Christmas Around The World
Dinner at KFC? Rollerskating to church? Christmas caterpillers? We look at some brilliant festive traditions from around the globe…
Japan’s Dish Of The Day
Japan is the home of sushi; however this isn’t the dish of choice at Christmas time. Instead you’ll find millions of Japanese queueing round the corner for fried chicken from KFC.
This tradition began back in 1970 when the manager of the first ever KFC in Japan started selling a “party bucket” in the run-up to Christmas. Since then it has become a festive staple.
After picking up your KFC in Tokyo why not take a stroll down to the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station to witness the largest Christmas tree in Japan? The Roppongi district is a local favourite during the festive period. Featuring Christmas markets, lights and decorations, these streets are lined with brightly lit trees.
Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, the holidays are for everyone to enjoy. In Japan, December 23 is seen as a romantic day, similar to our Valentine’s Day. It’s tradition for couples to exchange gifts and spend time together. So take a swooning stroll around the Christmas sights and enjoy the city at night.
Beach Life in Australia
Christmas hats on Bondi Beach, Sydney Pic: Shutterstock
Instead of putting some shrimp on the barbie, on Christmas Day Australians pop a turkey on instead! Cola roast turkey is a popular Christmas dinner dish partnered with some tasty roast potatoes and plenty of coleslaw.
Since there’s never a white Christmas, Australians make their own. White Christmas is a sweet treat eaten in December, and has become a real favourite in the country.
You can’t make snow angels either, but you can make sand angels instead! Christmas lovers can head to one of Australia’s 10,000 beaches on the special day to go for a swim or get a suntan. Bondi Beach is a popular tourist spot which, on Christmas Day, becomes a full-on party. Beach-goers flock to Bondi in their best Christmas gear and you might even see Santa catching a wave!
Pohutukawa Trees In New Zealand
Red pohutukawa flowers in New Zealand Pic: Shutterstock
The festive season is similarly celebrated in New Zealand. However their Christmas tree looks quite different from what we’re used to. Here the pohutukawa tree has become a symbol of Christmas in the country due to its red flowers blossoming in December. As the name suggests, the Pohutukawa Coast in Auckland is the best place to see these trees in bloom while also relaxing on the sands.
Get Your Skates On in Caracas!
People in Caracas, Venezuela, have a very inventive way of getting to Christmas Mass – via rollerskates! Skaters make their way through the city and as part of tradition, pull on strings tied on to children’s toes. This is meant to instruct the children to get their skates on and head to Mass! The busy roads are closed the week before Christmas to allow for the safe passage of worshippers to church.
Once you’ve finished skating, take a trip on the Metrocable car to get a bird’s eye view of the city. Who knows, you may even spot a skater or two!
You’d Better Watch Out in Austria!
Watch out for Krampus! Pic: Shutterstock
In the UK, naughty children are traditionally gifted coal. However in Austria bad children are visited by a half-goat, half-demon called Krampus! Said to be the companion of St Nicholas, Krampus takes misbehaving children to Hell! Krampus has become a bit of a legend and is celebrated around the world. The annual Krampus procession occurs every year where Austrians dress up as the creepy figure and parade around their town. This usually happens on Krampusnacht, December 5.
However if you fancy seeing something less scary, take a trip to Vienna, one of the most popular Christmas holiday destinations. Make sure you visit the Belvedere at night while it’s lit up with Christmas lights and take a stroll around its Christmas market. Try some Weihnachtspunsch, a hot alcoholic punch that is a staple of an Austrian Christmas, or visit Rathauspark and wander among the festive decorations.
Christmas Caterpillers in Johannesburg
Fried caterpiller tastes just like tea! Pic: Shutterstock
In Johannesburg don’t be afraid if some fried caterpillars appear on your plate, since this is a local dish eaten every Christmas. The Emperor Moth caterpillars are harvested during winter and are a fantastic source of protein, apparently tasting of tea!
If you visit during Christmas time make sure you stop in at Johannesburg Zoo, which is open on Christmas Day. Spot the famous Big Five wild animals as well as other endangered and exotic animals celebrating Christmas with you.
Christmas will never be the same once you’ve experienced these countries!
