Religious Celebrations
An eight-day Jewish holiday
Hanukkah
Make sure you eat this on December 1st! It will keep the doctor away.
An apple
A lampstand with eight candles
Menorah
Celebrations for this holiday include "Feats of Strength" and the "Airing of Grievances"
Festivus
In Germany, families hide this on the Christmas tree. The first child to find it receives a special present.
A pickle ornament
During this Scandinavian Christian feast day, young girls dress dress in white and wear lighted wreaths on their heads, symbolizing light and joy.
St. Lucia's Day
Roast these on the open fire on December 14th.
Chestnuts
These are shaped like a shepherd's staff and represent the shepherds who searched for Jesus the night he was born.
Candy canes
This celebration is held on winter solstice and includes burning wood to signify the return of the sun.
Yule
This Italian celebration is held on Christmas Eve and centers around seafood.
Feast of Seven Fishes
Catholics celebrate this day to honor the Virgin Mary.
Immaculate Conception Day
This fruit is in a famous Christmas song and is celebrated on the first Saturday of December.
Pear
A four-sided top with different letters on each side
Dreidel
A British tradition that occurs the day after Christmas.
Boxing Day
KFC Fried Chicken is the established traditional Christmas Eve dinner in this country
Japan
Chinese people worship heaven and their ancestors during this festival
Dongzhi
This food holiday on December 6th celebrates cold soups.
Gazpacho
Symbolizes the first principle of Kwanzaa - the unity of family and of the African people.
Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup)
Krampusnacht
On Christmas Day in the Czech Republic, unmarried women throw this over their shoulders towards the front door.
Shoes (if the shoe lands with the toe towards the door, the woman will get married the following year).
This day, known as Rohatsu, is the day in which the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.
December 8th
The Mayans are believed to be the first people to drink this over 2000 years ago. Make sure to have a mug of this with water or milk and sugar on December 13th.
Cocoa
Instead of traditional Christmas tree decorations, Ukrainians hang these shaped decorations, which are thought to bring good fortune.
Spider webs
A week-long holiday that honors the principles of unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith
Kwanzaa
According to Norwegian folklore, witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas Eve to do some mischief. Therefore, many families hide this item to prevent them from being stolen.
Brooms