I love hearing about Christmas traditions from different parts of the world and even from different families. For example, in my brother’s family, one of their traditions was the Christmas pickle. They would hide a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree, and if my nephew found it, he got a special toy. I had never heard of this before, but now I see pickle ornaments in stores every Christmas.
Here are five fun Christmas traditions I’ve come across.
Christmas Pickle
While researching to write this blog I was surprised to find the answer. My sister-in-law’s grandmother is from Iceland, I always thought this is where they got this tradition. I was surprised to find out the Christmas Pickle tradition is American!
What the tradition is
A green glass pickle ornament is hidden somewhere on the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the first child (or person) to find the pickle gets to open the first present, or receives an extra small gift, or is said to have good luck for the coming year.
Families vary in how they reward the finder, but that’s the basic idea.
Supposed origin (the “German” story)
It’s often marketed as an old German custom called Weihnachtsgurke “Christmas cucumber”. Many pickle ornaments are sold with tags claiming it’s a traditional German practice. However, surveys and cultural research in Germany show that almost no one there has ever heard of it as a native tradition. Most evidence suggests the “German origin” was a marketing myth created in the late 19th century, likely by American ornament sellers (especially in areas with many German immigrants).
The Yule Goat
The Yule Goat is an old Northern European Christmas tradition with several layers of history behind it.
The Yule Goat as gift-bringer
Before Santa Claus became dominant, the Yule Goat in parts of Scandinavia was the one who delivered presents. In some older traditions the goat was a scary or stern figure who checked on behavior. Later, it softened into a more benevolent bringer of gifts.
Modern forms of the Yule Goat
Today, the Yule Goat is mostly a Christmas decoration and symbol in Nordic countries. You will find small or large straw goats made of bundled straw tied with red ribbons. Since 1966, in the city of Gävle, a huge straw Yule Goat is erected every Advent in the town square.
Fried Chicken
In Japan, eating fried chicken, especially KFC, at Christmas is a widespread modern custom with a very specific origin in marketing and postwar culture.
How the tradition started
In 1974, KFC launched a campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas”. The idea being, since Japan doesn’t have a strong tradition of roast turkey, fried chicken could fill that “Western-style Christmas dinner” role. KFC promoted party buckets, cake-and-chicken sets, and special Christmas menus.
Why it caught on in Japan
Most Japanese homes are small, and historically many didn’t have large ovens. Buying ready-made chicken was convenient and felt special.
What it looks like today
It’s not just KFC anymore, other chains and supermarkets also sell “Christmas fried chicken” or roast chicken, but KFC remains the iconic choice.
Yule Lads
In Iceland, putting potatoes in shoes tradition is part of the Yule Lads custom, which runs for 13 nights before Christmas.
Basic idea
Children put a shoe on the windowsill each night from December 12–24. Each night, a different Yule Lad comes down from the mountains. If the child has been good, the Lad leaves a small gift or treat in the shoe. If the child has been naughty, instead of a nice gift they may find a raw or even rotten potatoes in the shoe.
Background
The Yule Lads are 13 mischievous figures with names like Spoon-Licker and Door-Slammer. They’re the sons of Grýla, a troll-like ogress. Over time, the Yule Lads became more Santa-like and friendly, but the potato in the shoe remains as a playful reminder to behave.
Finnish Julupuuro
In Finland, Christmas porridge is a rice porridge tradition with a hidden almond and a bit of folklore around it.
What it is
A warm, creamy rice porridge similar to rice pudding and usually cooked with milk. The porridge is eaten on Christmas Eve morning or as part of the Christmas meal. One whole almond is hidden in the pot before serving. The person who gets the almond is said to have good luck in the coming year, or in older jokes, be the next to get married.
What are some Christmas traditions that your family takes part in? I always love hearing how different households make the season feel special, whether it’s something passed down for generations or a quirky ritual that started by accident and just stuck.
Maybe your family:
- Opens one present on Christmas Eve
- Bakes the same cookies every year from a grandparent’s recipe
- Watches a particular movie together
- Attends a midnight church service
- Has a special breakfast or Christmas Eve dinner
- Does a silly game, like a white elephant or matching pajamas
I’d love to know what makes the holidays feel like Christmas to you.
About Me
Hi! I am Amber Johnson, a travel advisor based in Ottawa, Kansas, specializing in European getaways, family vacations, domestic travel, and all-inclusive packages. What began as planning trips for my own family and friends has grown into a career I love, helping clients design stress-free, memorable adventures all over the world.
