Hooray, that time of year is getting closer. Christmas is just around the corner. We've done some research on how the world celebrates Christmas and what traditions exist around the globe.
Sweden
The Julbock (Yule Goat) is a traditional Christmas decoration in Sweden. In Gävle, a 13-meter-high Julbock is erected every year at the beginning of Advent. There, attempting to burn down the goat has become an "unpopular" tradition. Even tourists take part. In 48 years, it has been successfully burned down 26 times – most recently in 2013.
Norway
Norwegians believe that witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas Eve in search of brooms to ride and cause mischief. That’s why brooms and mops are hidden at Christmas so they don’t go missing.
Japan
Food plays a big role during the Christmas season in Japan too. However, most people don’t cook at home. Instead, they flock to the American fast-food chain KFC, where it’s traditional to eat Christmas chicken. Yummy!
Venezuela
Every year on Christmas Eve, the residents of Caracas head to church early in the morning. The difference from the rest of the world? They roll to church – on rollerblades. Because of this tradition, the city streets are closed to cars every Christmas. We think this tradition is great – do you?
Ukraine
Here, it’s all about spider webs. Yes, you read that right. In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with spider webs every year – not real ones, of course. The tradition comes from a story about a poor woman who couldn’t afford Christmas decorations. When she woke up the next morning, her tree was covered in spider webs that sparkled beautifully in the sunlight.
Poland
The right time to open presents in Poland is written in the stars – literally. The youngest family member watches the sky and announces when the first star appears. The only question is: what happens if not a single star shows up all night?