Different ways of celebrating Christmas around the world

In South Africa, Christmas is generally marked by loads of cold meats, maybe a braai or a potjie followed by family, friends, swimming and fruit cake, otherwise known as Christmas cake.

But have you ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated in other countries?

In the Philippines, they have a giant lantern festival. The festival, called Liligan Parul Sampernandu, is held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve each year.

People travel from all over the country and even from other countries to come and enjoy the show. People build their own elaborate lanterns and there are even competitions to see whose lantern is the best.

Children in Austria take the naughty and nice list very serious, because if you were not good this year you might get a visit from Krampus.

Krampus is a beast-like demon creature that roams the streets frightening kids and punishing those who have been bad.

In the Austrian tradition, St Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls, while Krampus is said to capture the naughtiest children and whisk them away in his sack.

In the first week of December, young men dress up as the Krampus (especially on the eve of St Nicholas Day) frightening children with clattering chains and bells.

There are even two movies about the Krampus! See the trailer for the first one here:

While Austrians have Krampus, the Icelandians have the Yule Lads.

In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, 13 tricky troll-like characters come out to play in Iceland. The Yule Lads visit the children across the country during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.

For each night of Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window and a different Yule Lad visits, leaving gifts for nice girls and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones.

*Information courtesy of https://www.momondo.com.