When we think about holidays, the mental image is often warm family gatherings, festive decorations, and some classic traditions—caroling at Christmas, fireworks on New Year’s Eve, or the lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah. But what if we told you that holiday celebrations around the world are far more surprising, quirky, and downright fascinating than the usual clichés?

Welcome to Holiday Vibes, where we explore how different cultures celebrate their holidays—sometimes in ways that seem downright unusual, but are very real. Buckle up as we dive into some of the most unique holiday traditions from across the globe, including the famous KFC Christmas feast in Japan!

The Curious Case of KFC for Christmas in Japan

Japan is known for blending global influences with local culture in extraordinary ways, and Christmas is no exception. Although Christmas is not a traditional Japanese holiday, it has become wildly popular as a festive, romantic, and commercial occasion. But here’s the kicker: instead of the typical turkey or ham, many Japanese families celebrate Christmas by feasting on fried chicken from KFC.

How did this come about? The story dates back to the 1970s when KFC launched a marketing campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas.” At a time when Christmas was a new concept in Japan, the campaign positioned KFC’s fried chicken as a convenient and festive meal. It struck a chord, and today, KFC during Christmas is so popular that many people place their orders weeks in advance. Some even dress up in Santa hats while eating!

This tradition highlights how holidays can evolve and absorb unexpected customs from other cultures, resulting in something uniquely local.

The Yule Lads: Iceland’s Mischievous Christmas Visitors

Moving north to Iceland, Christmas comes with a mischievous twist. Instead of a single Santa Claus, children eagerly await visits from the 13 Yule Lads, a group of pranksters who arrive one by one in the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Each Yule Lad has a distinct personality and prank—ranging from spoon stealing to door slamming.

Children leave their shoes on the windowsill, hoping to receive small gifts if they have been good. But beware! Those who misbehave might find a rotten potato in their shoe instead.

This quirky tradition combines humor with a moral lesson, making the Icelandic Christmas uniquely memorable.

Spain’s “Caga Tió”: The Pooping Log

If you think the Yule Lads are odd, Spain’s Caga Tió might take the cake for the most bizarre Christmas tradition. In Catalonia, children care for a magical log called the “pooping log.” They feed it small treats in the days leading up to Christmas, and on Christmas Eve, they beat the log with sticks while singing traditional songs, encouraging it to “poop” out presents and sweets.

This unusual custom traces back to ancient pagan fertility rituals but has since been adapted into a playful, family-friendly tradition. The log is usually decorated with a smiley face and a red hat, making it a festive and humorous symbol of the season.

South Africa’s “Carols by Candlelight” Under the Summer Sky

In many countries, Christmas conjures images of snow and winter chill, but not in South Africa. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas falls during the summer months. As a result, many South Africans celebrate Christmas outdoors with barbecues, beach trips, and picnics.

One cherished tradition is Carols by Candlelight, where communities gather at night in parks or stadiums, singing Christmas carols by candlelight. It’s a warm and communal way to celebrate, blending spirituality with the vibrant outdoor atmosphere of a South African summer.

The Italian “Feast of the Seven Fishes”

In Italy, Christmas Eve is often marked by the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a grand seafood dinner featuring seven different types of fish and seafood dishes. This tradition stems from Roman Catholic practices of abstaining from meat on holy days.

The number seven is symbolic, often representing the seven sacraments or the seven days of creation. The feast is a festive family event, with tables groaning under the weight of delicious, fresh seafood, from fried calamari to baked cod.

It’s a celebration of faith, family, and the bountiful gifts of the sea.

Sweden’s “St. Lucia’s Day” – A Festival of Light in the Dark

In Sweden, December can be long and dark, so the festival of St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th brings a much-needed light and warmth. Girls dress in white gowns with red sashes and wear wreaths of candles on their heads, representing St. Lucia, who is said to bring light in the darkness.

The celebration includes singing traditional songs and serving saffron buns called “lussekatter.” It’s a beautiful and solemn tradition that brightens the darkest time of year with hope and togetherness.

Mexico’s “Las Posadas” – A Christmas Procession Full of Drama

From December 16th to Christmas Eve, many Mexican communities observe Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Groups of people go door to door, singing and asking for lodging, while hosts inside respond with songs denying entry until the final stop.

The procession ends with a joyous celebration featuring food, piñatas, and fireworks. It’s a theatrical and communal way to engage with the Christmas story, blending religious devotion with festive fun.

Why Do These Traditions Matter?

These unique holiday customs show us that celebrating is about much more than just the day itself—it’s about culture, community, history, and sometimes, even a little creativity or humor. They remind us that holidays are living traditions, constantly evolving and absorbing new meanings.

From the surprising fried chicken Christmas dinners in Japan to the poetic light of Sweden’s St. Lucia’s Day, these celebrations connect people to their heritage while inviting outsiders to appreciate the diversity of human joy.

How to Embrace Global Holiday Vibes

If you want to add some global flair to your own holiday celebrations, consider incorporating one of these traditions. Maybe order some KFC this Christmas just for fun, try baking lussekatter, or organize a candlelit carol gathering in your backyard. Holidays are a perfect time to learn, share, and create new memories.

After all, the world is full of fascinating ways to celebrate—why stick to just one?

Wrapping Up

The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of global cultures. Whether it’s a “pooping log” in Spain or a summer Christmas barbecue in South Africa, these traditions remind us of the incredible diversity and creativity in how humans come together to celebrate.

So next time you think about holidays, remember the stories behind these unusual customs—they’re not just strange quirks but meaningful expressions of cultural identity and human connection.