Christmas, everyone’s favorite time of the year. Snow is falling, and what’s better than opening presents with your friends and family? Millions of people experience Christmas in a different way. Instead of hanging stocking above the fireplace or drinking eggnog, people around the world have traditions both you and I would see as different. Here are the traditions that people share all around the world.

San Fernando, Philippines

Ligligan Parul Sampernandu is a tradition held in the Philippines held each year the Saturday before Christmas eve in the city of San Fernando. Ellevan villages take part in this and people all over the world come and spectate as the eleven villages compete in making the most elaborate lantern. The lanterns are made from a variety of materials and stand at 6 meters tall. After finishing they all light the lanterns and people come from all over to watch the lanterns light up.

Gavle, Sweden

Since 1966, on December 1st, a 13-meter tall Yulg goat has been built in the center of Gavle’s castle square for advent. This tradition has led to another tradition as well, people trying to burn it down. Since 1966 the goat has been successfully been burned down 29 times, the most recent in 2016.

Japan

Other than gift giving and light displays, Christmas is a pretty novelty in Japan. But a new tradition in recent years has emerged, a Kentucky Fried Chicken dinner! In Japan, KFC comes out with a special holiday menu just around the holidays. Japan, instead of eggnog and ham will have a meal of chicken and biscuits. The KFC holiday menu includes everything from a Christmas-themed bucket to a full premium roasted chicken.

Norway

A tradition that dates back to centuries ago, Norway hides their brooms. This tradition dates back to when people believed in witches and evil spirits. People used to believe that the evil spirits would come out on Christmas eve looking for brooms to ride. To this day, people still hide their brooms in the safest place in their house to stop them from being stolen.

Whether you’re celebrating a religious festival, like Hanukkah or Christmas, or a more special occasion, you’re sure to have your own type of rituals or customs that make the holiday season a time you love.

source-(Momondo, www.momondo.com/discover/article/christmas-traditions-around-the-world.)