Top 14+ Christmas traditions you’ve probably never heard of
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Roller skating to church
In Caracas, Venezuela, many energetic Mass-goers celebrate the Christmas holiday on roller skates. In fact, there are so many Yuletide skaters that some of the city's streets are closed to traffic from 8 a.m. on Christmas day to keep the skaters safe.
Waiting for Befana the witch
In Italian folklore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5. Befana visits on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany to fill good kids' socks with candy and presents. The naughty kids are gifted with a lump of coal or black rock candy.
Watching Donald Duck
In Sweden, a show called Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul or Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas is must-see TV every Christmas. The tradition started in the 1960s and more than 40% of Sweden still tunes in.
Trim a banana tree
In India, fir trees are not as prevalent, so celebrants there make do with what they have: banana and mango trees! These trees are adorned with lights and ornaments on the street and their leaves decorate inside people's homes.
Keeping an eye out for Krampus
Krampus (sort of an anti-Santa) is believed by some to be a half-goat and half-demon that comes for naughty children in early December. The legend started in Germany, but later found its way to the U.S. As Santa might say, "You'd better watch out..."
