Crazy Christmas Traditions from Europe
When we hear the word Christmas, most of us automatically imagine Baby Jesus, a Christmas tree, presents, and peaceful family moments. We tend to think that Christmas looks the same everywhere—but that is far from the truth. Just take a look at different parts of Europe and you’ll discover that Christmas traditions can be fairy-tale-like, scary, strange… and sometimes truly crazy. It is often these unusual traditions that children (and adults too) find the most fascinating. Let’s take a look at four European Christmas traditions that seem as if they came straight out of a fairy tale—or a very strange movie.
When Krampus Appears in the Alps
If you found yourself in Alpine villages in Austria or Germany at the beginning of December, you might encounter a truly frightening figure in the streets. Krampus has horns, a shaggy coat, chains, and a mask that can scare even adults.
Krampus appears on the evening of December 5 together with St. Nicholas. While St. Nicholas gives gifts to well-behaved children, Krampus has a different role—to remind naughty children that they should behave better. In many towns, Krampus parades are still held today. They are a big attraction for tourists, but for children they are often a real test of courage.
La Befana – the Witch Who Brings Gifts
In Italy, children don’t wait only for Christmas. The real surprise comes on the night of January 5 to 6, when La Befana visits the country. She looks like a witch—she flies on a broom and wears old clothes—but in reality, she has a very kind heart.
La Befana fills children’s stockings with sweets. Those who misbehaved receive symbolic pieces of coal. According to legend, she is still searching for the baby Jesus. When she cannot find him, she decides to give gifts to all the children she meets along the way. That is why Italian children love her so much.
Gävlebocken – the Straw Goat of Christmas
In Sweden, Christmas would not be complete without the straw goat known as the Yule Goat. In the past, it was a symbol of harvest and protection of the household. Today, it is mainly a Christmas decoration.
The Yule Goat can appear as a small figurine on a table, but also as a huge goat standing in a town square. One such giant goat is built every year in the Swedish town of Gävle and has become famous worldwide. The straw goat is now a symbol of good luck and Nordic-style Christmas. However, its popularity has also attracted arsonists, who have destroyed it several times. That is why it is now under strict surveillance.
When a Log “Poops” Presents in Catalonia
One of the strangest Christmas traditions comes from Catalonia in Spain. It is called Tió de Nadal and consists of an ordinary wooden log with a painted face, a hat, and a blanket.
Children take care of it throughout December—they feed it and cover it so it doesn’t get cold. At Christmas, they hit it with sticks and sing special songs. The result? According to tradition, Tió “poops out” sweets and presents for the whole family. It may sound strange, but for Catalan children it is one of the greatest Christmas experiences.
Why We Love Crazy Traditions
We may smile at some of these customs, but thanks to them we can see how diverse the world around us is. Christmas doesn’t have to look the same everywhere—and that is what makes it special.
At Flamingos, we like to use these stories in Slovak language lessons. Children laugh, compare traditions, and naturally learn how to talk in Slovak about culture, customs, and the world they live in.
And now a question for you: which of these traditions do you think is the craziest?