In Japan, the meal at KFC
To celebrate Christmas, the Japanese do not take out grandma’s silverware, and do not spend a lot of money on luxury foods. No salmon or foie gras, but rather a huge bucket of fried chicken, from the fast-food chain KFC. Every New Year’s Eve, no less than 3.5 million Japanese families come to enjoy themselves at the famous colonel’s house. And this tradition has its origins in a publicity stunt by the channel made in the 70s, taking advantage of the absence of custom in Japan for this Christian holiday. The Christmas menu at KFC includes fried chicken, cake and champagne, to add a bit of whimsy.
In Italy, a witch instead of Santa Claus
A deeply Christian country, Italy is very attached to the Christmas celebration. But there is a notable difference with what we know: here, Santa Claus does not bring the presents. This is the role of Befana, a kind witch. Legend has it that Befana was questioned by the Magi, while they were on their way to Bethlehem. Seized with remorse after refusing to follow them, she set off with a basket full of delicacies but, finding no trace of the Magi, she distributed the sweets to children. Since then, she picks up her broom every night from January 5 to 6 and brings gifts to all the good children.
In Australia, Christmas with your feet in the water
On the other side of the globe, you are unlikely to see a snowy landscape for Christmas (or at any other time for that matter). So, Australians are taking advantage of their mild summer to spend the day of December 25 at the beach, with their family. Once the gifts are opened, the children put on their swimsuits and go splashing in the ocean or the pool. As for food, we also adapt to the weather and grill meat on the barbecue while sipping a cold beer. Even internationally known Christmas carols are revisited: words that evoke the cold are replaced by those that belong to the lexical field of the sun!
In Ukraine, cobwebs on the tree
If you think spooky decorations are just good for Halloween, you’ve probably never been to Ukraine. There, spider webs are considered happy omens, and adorn the Christmas trees of many families. This tradition comes from a folk tale in which a poor family did not have enough money to decorate their tree. Seeing their despair, the spiders spun silk webs around the tree, which then turned into silver and gold.
In Mexico, nine nights of celebration before Christmas
In Mexico, Christmas celebrations last much longer than back home. It actually begins on December 16, which marks the beginning of the nine Posadas. Every night before Christmas, Mexicans gather in a different household, as if asking for shelter. On the program for these evenings, food, Christmas carols and pinatas! And because the holiday spirit never lasts too long, celebrations usually continue until January sixth.
Where would you like to celebrate Christmas?
