Christmas traditions around the world

When you think of Christmas, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? December 25th, Santa Claus, the food, or the fear of getting coal? Christmas traditions are different around the world – what might be your normal may be unique elsewhere. 

Coal or Krampus: 

In modern times, we think of elves working hard in the North Pole to make gifts for children, gift exchanges with family and friends, caroling, and building snowmen. Although in many countries this was not always the case, and children had more to fear than finding a lump of coal in their stockings. Those children feared Krampus, a demon-like figure, who would “punish” misbehaving children. 

According to the article, “The Naughty List: Krampus, Other Dark Characters as Holiday Traditions,” by Peter Larson states, “The legend of Krampus dates back centuries, rooted in the “scary ghost stories” shared to pass Europe’s long winter nights. During the longest nights of the year before and after the winter solstice, when the veil between natural and supernatural thinned, tales warned misbehaving children of grim fates — being beaten, eaten or dragged away by other supernatural beings. These ancient stories persisted after the advent of Christianity, with Krampus taking on a distinctly demonic aspect.” 

Krampus is a tradition in countries such as: Austria, Germany, and the Alpine Region. 

Yule Lads are known in Iceland as 13 troll-like figures who visit Icelandic children. The nice children would receive treats, but misbehaved children would be threatened with being taken to their ogre mother, Gryla, who would cook them. 

In other parts of Iceland, the Jolakotturinn is a giant black cat who would eat people who had not received new clothes by Christmas. 

In France, Père Fouettard is an evil companion of St. Nicholas. He is believed to carry chains and switches to whip misbehaving children. 

Belsnickel, who is known in Europe and parts of the U.S., is a “shaggy figure” who joins along with St. Nicholas carrying switches. He is known to either reward or punish children. 

Lastly, in Italy, Befana is a witch who brings gifts and treats to nice children. Naughty children received coal, and she would arrive on the Epiphany (celebrated on January 6th.)

Santa Claus:

The guy we all know and love is celebrated in different ways around the world. In the United States, we know him as Santa Claus, who wears a red suit, climbs down our chimneys, and indulges in cookies and milk.

In the United Kingdom, Father Christmas is the guy to be good for. He traditionally wears a hooded green cloak, a wreath either made of holly or ivy, and carries a staff. 

In France, Pere Noel wears a long red cloak and has children leave their shoes by the fire to be filled with goodies following mass on Christmas Eve. He is often seen traveling with his dark companion, Père Fouettard.

As a figure deeply rooted in Slavic mythology, celebrated in Russia and Ukraine, Ded Moroz is often depicted as a wizard or demon. In the past, he was known to punish naughty children by kidnapping them, but he has “softened” in recent years. On New Year’s Eve, within the region, he travels with his companion, Snegurochka the Snow Maiden, to bring gifts to children. 

Other countries, such as Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, etc., all celebrate Santa Claus differently. 

A Time for Celebration:

Many people believe that Christmas is to be celebrated on December 25th and that it is over when the clock strikes midnight, but that is not the case for everyone. 

According to the article, “When Christmas is Celebrated,” by James Cooper states, “The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died and then came back to life. The ‘Christ-Mass’ service was the only one that was allowed to take place after sunset (and before sunrise the next day), so people had it at Midnight! So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas.” 

Mainly Orthodox and Coptic churches celebrate Christmas on January 7th. Cooper also states, “In 2023, the law was changed in Ukraine so Christmas will be celebrated on December 25th rather than on January 7th.” 

As the old saying goes, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”