Some Christmas Traditions Around The World

photos top to bottom: Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Austria

For children of all ages, Christmas conjures up enchanting visions of snowflakes, sleigh rides and sugar plums. But while the holidays may be universally thought of as the most wonderful time of the year, not all international yuletide customs are merry and bright.

In Austria as well as elsewhere in central Europe, St. Nicholas is accompanied by Krampus, a truly sinister, demon-like creature who bears a whip and a sack for misbehaved children. In the Czech Republic, the traditional Christmas Eve meal is carp, but buying one means bearing witness to a gruesome ritual of Wes Craven-like proportions, while in the Catalonia region of Spain, you might opt to steer clear of a legendary figure known as El Caganer, who's up to some foul-smelling business -- literally -- in the nativity scene.

Take a look at some of the most spirited Christmas traditions around the world here:
Austria
No doubt one of the most terrifying holiday traditions hails from the Austrian Alps, where a figure known as Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas on his travels. The sinister, demon-like figure carries a whipping rod and a sack for misbehaved children.
Spain
In Spain's Catalonia region, you'll find a character called 'El Caganer' among the figures in the traditional Nativity scene. He’s literally defecating -- according to Catalan legend, his “fertilizer” will yield a good harvest for the following year
Eukraine
An artificial spider and web, said to bring good luck, are often included in the decorations on Ukrainian Christmas trees, in honor of a folk tale in which a poor woman awoke on Christmas morning to find her tree trimmed with webs of silver and gold.
Sweden
Dec. 13 is Saint Lucia's Day, one of the few saint days observed in Sweden as well as throughout Scandinavia. Depicted as a young girl wearing a crown of candles to symbolize the fire that refused to take St. Lucia's life when she was sentenced to be burned, Saint Lucia delivers sweets and small gifts to good children.
Germany
The traditional Christmas Eve gift bearer throughout Germany is the Christkind, or "Christ Child," who also appears in other central European nations as well. Young German girls often don white robes and angel wings to deliver the gifts, and indicate their departure by ringing a small bell.
Czech RepublicThe traditional Czech holiday meal is carp, which are kept in enormous streetside pools the week before Christmas. When a live carp is purchased, the fish is then bludgeoned and its head hacked off in full view of passers-by.
Italy
Throughout Italy, a kindly old witch named La Befana -- who, according to legend, declined an invitation from the Magi to visit the infant Jesus in Bethlehem -- delivers presents to children as she searches for the Christ Child.
Japan
The Japanese have absorbed many Western Christmas traditions, including decorated trees, roast turkey and mistletoe. For non-Christians, the Japanese equivalent of Santa Claus is Hoeiosho, a Buddhist monk who bears gifts for children.
England
The traditional English Christmas pudding is familiar to anyone who's ever seen or read A Christmas Carol, and it is said that wish made while preparing the dessert will come true, but only if the ingredients are stirred in a clockwise direction.
Netherlands
St. Nicholas' Dutch companion is known as Black Peter, or "Zwarte Piet," who is depicted as a Moor and is usually dressed in a Renaissance page style costume with short pants, stockings, and a cap with a large feather. His face is covered with soot and he rides a mule,It and he travels down chimneys to leave gifts for the children, though in some legends he is also said to punish disobedient children.
Brazil
The Brazilian Santa Claus is 'Papai Noel,' who travels to Brazil every Christmas in breathable silks as opposed to heavy wool, and lives in Greenland (rather than the North Pole) for the remainder of the year.
Russia
Russia's Grandfather Frost is similar to his Western counterparts but is associated with the New Year, the most universally observed Russian holiday, rather than Christmas Day.
by Curtis M. Wong First Posted: 12-18-10 11:23 AM
To see photos of each, click on this link.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/18/christmas-traditions-arou_n_797890.html#s209868