This year I wanted to delve into some more unique holiday traditions, as I tend to stick with the “classics”. Now it must be said, these are unique to me as a Canadian (in the middle of Canada)– depending on where you are from and your family, these might not seem unique at all. I think that they are all fascinating, though, and it is these traditions that make the holiday season special for each of us. Today we are going to be going around the globe to learn about some of the most unique Christmas traditions!
KFC for Christmas Dinner- Japan
As one might expect, Christmas is not a massive holiday in Japan. New Year’s celebrations tend to be much more important in Eastern Asian countries, so the emphasis is in January and those celebrations. However, on Christmas Day in Japan, there is a very popular tradition of a… KFC dinner. Yes, a dinner from KFC, the fat food chain.
SInce the mid-1970s, KFC has been a popular choice for Christmas dinner in Japan. In 1974, the fast food chain that was relatively new in Japan launched a national campaign with a slogan that translated to “Kentucky for Christmas” and it caught on very quickly. Given that it is not a day off of work there, it makes sense! (I also think that it highlights once again that none of our Christmas food preferences are “right” or “wrong”.)
Jolabokaflod- Iceland
This is one of those traditions that I’ve seen debated as to whether or not it actually happens but I am including it as I desperately hope that it is real.
According to Jolabokeflod.org,
This tradition began during World War II once Iceland had gained its independence for Denmark in 1944. Paper was one of the few commodities not rationed during the war, so Icelanders shared their love of books even more as other types of gifts were [in] short supply…
Every year since 1944, the Icelandic book trade has published a catalogue – called Bókatíðindi (‘Book Bulletin’, in English) – that is sent to every household in the country in mid-November…
During the festive season, gifts are opened on 24 December and, by tradition, everyone reads the books they have been given straight away, often while drinking hot chocolate or alcohol-free Christmas ale called jólabland.
This tradition is brought up in December in every single book-ish community that I am part of, and inevitably someone from Iceland says that they don’t actually know anyone who does this. However, I hope that it is still a tradition for some families! I also enjoy that it is a tradition based in the home- many of these unique traditions are based/performed out in the community.
Christmas Street Parties- Australia
This is possibly one of the best traditions I’ve heard of. Obviously, December falls during the summer in Australia, meaning that it is about the most opposite Christmas you could have from the middle of Canada. As such, their traditions are quite different.
You can go to the beach in the summer or have a barbeque, and those seem to be very popular choices with everyone I know in Australia. However, in the late afternoon and evening in Australia, you can also find many street parties happening. I think that this is actually a really lovely tradition, because it involves the community and not only the core family. Many holiday traditions are very “core-family” based and that leaves a lot of people alone for the holidays- street parties are a fantastic way to include those who might be on their own! (I wish that we could do something like this where I live, but there is a very real chance that it will be -30C…)
The Yule Goat (aka the Julbukk)- Scandinavia
I first learned about this Scandinavian tradition in my History of Christmas class in my undergrad, and I was immediately fascinated. Goats do not factor into Christmas at all here in Canada, so it seemed incredibly creative to me!
You will find different variations of the Yule goat in Scandinavia- you might come across the julbukk, the julbock, or the julebock. (Spelling in translation is an art, not a science.) Historically the Yule Goat has had a public role. Much like mummering in the United Kingdom and Newfoundland where people go door to door during the holiday season to collect food and drink, young men would historically dress up in costumes and go door to door playing pranks and generally causing mischief. Oftentimes they would be dressed as goats!
In the nineteenth century, the Yule goat was actually a gift bringer for children in much of Scandinavia but it was replaced by a more Santa-like figure! And nowadays, you will find the Yule goat most frequently as a tree decoration. (Yes, I did get mine above at IKEA…) I love that this historical tradition has been brought into the modern!
What are the most unique holiday traditions that you’ve come across? Are there any that you would like to adopt?
Cheers,
The Historian
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