During the winter, a variety of festive traditions are honored all around the globe with some unexpected rituals.
Different European nations celebrate Christmas in various ways, from having a Christmas witch to eating carp on Christmas Eve.
Here are Eight European Christmas customs that you might not be aware of
1. Children in Norway leave porridge out for Jul Nisse, a gnome-like creature.
2. On January 6, Italy’s version of Santa Claus, La Befana, sends youngsters a stocking filled with candy or coal.
3. Children in Catalonia beat a log named Tio de Nadal with sticks and “feed” it goodies.
4. Carp is a staple of Poland’s traditional Christmas feast, which is served as one of 12 courses on Christmas Eve.
5. Father Christmas in Finland is referred to as joulupukki, which translates to “Christmas goat.”
6. To prevent kallikantzaroi, or mischievous goblins, from causing havoc, some Greeks keep a fire burning.
7. Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day with candle-lit processions led by young girls dressed in white.
8. According to Icelandic mythology, the yale lads—13 father Christmases—come down from the mountains to visit people.