Christmas is an annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ every December 25. For many, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But more than the Christmas parties, decorations, lights, gift-giving and festivities, Christmas is all about traditions. But did you know that there are also some unique ways on how other people celebrate this holiday season? Here are some fun facts in celebrating Christmas.
1.Christmas at KFC in Japan
Millions of people in Japan celebrate Christmas with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. It all started way back in 1974 when KFC launched a marketing campaign called Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii. In English, it means Kentucky for Christmas. Getting a KFC dinner means placing your order weeks in advance otherwise, you will have to wait in line for hours just to get a bucket of KFC chicken.
2.Krampus Tradition in Austria
Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon beast-like creature which was created as a counterpart to St. Nicholas. For Catholics, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children and magical gift-bringer. He is more commonly known as Santa Claus around the world. Santa rewards nice children with gifts during Christmas. Krampus on the other hand, beats children into being nice.
Krampus appears the night before the feast of St. Nicholas. Men dressed up as Krampus and roamed the streets of Austria. They wore masks with animal skins holding long sticks with bells tied to them so that children can hear the clanking through the darkness. Their purpose is to create fear among the children.
3. Norway Hides All Brooms on Christmas Eve
In Norway, some people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve. This is because they believe that evil spirits and witches come out on Christmas Eve and look for brooms to ride on. Thus, they hide their brooms before going to sleep lest they get stolen.
But whatever way you celebrate Christmas, let us not forget its true meaning. Christmas is a celebration of God’s love to mankind. It is the season for love and great joy.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
– John 3:16-17
Merry Christmas everyone!