Christmas Around the World: From KFC in Japan to Beach Barbies in New Zealand

Christmas is a time for traditions, but what those traditions look like can vary wildly depending on where you are in the world.

From Kentucky Fried Chicken becoming a Christmas Eve staple in Japan to summer barbecues on the beach in New Zealand, the festive season offers a fascinating glimpse into diverse cultural practices. So, buckle up as we take a whirlwind tour of some of the most unique and unexpected Christmas customs from around the globe.

Kentucky Christmas: A Finger-Lickin' Tradition in Japan

In Japan, Christmas Eve isn't complete without a trip to KFC. Yes, you read that right. Since the 1970s, enjoying a KFC bucket has become a beloved Christmas tradition, so much so that many families pre-order their 'Christmas Party Barrels' weeks in advance. This finger-lickin' phenomenon began in 1974 thanks to Takeshi Okayama, the manager of Japan's first KFC restaurant.

Okayama overheard a foreign customer lamenting the lack of turkey in Japan and suggesting that they would have to celebrate Christmas with Kentucky Fried Chicken instead. Capitalizing on this, KFC launched its 'Kentucky for Christmas' campaign, marketing fried chicken as a festive alternative. The campaign was a resounding success, filling a void in the market as Japan embraced Western-style celebrations.

Today, Colonel Sanders statues dressed in Santa attire adorn KFC restaurants across the country, and the Christmas Party Barrel typically includes fried chicken, cake, and sides. December 24th is KFC Japan's busiest day of the year, with sales soaring ten times higher than the annual average. For many Japanese families, Christmas wouldn't be the same without their KFC feast.

Image Description: A vibrant photograph capturing the interior of a KFC restaurant in Japan during Christmas time. The main focus is on a family gathered around a table, joyfully sharing a KFC Christmas Party Barrel. The table is adorned with festive decorations, including a small Christmas tree and holiday-themed tableware. In the background, a Colonel Sanders statue dressed in a Santa Claus outfit stands near the counter, adding to the festive atmosphere. Other patrons, some wearing Santa hats, are seen ordering and picking up their KFC meals. The overall lighting is warm and inviting, enhancing the sense of holiday cheer and togetherness. The image should convey the unique Japanese tradition of celebrating Christmas with KFC, highlighting the warmth, family connection, and cultural integration of this fast-food custom. The date of the photo is December 24, 2024.

Style Instructions: Candid, Lifestyle. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene, with a shallow depth of field to keep the family in sharp focus while slightly blurring the background. The lighting should be natural and warm, with a slight emphasis on the festive decorations to enhance the holiday atmosphere. Capture the scene in the late afternoon to early evening to reflect the typical dinner time. Ensure the composition includes elements that are distinctly Japanese, such as Japanese signage and cultural decorations, to provide context and authenticity.

Beachside Barbies and Pōhutukawa Trees: A Kiwi Christmas

Swap snow for sand, and you'll find yourself celebrating Christmas the Kiwi way. In New Zealand, December marks the start of summer, making it the perfect time for beachside festivities. Forget cozying up by the fireplace; Kiwis fire up the barbecue for a Christmas feast on the beach.

Barbecues are a staple, featuring fresh seafood, lamb chops, sausages, and vibrant summer salads. For dessert, it's all about the pavlova, a meringue-based delight topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The pōhutukawa tree, also known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, adds a splash of color with its brilliant red blooms.

Santa parades are popular community events, and it's not uncommon to see Santa hats paired with swimsuits. Christmas in New Zealand is a laid-back, sun-soaked celebration centered around family, food, and the great outdoors.

Image Description: A wide, serene shot of a New Zealand beach on Christmas Day. A family is gathered around a barbecue, with the turquoise ocean and clear blue sky in the background. The barbecue is laden with fresh seafood, sausages, and colorful salads. A pōhutukawa tree with its vibrant red flowers stands nearby, adding a festive touch. Some family members are wearing Santa hats and swimwear, and children are playing cricket on the sand. The scene captures the relaxed, summery atmosphere of a Kiwi Christmas, emphasizing family, food, and the outdoors. The date of the photo is December 25, 2024.

Style Instructions: Landscape, Serene. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive beach scene, with a shallow depth of field to keep the family in sharp focus while slightly blurring the background. The lighting should be bright and natural, capturing the warmth of the summer sun. The composition should include elements that are distinctly New Zealand, such as the pōhutukawa tree and beach activities, to provide context and authenticity.

Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper: 12 Dishes for the Apostles

In Ukraine, Christmas Eve, known as Sviata Vechera (Holy Supper), is a deeply spiritual and family-oriented occasion. Celebrated on January 6th, it begins with the appearance of the first star, symbolizing the birth of Jesus. The centerpiece of the evening is a 12-dish meatless meal, each dish representing one of the twelve apostles.

Kutia, a dish made of boiled wheat with poppy seeds and honey, takes pride of place. The meal is steeped in tradition and symbolism, with hay placed under the tablecloth to represent the humble birthplace of Christ. A Didukh, a sheaf of wheat stalks, symbolizes the spirits of ancestors and is brought into the home. Caroling (Koliadky) is an integral part of the celebration, with groups going from house to house singing and spreading good cheer.

Image Description: A warm, intimate shot of a Ukrainian family gathered around a festively decorated table for Sviata Vechera (Holy Supper) on Christmas Eve. The table is covered with an embroidered tablecloth and laden with twelve traditional meatless dishes, including kutia, fish, and varenyky. A Didukh (sheaf of wheat stalks) stands in the corner of the room, and a lighted candle is placed in the window. The family members are dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing and are engaged in prayer before the meal. The scene captures the spiritual and family-oriented atmosphere of Ukrainian Christmas Eve, emphasizing tradition, togetherness, and reverence. The date of the photo is January 6, 2025.

Style Instructions: Portrait, Serene. Use a warm, soft lighting to create an intimate and reverent atmosphere. The depth of field should be shallow, focusing on the family members and the table while slightly blurring the background. The composition should include elements that are distinctly Ukrainian, such as the Didukh, embroidered tablecloth, and traditional clothing, to provide context and authenticity.

Skating to Church: A Venezuelan Christmas Morning

In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas mornings have a unique twist: people rollerskating to early morning church services (Misas de Aguinaldo). From December 16th to 24th, the city's residents lace up their skates and glide through the streets to attend these special masses.

Adding to the festive spirit, it's customary to wear estrenos (brand-new clothes) on Christmas Eve. The traditional Christmas meal includes hallacas (a mixture of beef, pork, and chicken wrapped in plantain leaves), pan de jamón (ham bread), ensalada de gallina (chicken salad), and pernil (pork leg). Instead of Santa Claus, it's the Niño Jesús (Child Jesus) who brings gifts to children.

Image Description: A lively street scene in Caracas, Venezuela, on Christmas morning. People of all ages are rollerskating to church for the Misas de Aguinaldo. Many are wearing estrenos (new clothes) and festive attire, such as Santa hats and colorful scarves. The streets are partially closed off to accommodate the skaters, and some buildings are decorated with Christmas lights and nativity scenes. The atmosphere is joyful and energetic, capturing the unique Venezuelan tradition of rollerskating to church. The date of the photo is December 25, 2024.

Style Instructions: Street, Action. Use a dynamic composition to capture the movement and energy of the skaters. The depth of field should be wide enough to keep both the skaters and the background in focus. The lighting should be bright and natural, capturing the vibrant colors of the clothing and decorations. Include elements that are distinctly Venezuelan, such as local architecture and cultural details, to provide context and authenticity.

Ganna Celebrations: A Vegan Christmas in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas, known as Ganna, on January 7th. This deeply religious occasion is marked by a 43-day Advent fast (Tsome Nebiyat), during which only vegan meals are consumed.

On the day of Ganna, people dress in white, often wearing a Netela (a thin white cotton cloth). Church services are central to the celebration, with attendees walking around the church three times in a solemn procession. A traditional game called Ganna, similar to hockey, is also played, commemorating the shepherds who celebrated the birth of Jesus with a spontaneous game.

Image Description: A serene and spiritual scene inside an Ethiopian Orthodox Church during the Ganna celebration. Worshippers dressed in white Netelas are participating in a solemn procession, holding candles and walking around the church. Priests in red and white robes are leading the service, and the church is filled with the sounds of chanting and prayers. The lighting is soft and reverent, highlighting the spiritual atmosphere of the celebration. The date of the photo is January 7, 2025.

Style Instructions: Event, Serene. Use a shallow depth of field to focus on the worshippers and priests, while slightly blurring the background. The lighting should be soft and natural, capturing the reverence of the church service. The composition should include elements that are distinctly Ethiopian Orthodox, such as the Netelas, red and white robes, and traditional church architecture, to provide context and authenticity.

Lighting the Arctic Dark: Christmas Stars in Greenland

In Greenland, Christmas is a festival of light in the darkest time of the year. A cherished tradition involves lighting an orange Christmas star in every home, casting a warm glow from the windows. Church services are of utmost importance, filled with the singing of Greenlandic carols.

A unique custom involves leaving a light on the graves in the churchyard, creating a poignant display. Christmas food often includes local specialties like lamb, musk oxen, or whale, reflecting the island's unique environment. The Christmas season extends until Epiphany on January 6th, when the Christmas stars are finally taken down.

Image Description: A heartwarming scene of a Greenlandic village at twilight during Christmas time. Every window in the homes is illuminated with an orange Christmas star, casting a warm and inviting glow. In the foreground, a snow-covered churchyard is visible, with lights flickering on the graves, creating a serene and respectful atmosphere. The Northern Lights dance across the sky in the background, adding a touch of magic to the scene. The date of the photo is December 24, 2024.

Style Instructions: Mystical, Landscape. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and the multitude of lights. The depth of field should be wide enough to keep both the village and the Northern Lights in focus. The lighting should be a mix of natural and artificial, capturing the contrast between the warm glow of the Christmas stars and the cool tones of the twilight sky. Include elements that are distinctly Greenlandic, such as traditional houses and snowy landscapes, to provide context and authenticity.

Carp in the Bathtub: Czech Christmas Fortunetelling

Czech Christmas Eve traditions are filled with unique customs and superstitions. A carp takes center stage as the main dish for dinner, and some of its scales are kept in wallets to ensure financial prosperity.

Girls throw shoes over their shoulders to foretell marriage, and fasting all day is believed to bring a glimpse of a golden pig, a symbol of good fortune. Cutting an apple in half to reveal a star (good health) or a cross (bad omen) is another popular tradition.

Image Description: A cozy interior shot of a Czech family celebrating Christmas Eve. The family is gathered around a table laden with traditional dishes, including fried carp and potato salad. A girl is throwing a shoe over her shoulder, while others are cutting apples to reveal their cores. Some family members are holding carp scales, and the atmosphere is filled with anticipation and laughter. The date of the photo is December 24, 2024.

Style Instructions: Candid, Lifestyle. Use a warm, intimate lighting to create a cozy and festive atmosphere. The depth of field should be shallow, focusing on the family members and their activities while slightly blurring the background. The composition should include elements that are distinctly Czech, such as traditional dishes and decorations, to provide context and authenticity.

Icelandic Yule Lads and Rotten Potatoes

In Iceland, the days leading up to Christmas are filled with the antics of the Yule Lads, 13 mischievous trolls who visit children one by one. Each night, children leave shoes on their windowsills, hoping to receive gifts.

Well-behaved children are rewarded with sweets, while those who have been naughty find a rotten potato in their shoe. The Icelandic Yule Cat, a giant feline, adds another layer to the folklore, said to devour anyone who doesn't receive new clothes for Christmas.

Image Description: A whimsical and slightly eerie scene in an Icelandic home during the Christmas season. A child is peering out of a window, looking at one of the Yule Lads, who is mischievously placing a rotten potato in a shoe on the windowsill. The Yule Lad is dressed in traditional Icelandic clothing and has a troll-like appearance. In the background, a large, shadowy Yule Cat lurks, adding to the suspenseful atmosphere. The date of the photo is December 20, 2024.

Style Instructions: Dramatic, Mystical. Use a low-key lighting to create a sense of mystery and suspense. The depth of field should be shallow, focusing on the child and the Yule Lad while slightly blurring the background. The composition should include elements that are distinctly Icelandic, such as traditional clothing and snowy landscapes, to provide context and authenticity.

Caga Tió: The Pooping Log of Catalonia

In Catalonia, the Caga Tió, or 'pooping log,' is a beloved Christmas tradition. Families 'feed' the log with treats in the weeks leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, children beat the log with sticks while singing songs to make it 'excrete' presents.

The gifts are typically small treats like candies and nuts. Caganer figurines, depicting a defecating figure, are also a quirky addition to nativity scenes.

Image Description: A playful and humorous scene in a Catalan home on Christmas Eve. Children are gathered around a Caga Tió (pooping log), which is decorated with a smiling face and a blanket. The children are beating the log with sticks while singing a traditional song. After the song, the blanket is lifted to reveal small treats and candies that the log has 'pooped' out. In the background, a nativity scene with a Caganer figurine is visible. The date of the photo is December 24, 2024.

Style Instructions: Candid, Lifestyle. Use a bright, cheerful lighting to create a festive and humorous atmosphere. The depth of field should be shallow, focusing on the children and the Caga Tió while slightly blurring the background. The composition should include elements that are distinctly Catalan, such as the Caga Tió, Caganer figurine, and traditional decorations, to provide context and authenticity.

Hiding Broomsticks: A Norwegian Christmas Eve Tradition

In Norway, a centuries-old superstition dictates that broomsticks must be hidden on Christmas Eve. This tradition stems from the belief that witches and mischievous spirits take to the skies on Christmas Eve, seeking broomsticks for their nocturnal rides. To this day, many Norwegian families safeguard themselves by stashing away their brooms in the safest corners of their homes.

Image Description: A slightly eerie and mysterious scene in a Norwegian home on Christmas Eve. A family is carefully hiding their broomsticks in various locations around the house, such as closets, under beds, and behind furniture. The lighting is dim and shadowy, creating a sense of suspense and superstition. The date of the photo is December 24, 2024.

Style Instructions: Dramatic, Mystical. Use a low-key lighting to create a sense of mystery and suspense. The depth of field should be shallow, focusing on the family members and their activities while slightly blurring the background. The composition should include elements that are distinctly Norwegian, such as traditional clothing and home décor, to provide context and authenticity.