When it comes to celebrating Christmas, no two places do it quite the same. From cosy evenings by the fire to throwing pudding at the ceiling, these quirky Christmas traditions from around the globe offer a glimpse into the festive spirit of different cultures. Here are ten unique ways people celebrate the holiday season worldwide:

1. Exchanging Books in Iceland

Iceland has a tradition so wholesome, we’re thinking about incorporating it into our own Christmas traditions! On Christmas Eve, families exchange books and spend the evening reading by the fire while enjoying sweet treats. Called Jólabókaflóð, it’s the perfect blend of cosiness and culture, ideal for bookworms!

2. Brooms and Mops in Norway

In Norway, it’s not just Santa who comes out on Christmas Eve. Folklore warns that evil spirits and witches roam the night, searching for brooms to use as flying transport. To make sure no witches pay them a visit, Norwegians hide their brooms and mops. Spooky!

3. KFC for Christmas in Japan

While Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated in Japan, one recent custom has taken the country by storm: KFC. Yes, families order Christmas-themed “Party Barrels” from KFC, complete with fried chicken, salad, and cake. This may just be another tradition we could get behind…

4. Christmas Pickles in Germany

This quirky tradition is thought to have German origins, though its true beginnings remain a mystery. A pickle ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree, and the lucky person who finds it either gets a bonus gift or good fortune for the year ahead.

5. Shoes by the Fire in The Netherlands

Dutch children eagerly await Sinterklaas, who fills their shoes with gifts and treats left by the fireplace. Leading up to Christmas, kids leave carrots and hay for his horse in exchange for small presents. Who needs stockings when you have shoes?

6. A Yule Goat in Sweden

Dating back to the 11th century, the Yule Goat has been a staple of Swedish Christmas celebrations. While it was once believed to ward off evil, today it’s a festive symbol often seen as ornaments or even giant sculptures.

7. Arty Nativity Scenes in Mexico

In Mexico, the focus isn’t on Christmas trees but on beautifully crafted nacimientos, or nativity scenes. These intricate displays, often made by local artisans, are added to throughout the season. Baby Jesus appears on Christmas Eve, while the Three Kings join the scene on January 5th.

8. Rice Porridge in Finland

Christmas morning in Finland begins with a comforting bowl of rice porridge topped with cinnamon, butter, or milk. Hidden in one bowl is an almond, and whoever finds it ‘wins’ and is said to have good fortune.

9. Sharing Oplatek Under The Stars in Poland

On Christmas Eve, Polish families break and share oplatek, a religious wafer, as they exchange wishes for the season. Dinner doesn’t start until the first star appears in the night sky, and an extra place is set at the table for any unexpected visitors, embodying the season’s spirit of generosity and hospitality.

10. Pudding Throwing in Slovakia

One of the most unusual traditions comes from Slovakia, where pudding is thrown at the ceiling. The eldest family member flings loksa pudding—made with milk, bread, and poppy seeds—and the more that sticks, the more luck the family is said to have in the coming year. How festive!

No matter how you celebrate Christmas, one thing remains the same: it’s all about spending time with the ones you love! Will any of these quirky traditions find their way into your family celebrations this year?