Cherished traditions add a sprinkle of magic and a dash of nostalgia to the season. We establish rituals year after year that bring joy, laugher, and sometimes chaos.
But what makes them so important? For one, they offer comfort and a sense of stability and familiarity. The emotional lift they provide is like caffeine for the heart. Plus, they inspire creativity — whether we’re hunting for the perfect tree, picking out the ugliest Christmas sweater, or attempting a Pinterest-inspired gingerbread mansion likely to turn into a delightful mess. Exploring traditions from elsewhere in the world can teach us about values, history, and unique cultural quirks that unite us as humans, so join me for a merry trip around the globe.
We’ll begin in Spain with the annual El Gordo. No, it’s not a holiday feast (although Spain does those well!). El Gordo is the world’s largest Christmas lottery. On December 22, families gather around radios and TVs, fingers and toes crossed, hoping for a stroke of luck. The excitement is akin to how we feel when the Powerball reaches its peak. Winning or not, it’s a cherished part of the Spanish Christmas season.
KFC chicken on Christmas Day in Japan
Hopping over to Japan, December 25 isn’t about family gatherings — it’s all about that special someone in your life. Couples pull out all the stops for romantic dinners, much like we do on Valentine’s Day. However, many choose to celebrate with a big bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, a tradition so popular that it must be ordered weeks in advance.
Now let’s head to Iceland — one of my favorite countries to visit — for a dose of Christmas magic mixed with a hint of mischief. Kids leave their shoes on windowsills, hoping one of the 13 Yule Lads will drop by to fill them with treats. Each Lad comes with his own quirky antics, from Spoon-Licker to Sausage-Swiper, making the season both fun and full of surprises.
Over in South Africa, Christmas arrives right in the middle of summer! So, they celebrate with big outdoor gatherings and a tradition called the Boxing Day Test Match, a cricket game that feels more like a picnic. Everyone brings their favorite snacks, supports their team, and just enjoys the lively atmosphere.
Our family recently returned from Switzerland, where we got a firsthand account of how they celebrate. On December 5, they kick things off with Klausjagen, where an ornate procession leads St. Nick into town. The Silvesterchlausen custom involves two separate new year’s celebrations where masked revelers parade around making noise to ward off bad vibes. And the decorated Christmas tree is revealed on Christmas Eve — which is so cool! I know some folks in the States also put up their tree on Christmas Eve. That’s a lot of work in 24 hours, and I truly applaud their dedication.
Switzerland native Johanna Runschke from Luzern shared her favorite holiday traditions: “We need to get out of the house to give Santa Claus time to ‘deliver’ the presents. We always go for a stroll through the city to admire the Christmas lights and soak in the peacefulness of the evening.
“By the time we return, the presents are already under the tree. But we keep this tradition of strolling regardless. On Christmas Eve, you won’t find many people in the city, and the most magical evenings are when there’s a light snowfall.”
And these are just a few examples! Our world is filled with beautiful, quirky, and heart-warming traditions. So whether you’re into rolling cheese down a hill, dressing up as a horse (yes, those are real traditions), or just waiting patiently under the mistletoe, embrace the fun and festive holiday spirit.
The NC Flotilla in Wrightsville Beach
Bringing it back home to North Carolina, my family has plenty of wonderful family traditions, like an annual trip to Wilmington for the Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach. Boats of all shapes and sizes are decorated for a fabulous floating parade that takes place on November 29 this year.
We also have our very own Christmas village! Visiting McAdenville, known as Christmas Town USA, is like stepping into a holiday wonderland. With twinkling lights and festive decorations, the town transforms into a magical scene straight from a Hallmark movie.
Raleigh’s 81st annual Christmas Parade is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season here in the Triangle. Mark your calendars — it’s happening on November 22! And don’t miss the incredible stroll through downtown Cary, always beautifully decorated for the holiday season!
One particular tradition in my family always sparks conversation: Hide the Pickle. The Christmas pickle is a glass ornament hidden on the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it on Christmas morning receives a small gift and is said to have good luck. While some believe this is an old German tradition called Weihnachtsgurke, it actually originated among German-Americans in the 19th century.
These diverse traditions from around the world open our eyes, educate us, and bring us together like a patchwork quilt of humanity. So why not adopt a new tradition this year? Mix it up, make it your own, and maybe even start a quirky tradition that future generations will wonder about and cherish. Happy holiday season!
- 2025 Gift Guide
- Garden Adventurer: In Search of Osmanthus
- Celebrated Spirits: Nomu Japanese Rice Lager
- Celebrated Spirits: Kodagu Classic
- Sunday Gravy, Every Day at Farina
- Haute Holidays
- Erica Chats: How the World Celebrates
- Holiday Happenings
- Festive Wine Guide
- Pay it Forward: 127 Haven
- Small Business Spotlight: The Kupkake Fairy
