When we talk about Christmas food, what generally comes to mind is turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, etc but do you know that Christmas in different countries come with different menus? This includes traditional family feasts with dishes that have been passed on from generation to generation, as well as fun traditions which stem from non-Christian countries that still observe holidays in the last week of December. Whether you are just curious about different Christmas celebrations around the world or are planning to make a trip around the same time and need help figuring out where to go, here are some of the most interesting Christmas holiday traditions around the world.
1. Kentucky for Christmas, Japan
Japan is a Buddhist country that quite loves the idea of a Christmas holiday but obviously doesn't celebrate it traditionally. What does Christmas in Japan look like then? KFC dinners it is. The KFC tradition Christmas dinner is the Japanese idea of what an American festival ought to be celebrated like. And there’s a good reason for this. Back in the 1970s, a KFC advertisement established the KFC meals as a Christmas dish, and the idea stuck.
2. Consoda, Portugal
One of the most interesting Christmas holiday traditions around the world, Consoda in Portugal is a traditional feast, the only thing different from other places however is that there are spots left for dead relatives on the table. The deceased relatives that the places are left for are believed to bring good luck and good fortune to the household.
3. Sakotis, Lithuania
The spit cake is quite common in Eastern Europe, and is made in any celebratory event, including Christmas. If you want to experience one of the most exciting activities for Christmas around the world, making sakotis is just what you need. On an open flame, the batter is thrown on the base, which results into spikes that once is complete, resembles a Christmas tree.
4. Christmas Risengrød, Denmark
If you are looking for Christmas food from around the world which is quite easy to make, this is what you need. In Denmark, it is believed a gnome or elf-like creature known as the nisse from the folklore, is very helpful when treated nicely, and at the same time can be bit of a trouble if unhappy. This rice pudding is made to please the nisse so that it doesn’t steal the livestock.
5. Mattak, Greenland
In Greenland, mattak is a celebratory food that locals eat on special occasions including Christmas. It is basically whale skin and blubber and can come from a beluga, narwhal, or finback whale. Traditionally served raw, mattak is a bit on the salty side, umami even. The blubber tastes like a fatty greasy layer, and the top part is a bit textured but once you bite into it, the whole thing becomes chewy.
6. Gävle Goat, Sweden
First set up in 1966, this Swedish goat made from straw now draws a lot of visitors to the city, who come to witness the installation that symbolizes Christmas. If you’re bored of the regular views of decked-up Christmas trees around the world, this is just the thing you should plan a trip around. The goat has been featured in films, has a playlist of its favourite songs, and is overall a beloved character.
Apart from these, Christmas traditions around the world also include New Zealand's barbecues, India's Christmas cakes, picnics in South Africa, and so much more!