12 Awesome Christmas traditions from around the world

As the calendar turns to December, a sense of enchantment fills the air, and hearts are aglow with anticipation. It’s that time of year again – Christmas. A celebration cherished around the world, Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people, and in the United States, it’s a season filled with traditions, togetherness, and the spirit of giving.
There’s a lot to love about Christmas – food, family, friends,.. What makes the holiday season even more charming is the fact that all around the world, countries have developed their own Christmas traditions.

Here are the most wonderful (or wonderfully weird) Christmas traditions from around the world:

1. Christmas Chicken

Christmas is all about food, and in Japan, this food is associated with three letters: KFC. People flock to the American fast-food chain KFC to eat – get your drumsticks out – “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” aka “Kentucky For Christmas!” The tradition of eating “(Fried) Christmas chicken” goes back to a marketing campaign in 1974 – and to this day, KFC records the highest sales volume each year on Christmas Eve.

2. Lucky Numbers

Since the late 19th century, the Spanish National Lottery has been giving out the biggest amount of money of the year: “El Gordo” or “The Fat One.” It has become a huge social event, usually on December 22, and people get together with dozens of lottery tickets each, in high hopes of being one of the lucky winners.

The lottery numbers are traditionally sung by a choir of twenty-two school children, and the whole country basically stands still in hopes for the Christmas present of a lifetime.

3. Christmas Log

In case you’re not a fan of Christmas trees, can we interest you in a Christmas log? In many parts of Spain, the gifts are brought by Tió de Nadal or Christmas log – a piece of wood that is often decorated with a face and little legs.

However, the log doesn’t just bring the presents to the families: Tió de Nadal also gets fed at night, and it can cozy up with its own little blanket. Cute, right? Well, the cuteness stops right there: On Christmas Eve, the log is put in the fireplace where the families beat the poor little log with sticks until it presents and candies.

4. Brooms and Mops

In Norway, Christmas means hiding your mops and brooms – not because people don’t want to clean, but because Norwegians are a little superstitious and want to prevent evil spirits, who return to Earth that night, from stealing the brooms and going on joyrides in the Christmas sky.

5. Christmas Spiders

Believe it or not, there such as thing as a Christmas spider. In the Ukraine, the Christmas trees are decorated with spider webs – don’t freak out, they are ornaments that look like spider webs, which are said to bring good luck. The tale goes all the way back to a poor woman who couldn’t afford ornaments to decorate her tree with. The next morning, she woke up and her tree was covered with spider webs that look all sparkly and beautiful in the sunlight.

Other countries, like Poland or Germany, consider it good luck if they find a spider or spider web in the Christmas tree.

6. Santa’s Mailbox

I bet we’ve all written a letter to Santa at some point – but did you know that he actually has an address? His mailbox is in Canada, and if you write him by December 16 – in over 30 languages, including Braille – he will write back.

Just send your letter to Santa Claus, North Pole H0H 0H0, Canada. It’s free and there are no stamps needed – because Santa is awesome. And so is the zip code of the North Pole.

7. Christmas Pickle

Pickles should be your favorite Christmas decoration because they mean that you get an extra present: in many countries, an ornament in the shape of a pickle is hidden somewhere in the Christmas tree and the person who finds it, will get an extra present or just a whole lot of good fortune.

It’s unclear where the tradition actually comes from, but I think we can live with that – as long as we get that extra present.

8. Guiding Stars

In some parts of the world, like the Ukraine and Poland, the right time to open the presents is written in the stars: the youngest child has to watch the evening sky and wait for the first star to appear – that’s the signal that the opening of the presents can commence. (In case it’s overcast, someone apparently just decides when the time is right.)

9. Christmas Pudding

Pudding – in all flavors and consistencies – is a popular Christmas delight. In Slovakia and parts of the Ukraine, pudding does not only warm the heart, it can also predict the future: the oldest male member of the family takes a spoonful or of loksa pudding and throws it at the ceiling. The more pudding sticks, the more luck you’ll have. Simple as that.

10. Donald Duck

An important Swedish tradition is the Christmas “Donald Duck Special”. This hour-long TV show airs on Christmas Eve at 3 p.m., and all the festivities are planned around it, so that the families can watch the show together.

11. Christmas Monsters

Christmas, in all its festive and joyous glory, also seems to be the time for monsters that remind the kids to be nice and behave for at least one month of the year. One of the more surprising members of this “Christmas Police” is Jólakötturinn, the Icelandic Christmas cat.

Sounds cute, but, just like a certain log, it’s not what it seems: Jólakötturinn eats children – namely the children who didn’t do their chores and, therefore, didn’t get new clothes for Christmas. Meowry Christmas!

12. Roller Skating

The award for Coolest Mode of Christmas Transportation goes to Venezuela’s capital, Caracas: There, people don’t just walk to Christmas mass (Christmass?), no, they roller-skate. Parts of the city are even blocked off, so everyone can safely skate to church.

Christmas traditions are not static; they evolve with time and adapt to changing circumstances. What remains constant, however, is the underlying message of love, togetherness, and the warmth of human connection. These traditions not only bring joy during the holiday season but also serve as a reminder of the importance of these values throughout the year.

As we bid farewell to another Christmas, let us carry the spirit of these traditions with us into the coming days, months, and years. May the love, joy, and togetherness experienced during this magical season be a guiding light in our lives, inspiring us to practice kindness and generosity to those around us.

So, as we wrap up this exploration of Christmas traditions, let us hold on to the timeless customs and the bonds they help create, and may they continue to illuminate our lives with the spirit of giving and unity, not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. Merry Christmas to all, and may the essence of this beautiful holiday remain in your hearts always.

We will reveal more interesting things about Christmas in the next articles, please follow and wait for us!

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In our quest for productivity and focus, our workspace plays a pivotal role. There’s something about a desk with a window view that can transform your work environment into an inspiring haven. Whether you’re working from home or simply seeking a serene space to study or be creative, a desk with a window view can be the ultimate solution. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create your own productivity haven by setting up a desk with a view, boosting your motivation, and enhancing your work or study experience. 1. Natural Light: Your Elixir of Productivity a. The Power of Natural Light Natural light is a game-changer in any workspace. It not only reduces eye strain but also boosts your mood and energy. Placing your desk near a window allows you to bask in the benefits of natural light, which can significantly improve your productivity. b. Enhancing Concentration A window view can provide a calming and ever-changing backdrop that enhances your ability to concentrate. It can help you stay engaged and focused on your tasks, preventing feelings of restlessness and distraction. c. Biophilic Connection Biophilia, the innate human connection to nature, is fostered by a view of the outdoors. A window view with natural elements, such as greenery or a garden, can evoke feelings of well-being and connection to the environment. 2. The Perfect Window Spot: Finding the Ideal Location a. Consider the Layout Examine your room’s layout to find the most suitable location for your desk. It should have a clear view of the window without being obstructed by large furniture or objects. b. Window Orientation Consider the orientation of the window in relation to your desk. North-facing windows provide even and consistent light, while east-facing windows offer a soft morning glow and west-facing windows provide warm, afternoon light. c. Privacy and Distractions Assess potential distractions and privacy concerns. Ensure that the window view doesn’t lead to too much external noise or a view of a busy street that might disrupt your focus. 3. A Desk with a View: Personalizing Your Workspace a. Choose the Right Desk Select a desk that fits the available space and complements your room’s decor. Whether it’s a minimalist modern desk, a rustic wooden one, or a vintage find, your desk should reflect your style. b. Window Treatments Consider window treatments that allow you to control the amount of light and privacy. Sheer curtains, blinds, or shutters can help you customize your view as needed. c. Personal Touches Personalize your workspace with items that inspire you. Add plants, artwork, or personal mementos to create a cozy and motivating environment. 4. Organized and Clutter-Free: Creating a Productive Space a. Declutter and Organize Maintain a clutter-free and organized workspace. Invest in storage solutions, such as shelves, drawers, and organizers, to keep your desk tidy and functional. b. Ergonomic Setup Ensure an ergonomic setup with a comfortable chair, proper lighting, and an organized desktop. This enhances your work experience and prevents discomfort. c. Inspirational Elements Include inspirational elements in your decor. Consider a vision board, motivational quotes, or artwork that speaks to your goals and aspirations. Home Decoration and Arrangement To ensure that your desk with a window view harmonizes with your overall home decoration and arrangement, consider the following: 1. Consistency in Style Maintain a consistent decor style between your workspace and the rest of your home. Whether your decor is contemporary, traditional, or eclectic, unity in style creates a harmonious living space. 2. Color Coordination Coordinate the color palette of your workspace with the adjacent areas. A harmonious color transition promotes visual cohesion throughout your home. 3. Thoughtful Placement Arrange your desk thoughtfully to ensure it complements the overall arrangement of your room. Consider the flow of traffic and function, ensuring that your workspace is both functional and visually pleasing. 4. Personal Touch Infuse your workspace with personal touches that reflect your personality and interests. Add elements that make your desk uniquely yours, creating a welcoming and inspiring haven for productivity. In conclusion, creating a desk with a window view can elevate your workspace into the ultimate productivity haven. The benefits of natural light, enhanced concentration, and a biophilic connection to nature make this setup a valuable addition to your home. By choosing the right location, personalizing your workspace, maintaining organization, and harmonizing it with your overall home decoration and arrangement, you can enjoy a serene and motivating environment that boosts your productivity and inspires your work or study endeavors.