Weird Christmas Myths: Strange Holiday Beliefs From Around the World
Around the world, Christmas is celebrated with joy, lights, and family traditions — but not all traditions are the same. In fact, some countries have holiday customs that might surprise or even shock first-time visitors. These unusual stories are known as weird Christmas myths, and they range from spooky creatures to strange good-luck rituals. These myths remind us how different cultures express their holiday spirit in creative, funny, or downright bizarre ways.
1. Iceland’s Giant Christmas Cat
One of the most popular weird Christmas myths comes from Iceland, where the “Yule Cat” roams during the holidays. This massive, glowing-eyed creature is said to roam the snowy countryside looking for people who didn’t receive new clothes for Christmas. If you didn’t get new clothing, the Yule Cat might “eat” you, according to folklore. Today, it’s mostly used as a playful reminder to finish chores before Christmas — or else!
2. Japan’s Strange Christmas Dinner Tradition
In Japan, millions celebrate Christmas by eating KFC. What started as a marketing campaign in the 1970s turned into a nationwide tradition. Families line up for hours to take home large Christmas buckets. This quirky custom has become one of the most weird Christmas myths, with some believing it’s rooted in Western culture — even though no such tradition exists in the West.
3. Ukraine’s Good-Luck Spider Webs
Ukrainian homes often feature Christmas trees decorated with shiny spiders and webs. This unusual tradition comes from an old story about a poor widow who couldn’t afford ornaments. On Christmas morning, spiders spun beautiful webs that turned to silver in the sunlight. Today, families hang glittery webs for good luck, protection, and prosperity — a tradition many visitors find surprising.
4. Austria’s Terrifying Christmas Demon: Krampus
No list of weird Christmas myths is complete without Krampus — a horned, goat-like creature who punishes naughty kids. While Santa rewards good children, Krampus chases the bad ones with chains and sticks. Every December, people in Austria wear masks and parade through the streets as Krampus, turning the holiday into a spooky but lively celebration.
READ: Why Does the Iglesia ni Cristo Not Celebrate Christmas?
5. Norway’s Broom-Hiding Ritual
In Norway, families hide all their brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent evil spirits from stealing them. The myth goes back hundreds of years, when people believed witches and ghosts roamed the night sky looking for brooms to ride. Today, families still hide their brooms — not because they believe in witches, but because it’s a fun and unique tradition that adds mystery to Christmas.
6. Completing Simbang Gabi Guarantees Your Wish Will Come True
Filipinos flock to churches at dawn believing that finishing all nine masses will grant any wish. Priests have clarified for years that Simbang Gabi is an act of devotion, not a spiritual wishing well. Completing all nine is admirable, but it doesn’t guarantee anything magical.
Different cultures bring their own myths, stories, and traditions to the holiday season. From Iceland’s giant cat to Austria’s fearsome Krampus, these weird Christmas myths show how Christmas can be magical, mysterious, funny, and frightening all at once. Whether we follow these customs or simply enjoy learning about them, one thing is clear — the holiday spirit is wonderfully diverse around the world.