Christmas feels familiar—trees, presents, feasts—but its traditions vary wildly, reflecting the cultures that shape them. From steamy saunas to roller-skating masses, these customs add spice to the season, showing how Christmas bends to fit local values. Here’s a peek at some standout practices to inspire your 2025 celebrations.
In Finland, Christmas Eve starts with a sauna session. Families gather in these wooden havens—ubiquitous in Finnish homes—for a steamy unwind before church. It’s a soothing ritual, blending relaxation with spiritual prep, and some say it honors ancestors believed to linger there during the holidays. Amid snow and silence, it’s a cozy kickoff to the festivities. Try a warm bath if you lack a sauna—it’s the spirit that counts.
Japan offers a quirkier twist. With Christians at just 1% of the population, Christmas isn’t religious here but a cultural hit, thanks to KFC. A 1970s campaign—“Kentucky for Christmas!”—turned fried chicken into a holiday must. Families order buckets months ahead, pairing them with cake for a fast-food feast. It’s a playful take on Christmas dinner, proving the holiday thrives beyond its roots.
In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas Eve means wheels. Residents roller-skate to Misa de Gallo, the “Rooster’s Mass,” at dawn. Streets close to cars as skaters—kids and adults alike—glide to church, some praying, others laughing. Known as “Nochebuena,” this decades-old tradition might stem from kids racing on new skates. It’s faith with flair, a joyful spin on devotion. No skates? A family walk could capture the vibe.
Across the U.S., Italian-Americans dig into the Feast of the Seven Fishes on December 24th. This Catholic-inspired, meatless meal features seafood like cod, calamari, and shrimp—seven dishes for the sacraments or creation days. Born from early 20th-century immigrants, it’s now a cherished ritual, with recipes varying from crab cakes to octopus stew. Hosting your own? Scale it down to three fishes—say, salmon, clams, and shrimp—for a tasty nod to tradition.
Other corners get wilder. Austria’s Krampus, a horned beast, scares naughty kids while Saint Nick rewards the good. Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads deliver 13 nights of gifts or tricks. Ukraine decks trees with spiderwebs, honoring a tale of a widow’s miraculous Christmas. Each custom—from Caracas’s skates to Tokyo’s chicken—shows Christmas’s universal heart: love, community, and celebration, tailored to every culture.