Christmas Traditions Around the World

For many, Christmas is a time to decorate the tree, sing carols and kiss underneath the mistletoe. But not every child is dreaming of a white Christmas or waiting to hear Santa’s reindeer on the rooftop. Here’s a roundup of some of how different cultures celebrate the holiday, including the weirdest and most unusual customs we could find.

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Barcelona’s Caga Tio
Instead of Christmas trees, many in Barcelona and across Spain’s Catalan region celebrate with a Caga Tio, a log adorned with a painted face, red hat and stick legs. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, children feed the log treats, and on Christmas Day, they sing a traditional song and hit the log until it spills out presents from underneath a blanket. Candies, nuts and figs are common treats from the log.
Barcelona’s Caga Tio
Instead of Christmas trees, many in Barcelona and across Spain’s Catalan region celebrate with a Caga Tio, a log adorned with a painted face, red hat and stick legs. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, children feed the log treats, and on Christmas Day, they sing a traditional song and hit the log until it spills out presents from underneath a blanket. Candies, nuts and figs are common treats from the log.