Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. While we all have our unique ways of marking the season, it’s always fascinating to learn about how others celebrate Christmas across the globe. In Nigeria, Christmas often means visiting family, eating jollof rice and chicken, attending church services, and enjoying the vibrant energy of end-of-year parties.
But how do other countries celebrate this special season? Here are some surprising Christmas traditions from around the world that may leave you curious, inspired, or even amused!
1. Japan: A KFC Christmas Feast
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a public holiday, and only about 1% of the population identifies as Christian. Yet, a quirky tradition has taken root: families flock to KFC for a special Christmas dinner! This began as a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s, and today, many Japanese families place their KFC orders weeks in advance to ensure they get their “Christmas Chicken.” Imagine Nigerians swapping their jollof rice for fried chicken—would it work?
2. Iceland: 13 Yule Lads and Mischievous Gifts
Icelandic children don’t just have Santa Claus; they have 13 Yule Lads! These mischievous characters visit children each night for 13 days leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts in their shoes if they’ve been good—or rotten potatoes if they’ve been naughty. Now, imagine a Nigerian Christmas with aluta boys leaving surprises for kids; it might be fun, but we’d probably stick with Father Christmas!
3. The Philippines: The World’s Longest Christmas Season
The Philippines takes Christmas celebrations to a whole new level. They start as early as September, known as the Ber Months, with festive decorations, carols, and community events. By December, the streets are alive with parades, light displays, and a tradition called Simbang Gabi—a nine-day series of pre-dawn church services. Nigerians might be able to relate to the love of long celebrations, especially with owambe parties lasting till dawn!
4. Austria: Krampus, the Christmas Monster
In Austria and other parts of Europe, there’s a darker side to Christmas. Krampus, a terrifying creature, accompanies Saint Nicholas to punish naughty children. While Saint Nicholas rewards the well-behaved, Krampus is said to scare the naughty ones into being good. Nigerians have their own “warnings” for kids during the festive season, but a Krampus-like figure might take African parents’ methods to a whole new level!
5. Venezuela: Roller Skating to Church
In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, it’s a Christmas tradition to roller skate to church on Christmas morning. Streets are even closed off to cars so people can safely skate to their early morning service. This might sound unusual to us in Nigeria, where most of us drive or walk to church. But imagine the excitement of roller-skating down Lagos roads—pure chaos or pure fun?
6. Mexico: Posadas and Piñatas
In Mexico, the nine days leading up to Christmas are marked by Las Posadas, which re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. This tradition is often accompanied by feasts, songs, and breaking piñatas filled with candy. Nigerians might find the idea of breaking piñatas relatable, as it’s similar to cutting a celebratory cake—but with a sweet twist for kids!
7. Finland: Christmas Saunas
In Finland, Christmas Eve isn’t complete without a visit to the sauna. Families believe it’s a way to cleanse the body and spirit before the celebrations begin. Considering Nigeria’s hot climate, this might not catch on here, but the idea of preparing spiritually and physically for Christmas is something we already practice through fasting and prayers.
8. Italy: La Befana, the Christmas Witch
In Italy, it’s not Santa Claus who brings gifts on Christmas. Instead, an old woman called La Befana delivers presents to children on the eve of the Epiphany (January 6th). She rides on a broomstick, leaving gifts in stockings for good kids and coal for the naughty ones. Nigerians might find this amusing, but as long as the kids get their gifts, who cares who delivers them?
Nigeria may not have Yule Lads or Krampus, but we have traditions that are just as vibrant and unique. From street carnivals in Calabar to masquerade dances in the East, Christmas in Nigeria is full of colour, food, and music. The joy of visiting family, hosting end-of-year parties, and spreading love captures the essence of the season.
Exploring these traditions shows us how diverse and creative the world is when it comes to celebrating Christmas. While Nigeria’s traditions are deeply rooted in community, faith, and family, it’s interesting to see how others interpret the spirit of the season. Which of these global traditions would you love to experience? Or better yet, what Nigerian tradition would you share with the world?
Let us know in the comments!