Crazy and cool X’mas customs

While most families have a particular tradition that they follow to celebrate Christmas, few countries have customs that set them apart from others. Some are sweet while the rest are plain bizarre. However, they all have one thing in common — they are a lot of fun and add cheer to the festive season. Here are the ones that you should know about:

ROCKING THE ROLLER SKATES

In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, revellers travel to early-morning church services on roller skates throughout the festive season. The roads are even closed especially for it.

SANTA’S WATCHING YOU

In Japan, Santa Claus or Santa Kurohsu, is said to have eyes at the back of his head to watch out for naughty children. Also, unlike conventional Christmas cakes that are made of rum, raisins, plums and loads of dry fruits, the Japanese version is usually made up of sponge, whipped cream, and strawberries.

REMEMBERING THE DEPARTED

Many families in Portugal set extra places at the dining table on Christmas morning for their deceased relatives. The practice is called ‘consoda’ and is thought to bring the family good luck.

MARRIAGE PREDICTIONS

Christmas is the time not just for festive cheer but also to spread love. And Czech women use a clever trick to predict their love lives for the coming year during the festival. Unmarried females stand with their backs to their front doors and toss shoes over their shoulders. If a shoe lands with its toe pointing towards the door, the woman will get hitched within the next 12 months.

HIDE THAT BROOM

This holiday season is usually associated with all things good, but in Norway, it’s said that Christmas Eve coincides with the arrival of evil spirits and witches. And so, to protect themselves, families hide all their brooms before they go to bed.

IN THE WEB

Christmas trees in Ukraine are traditionally decorated with a fake spider and web. It’s said that this custom brings good luck. According to legend, a poor woman could not afford to decorate her tree. She woke up on Christmas morning to find a spider had covered it in a glittering web.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If you think X’Mas is all about good food, you sure haven’t tasted one of Greenland’s Christmas delicacies Mattak - raw whale skin with blubber. Another delicacy here is Kiviak, which is when an auk (a small bird) is wrapped in seal skin, buried for several months, and then eaten once decomposed.