The cities are covered in white, homes are glowing with Christmas lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the streets…
No doubt about it: the holiday season is here!
And with Christmas comes festive feasts, family gatherings, and of course presents under the tree.
But above everything, the end of the year is all about traditions.
While France keeps things rather classic, other countries celebrate in much more surprising ways.
Here are six of the most unusual Christmas traditions from around the world!
1. Christmas with your feet in the water – Australia
If Christmas means snow and cozy nights by the fire for you, things work very differently in Australia.
Down under, the holidays fall right in the middle of summer, with temperatures reaching around 30°C (86°F).
That means you’re more likely to see Santa in a swimsuit holding a beer than in a red suit drinking eggnog.
In Australia, gifts are exchanged over backyard barbecues or beach picnics.
On the menu: champagne, seafood, and glazed ham! And for dessert, the famous Pavlova—a light meringue cake topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit—takes the place of the traditional British Christmas pudding.
2. A symbolic Christmas gift – Portugal
In Portugal, it’s not Santa who delivers the presents but baby Jesus!
And in some regions, an old tradition still lives on: offering each guest an orange studded with cloves.
Once considered a luxury item, the orange has become a Christmas symbol.
Giving one is meant to bring prosperity and good fortune for the coming year—a simple but meaningful way to start the new year right!
3. An unusual Santa – Italy
In Rome, the arrival of La Befana—a friendly witch—is just as anticipated as Santa Claus.
With her crooked nose and magic broom, La Befana delivers a second round of presents during the night of January 5 to celebrate the Epiphany. T
his iconic figure of Italian folklore is considered a “second Santa,” entering homes through the chimney to reward children. The well-behaved receive sweets and toys in their stockings; the mischievous get… coal.
A generous witch who gives witches everywhere a better reputation!
4. A Christmas Log That Gives Gifts – Spain
In Catalonia, not all gifts come from Santa!
Families also rely on the “Tió de Nadal,” a Christmas log with a smiling face, a small blanket, and the region’s traditional red-and-white “barretina” hat.
Starting early December, children “feed” the log every day so that it can “poop” gifts on Christmas morning.
Before the Christmas Eve dinner, kids grab sticks, hit the log, and sing songs asking it to give them presents.
Once the log used to deliver treats like nougat and dried fruit—today it may spit out toys, electronics, or even phones. Quite an upgrade.
5. An Unexpected Christmas Decoration – United States
The United States is famous for quirky traditions, and here’s one of the most surprising: the “Christmas Pickle.”
On the night of December 24, some families hide a small pickle-shaped ornament deep inside the Christmas tree.
The first child to find it on Christmas morning gets an extra gift.
If an adult spots it first, it’s supposed to bring them good luck for the coming year.
Although long thought to be German, this tradition is now widely recognized as purely American.
6. A Piñata in the Christmas Tree – Mexico
Instead of hanging shiny ornaments and garlands, some Mexican families place… a piñata in their Christmas tree!
Traditionally, children receive their gifts on January 6, but on Christmas Eve they get a sweet preview.
On December 24, kids take turns—blindfolded—trying to break the piñata to collect candy and small treats.
A festive and colorful way to kick off the celebrations!
With our special Christmas selection, you can surprise your loved ones with truly unique gifts and make this holiday season unforgettable!
