As the festive season wraps the world in twinkling lights and joyous tunes, some countries embrace Christmas with a touch of the eerie and the odd. These unconventional traditions add a unique flavor to the holiday spirit, proving that the magic of Christmas isn’t always about sugarplum fairies and cheerful elves.

In Catalonia, Spain, the “Caganer” steals the spotlight. This cheeky character, often depicted as a farmer doing his business, is hidden in nativity scenes. While it might seem peculiar, locals believe it brings fertility, good luck, and prosperity for the coming year.

Venture to Austria, and you’ll encounter Krampus, Santa’s demonic counterpart. Instead of gifts, Krampus doles out punishment to misbehaving children. His terrifying appearance and parades of devilish figures create an otherworldly ambiance that contrasts sharply with the traditional Christmas cheer.

In Iceland, the Yule Cat, or “Jólakötturinn,” prowls during the holidays, ready to pounce on those without new clothes. This feline incentive for dressing well stems from an old belief that those who worked hard enough to acquire new clothes were likely to be spared the Yule Cat’s wrath.

Japan takes a different approach with a Christmas tradition that has less to do with the supernatural and more with a cultural fascination: feasting on KFC. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the ’70s, a Christmas bucket from KFC has become a sought-after holiday treat.

These quirky and sometimes spooky traditions demonstrate that the spirit of Christmas is wonderfully diverse. As you deck the halls and trim the tree, consider how these global customs add a touch of the bizarre to the season, making the holiday tapestry richer and more intriguing than ever.