Creepy/Weird
This Austrian Creature is Santa's evil half whose job is to punish kids on the "naughty" list.
Krampus
Many families in Mexico make these tasty bundles to celebrate the holidays.
Tamales.
To symbolize life and the return of longer days.
This activity is popular around the world. You'll find large groups doing this in Central Park, and even here at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City.
Ice Skating.
A fairly new tradition originating in the United States, this holiday themed creature is placed in different places posed doing silly things throughout the house.
Elf on the shelf
The only way to save yourself from being eaten by this Icelandic yule creature is to show him that you got clothes for Christmas because you were good this year. If you didn’t get any new clothes, you leave out old clothes, and hope that they meet his standards.
The Jólakötturinn, or Yule Cat.
This tradition originated during medieval items in Europe. This specific fruit was placed around ones home to ward off the plague.
Oranges.
In Norway, a straw version of this animal is placed around the home and used to decorate Christmas Trees.
A Goat. (Yulbock)
Australians enjoy celebrating Christmas and winter holidays partaking in these activities.
Surfing, barbeques, and beach parties. Winter in the Northern hemisphere is Summer in the southern hemisphere.
These items are hung on the mantle and filled with coal, treats, or small gifts.
Stockings.
This tradition comes from Catalonia, Spain. This happiest of items is fed every night with the hope that it will drop gifts of sweets and nuts out of its hollow insides on Christmas day. But how do children encourage this item to drop its presents? They place the happy character partly into a fire and beat it with sticks. Charming.
Christmas Log
In Iceland, this item is left on the window sill overnight and filled with either rotten potatoes or candy depending on whether a child has behaved well.
Shoes.
In Ireland this item is left in the front window of houses overnight symbolizing warmth and shelter.
A tall red red candle.
In the Philippines, many people go to the beach on Christmas and do this.
Fly a Kite
A newer trend, this item of clothing is the main basis of many holiday parties.
Ugly Sweaters.
The Italian version of Santa Claus
La Befana (or Christmas witch)
Fun Fact:
Much like Santa, La Befana delivers toys to children. Instead of milk and cookies, Italians leave out a plate of sausage and broccoli and a glass of wine for her.
In Japan , it is a tradition to eat this American fast food for dinner.
KFC
Fun Fact:
An estimated 3.5 million Japanese families eat fried chicken on Christmas Eve thanks to a marketing stunt by KFC in the 1970s called Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii (“Kentucky for Christmas”).
In Norway, this household item is hidden on Christmas Eve.
Broom
Fun Fact:
Some Norwegians believe witches and evil spirits roam the night sky on Christmas Eve, so they hide a witch's preferred method of transportation...brooms
On Christmas Day, Venezuelans living in Caracas don't use cars to get to morning mass. Instead the use this mode of transportation.
Roller Skates
Many people mistakenly assume this tradition started in Germany, but this fermented vegetable that is hidden in Christmas trees actually started in the United States.
Christmas Pickle
Carolers in Wales wear this on their heads when going from house to house.
Horse Skull.
Fun Fact:
At some point in December or January, you could open your door to find someone hidden by a ribbon and bell-adorned sheet, holding up a real horse skull on a stick, with a few fellow revelers in tow. As part of this Mari Lwyd (“Gray Mare”) tradition, the group will sing to you and then challenge you to a battle of rhyming insults in Welsh (called a pwnco). After the contest, the party is usually invited inside for refreshments.
In Mexico, on December 23rd this produce is sold as intricately carved Christmas centerpieces. It is known as 'Night of the _'
Radishes
In Ukraine, people will decorate their trees with this item as it symbolizes good fortune.
Spider Webs
Fun Fact:
Based on folklore, a poor family grew a Christmas tree from a pine cone. The children were excited to decorate it, but the family couldn’t afford any decorations. Sensing the family’s despair, spiders spun glistening silk webs around the tree, which turned to silver and gold when the sun rose in the morning, leaving the family with a beautifully adorned tree. To this day, Ukrainian families decorate their trees with spider webs for good luck.
In Finland, residents may need to take their pet _ on a walk on Christmas day, which is more common than you'd think.
Reindeer.
Some argue that this is an essential Christmas movie and watch it every year around the holidays.
Die Hard