When we think of Christmas traditions, we often picture twinkling lights, stockings by the fireplace, and cups of hot cocoa. But across the globe, people celebrate the holiday in ways that are delightfully unconventional.

What Are Some Weird Christmas Traditions?

Christmas is full of odd and endearing rituals that reflect local culture, history, and sometimes pure whimsy. Here are five traditions you may not know about

1. How Did Christmas Stockings Come to Be?

Long ago, mantles were bare, and Santa was a little more rushed than we know him today. One chaotic Christmas Eve, he accidentally grabbed his laundry bag instead of his toy sack! Realizing the mix-up as he delivered socks instead of presents, Santa made do by leaving them by the fireplace.

The tale goes that when he ran out of socks at the last house, Santa pulled off one of his own and left it with a promise: stockings hung on Christmas Eve would always be filled with surprises. (At least, that’s the whimsical version told in a funny children’s book about Santa’s biggest holiday goof!)

In truth, the tradition likely began with the legend of St. Nicholas, who left gold coins in stockings hung by the fire to dry. Whatever the real story, stockings are now a staple of Christmas cheer!

2. The Mysterious Pickle Ornament

What is the pickle ornament tradition?
In this quirky tradition, a glass pickle-shaped ornament is hidden somewhere in the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the first person to spot it wins either an extra gift, good fortune for the year, or the honor of being the family pickle-finder!

Where does this tradition come from?
The origin of the pickle ornament is murky at best. Many claim it’s German, but there’s little evidence to back that up. Some say it was a clever American marketing gimmick by a glass ornament company in the late 19th century. Regardless of where it began, the pickle ornament has become a cherished (and amusing) holiday tradition for families worldwide.

What’s with the weird pickle ornament tradition?
Let’s face it: hiding a pickle in a tree is strange. But it adds a layer of fun and competition to the holiday, making it a perfect icebreaker for family gatherings.

3. Japan’s KFC Christmas Dinner

Why do people in Japan eat KFC for Christmas?
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday, but thanks to a brilliant marketing campaign in the 1970s, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken has become a festive must. The slogan “Kentucky for Christmas!” caught on, and now families across Japan pre-order their fried chicken weeks in advance for December 25th.

How did it start?

The story goes that an enterprising KFC manager promoted his chicken as a substitute for Western-style Christmas turkey. The idea took off, and now it’s one of the quirkiest—and tastiest—Christmas traditions around.

4. The Pooping Log of Catalonia

What is the pooping log?
In Catalonia, children care for a wooden log called Tió de Nadal or “Caga Tió” (the pooping log). Decorated with a face and blanket, the log is “fed” scraps of food in the days leading up to Christmas.

What happens on Christmas?
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, kids sing a special song and beat the log with sticks, encouraging it to “poop” out small treats like candies or nuts. It’s bizarre, hilarious, and uniquely Catalan!

5. Krampus: Santa’s Scary Sidekick

Who is Krampus?
Krampus is a terrifying figure from Alpine folklore, often depicted as a horned, hairy demon with a penchant for punishing naughty children. He’s like the yin to St. Nicholas’s yang: while St. Nick rewards good kids with gifts, Krampus drags the bad ones to his lair—or at least leaves them a lump of coal.

Where is Krampus celebrated?
This tradition is most popular in Austria, Germany, and other parts of Central Europe. During the holiday season, cities host "Krampusnacht" parades, where people dressed as Krampus roam the streets, scaring onlookers and playfully terrorizing kids (and maybe a few adults).

Why does Krampus exist?
The idea of Krampus likely stems from pre-Christian pagan traditions, where winter spirits were both feared and revered. The church later incorporated Krampus into Christmas lore, creating a unique mix of festive cheer and spine-tingling fear.

Why Do We Have Christmas Traditions?

Christmas traditions, whether rooted in history, marketing, or whimsy, remind us that the holiday is about more than gifts—it’s about the stories and laughter we share. So whether you’re hanging stockings, hunting for a pickle, or feasting on fried chicken, embrace the quirks that make the season magical!

If your looking to join in on one of these traditions click any of the links below to get started!

Merry Christmas Santa, Sorry Your Foot’s cold

Santa’s Other Sock Christmas Stocking

Pickle Christmas Ornament

The Christmas Poop Log (book)