The air is growing colder, and the scent of peppermint and gingerbread that permeated the air as the holiday season lingers is starting to fade. But the holidays were not welcomed the same way across the globe. From quirky traditions to heartfelt celebrations, the way each part of the world celebrated the holidays was shaped by regional culture and history.
Christmas in Japan was celebrated with big buckets of KFC. Born from a corporate marketing campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas,” this local tradition now symbolizes a sense of familiarity and togetherness.
The Yule Lads of Iceland are a mischievous seasonal folklore tradition. A band of 13 troll-like figures, they visit children and leave behind festive treats, or if they’re unlucky, rotten potatoes. Each lad has a specific misbehavior, from spoon-licker to sausage swiper, and these lads were not just a quirky holiday tradition but represent Iceland’s deep commitment to storytelling and myth.
Venezuela embodied a blend of festivity and faith in its Christmas morning ritual of skating to early Mass. Several streets were even closed to traffic for the skaters, underscoring how the community embraced this joyful yet spiritually tethered tradition.
The Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines was a grand event that transformed the city into a sea of dazzling lights. The glowing lanterns were not just a visual spectacle but also represented hope, unity and resilience.
In several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador, people started off the new year by walking around the block while dragging empty suitcases. This tradition was meant to manifest an upcoming year full of travel, adventure and excitement.
Spain welcomed the new year with the 12 grapes of luck. Each of the 12 grapes eaten during the 12 clock chimes at midnight symbolized good luck for all 12 months of the upcoming year.
From KFC dinners to lantern festivals, the diversity and imagination seen in holiday traditions are what make them beautiful. While these traditions may seem disparate, they are connected by the common thread of celebration, community and unity. As this holiday season passes us by, reflect on your own traditions and celebrations that connect your family to the true holiday spirit.
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Featured Image Photographed by Julia Gu/BruinLife
