule Goat, in Gävle, Sweden there is a goat sculpture made out of straw. The goat, which is made annually in the same place every year, is over 35 feet tall. It is built in the later parts of November, and supposed to be burned down after the holiday season, but vandals usually burn it before then.

 2. Japan’s Christmas Meal

Think of Japanese food for a second, no matter what came to your mind it probably was not chicken. But, ever since a viral marketing campaign by KFC in the 1970’s, KFC chicken has been a customary food for Christmas. Only 1% of Japan celebrates Christmas, however according to CNN, Japanese KFC’s had 63 million dollars in sales from December 20th to December 25th in 2018.

 3. Germany’s Hidden Vegetable

German people famously put candles on their christmas trees, but German-Americans also put something else on their trees. Hidden in the tree, there is a pickle. Whatever child finds the pickle first, is supposed to receive an extra package from Santa Claus. This tradition is often misidentified as a German custom, but it was German-Americans who came up with the idea.

4. Norway’s Fear of Witches

Norwegians treat their Christmas time similarly to our Halloween. Much like the Halloween traditions from America, on Christmas Eve witches fly around and release evil spirits. Because of this, Norwegians have a custom to lock up their broomsticks so witches cannot fly on their broomsticks. Norwegians also have a tradition to trick-or-treat, except instead of saying trick-or-treat, they sing Christmas carols.

5. Venezuela’s Ride to Church 

Many go to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but how Venezuelans get to church is why this is on the list. Venezuelans ride on roller skates to get to church on Christmas Eve. The tradition is very popular in the country’s capital, Caracas, and city officials block off roads so that people of the city can safely ride to church.

6. England’s Cracking of Crackers

English crackers put the crack in the word cracker. Families pull the crackers apart  with one person on each side of the cracker, which creates a cracking noise. Once the cracker is opened, traditionally there is a joke and small prize inside. The tradition started in the UK and has spread to other commonwealth nations.

 7. Brazil’s Ocean Jumping

Moving on to New Year’s traditions, Brazilians celebrate the New Year by jumping into the ocean. At exactly midnight of the new year Brazilians are supposed to jump into the waves of a beach exactly seven times. The tradition is supposed to give good luck for the brand new year.

8. Denmark’s Smashing Plates

Danish people don’t show table manners for their New Year’s tradition. Danish are supposed to get good luck for the upcoming year if they throw plates… at their neighbors doors. In Denmark, a pile of shattered plates is supposedly good luck.

 9. Colombia’s Potatoes Stash

According to Colombian tradition, Colombians are supposed to place three potatoes under their bed on December 31st. The three potatoes are supposed to be prepared in different ways; one unskinned, one partially skinned and the last one completely skinned. When Colombians wake up on January 1st, they are supposed to pick one of the potatoes from under their beds. Picking the potato with skin means good luck for the upcoming year, the half unpeeled one has mixed luck, and the unpeeled one has bad luck.

10. Ireland’s Beating Bread

For our final wacky tradition we go to the Emerald Isle. An Irish tradition says that people are supposed to pound bread against their walls for good luck. In addition to getting rid of bad luck, it also is to help give families a good food supply for the upcoming year.

As we all prepare for Santa Claus to come and the ball to drop for New Year’s Day this holiday season, it is interesting to learn of some fascinating customs and traditions from all over the world.