If you find yourself overseas for Christmas, in a country that is new to you, be prepared to experience a few Christmas traditions that are a little bit different. Christmas is Christmas wherever you may be but these traditions may not be quite what you are used to.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of laughter and happiness, but the tradition of Krampus in Austria, is quite the opposite. Krampus is a devil like beast that punishes bad children, and men roam the streets dressed in Krampus outfits, terrorising young children. In Austria, Santa Claus is coming to town could well have an extra line in the lyrics:
“He's making a list, He's checking it twice, He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice. Santa Claus is coming to town. And Krampus is coming too”
In Caracas, the Capital of Venezuela, you had better quite literally get your skates on for Christmas. There is a strange but true tradition of travelling to church on roller-skates. This strange tradition is taken so seriously, that roads are often cleared of traffic to keep Christmas skaters safe. One wonders if Santa uses a sleigh in Caracas, or if he prefers roller-skates? If you are there perhaps it is worth watching out for!
Looking for a broom to sweep up? Good Luck! This one of the most bizarre of Christmas traditions. Norwegians believe, that Christmas is the time of year where evil spirits and witches come out. Of course, witches fly on brooms, so it makes sense that all brooms are hidden – right? Would Santa be seen riding a broom across the Norwegian sky if he found a broom lying by a fireplace and a Christmas tree?
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If you don’t like Turkey, this may change your mind. A Christmas delicacy in Greenland is perhaps one you don’t really want to have a translation for, and maybe, you just want to accept Mattak as Mattak. Sometimes, speaking the language just gives an outsider too much information. In Greenland, instead of turkey, the locals prefer to eat Mattak or raw whale skin and blubber. But wait, there is a second item on the menu called Kiviak, which is made by wrapping an auk, a small bird found in the artic, in seal skin and then burying it for a few months. The decomposed bird in the skin is then dug up and eaten.
Turkey anyone? These are just a handful of Christmas traditions, but to really get to appreciate Christmas in any foreign country, just partaking in the traditions is not quite enough. To really understand and enjoy a Christmas in a foreign country, speaking the language allows you to fit in. These traditions have some real meaning, but being able to speak about them or converse with the locals, allows you to really become part of their Christmas. Songs may be sung in a native language and you may well be able to hum along, or mumble something that sounds like the words, but again, knowing the language is a huge help. Christmas is a time of sharing and by speaking another language you can share Christmas better the next time you celebrate Christmas in a foreign country.
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