By: Victoria Hung

The Christmas season is coming! Whether you are planning to make cookies or sip some hot chocolate this season, remember that there are many ways to celebrate this special holiday. Here are four of the most interesting traditions around the world!

  1. Gavle Goat, Sweden
Photo by Tony Nordin, CC by 3.0, on Wikimedia Commons

In the centre of Gavle’s Castle Square, a 13-metre-tall, straw Yule Goat, has been constructed as a public attraction every Advent, since 1966. This symbolic animal is believed to be an invisible spirit that would take on the role of a gift giver, ensuring that holiday preparations were done correctly. 

2. The Yule Lads, Iceland  

Photo by Lusinemarg, CC by 4.0, on Wikimedia Commons

Visiting children across the country over thirteen nights leading up to Christmas are the Thirteen Yule Lads, which are mischievous, troll-like characters, who come to play with the children. Each night over the course of this festivity called “Yuletide”,  children display their best shoes by a window and a different troll visits, leaving gifts for the nice children and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones. 

3. Day of the Little Candles, Colombia

Photo by Reg Natarajan, CC by 2.0, on Flickr

On December 7th, Little Candles’ Day marks the beginning of the Christmas season across this nation. To commemorate the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, people showcase elaborate displays of candles and paper lanterns around their windows, balconies, and front yards. Some of the most impressive arrangements are found in Quimbaya, a town known for its yearly neighbourhood competition that lights up this sweet Christmas tradition. 

4. Rollerskating and Tamales, Venezuela 

Photo by Gonzalo Rivero, CC by 3.0, on Wikimedia Commons

Every Christmas Eve in Caracas, Venezuela, roads are closed to cars for the safety of residents, who head to church in the early morning on roller skates. After this, they skate home for a Christmas dinner of “Tamales”, a steamed wrap made of cornmeal dough stuffed with meat. To read more, you can check out this link!

In conclusion, although there are many different forms of celebration, the most important ingredients of a memorable Christmas are faith, family, and fun!

Works Cited

Brogan, Ayngelina. “A Guide to Christmas in Venezuela.” TripSavvy, 20 January 2020, https://www.tripsavvy.com/a-guide-to-christmas-in-venezuela-1637568. Accessed 27 November 2022.

“The top 11 Christmas traditions around the world – momomdo Discover.” Momondo, 25 October 2017, https://www.momondo.ca/discover/christmas-traditions-around-the-world. Accessed 27 November 2022.

“The Yule Goat – Pittsburgh.” Carnegie Museum of Natural History, https://carnegiemnh.org/the-yule-goat/. Accessed 27 November 2022.