Christmas time likely is a special time for you. It’s a time for merriment and wholesome family times. While this is true across the world, the way in which this is achieved actually differs. There are unique festive traditions across the globe, and travel experts Audley Travel have done their research to help you learn more about these. Who knows, maybe it will inspire you to travel out to somewhere different next Christmas?
KFC At Christmas
One of the unique festive traditions can be found in Japan. In Japan, they eat KFC on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. KFC became the Christmas meal of choice following a KFC marketing campaign in 1974. This campaign was called Kurisumasa ni wa kentakkii, or Kentucky For Christmas. This was incredibly successful, and KFC has now become a festive tradition. Locals order their food more than a month in advance just so they don’t miss out due to the demand being high.
The Yule Book Flood
The Yule Book Flood is an Icelandic tradition, also known as Jólabókaflóðið. Many books are published at Christmas time in Iceland, ready to be opened on Christmas Eve. Icelanders then settle in for a snug night, reading away with a hot chocolate. This is a wholesome tradition that the whole family can enjoy.
Braai
Christmas falls at the height of a South African summer. Most families in South Africa gather for a braai during this hot time of year. A braai is much like a community event that sees everyone coming together outdoors. It’s similar to a cookout but more evolved.
The food is unique and tasty. The menu can include marinated steaks, boerewors sausages, and a malva pudding dessert. The malva pudding is a soft, sweet cake layered with apricot jam and served with custard. South Africans love their food, and Christmas is a great time to cook together. It’s a lovely festive tradition.
Rockefeller Center Tree
This one you are likely familiar with. The Rockefeller Center tree is often the highlight of Christmas in New York City. Overall, Christmas in New York is a glamorous affair. There are twinkling lights and the scent of chestnuts roasting on a street-corner cart.
The tree itself is draped with over 50,000 lights. The ceremonial switch-on happens at the end of November, but visitors can admire it — from the street or while skating on the rink — until early January.
Missa Do Galo
After the traditional Christmas meal of bacalhau (salted cod), Brazilians attend Midnight Mass. This is also known as Missa Do Galo, which derives from Rooster Mass. Rooster Mass was named after the rooster, which is said to have crowed at Christ’s birth. This is a chance to meet up with acquaintances and extended family to wish them well for the holiday season. Firework displays often follow the service in towns or city squares.
