Americans aren't the only ones whose traditions are a cause for raised eyebrows.
CHICAGO — It’s hard to think of anything wackier than honoring the birth of Jesus — a man who preached peace, love and charity — by maxing out your credit cards, gorging on turkey, fighting with in-laws and drinking yourself into a stupor. But that’s largely what we Americans do.
In large parts of the world Christmas is not a major holiday because most people aren’t Christian. In countries like Russia and China, the new year is a much bigger deal. But that hasn’t stopped the rest of the world from embracing the commercialism of Christmas.
In Thailand, for instance, where 95 percent of the population is Buddhist, Santa has become a best seller in December, “Little Drummer Boy” plays on a Muzak loop at shopping malls and synthetic Christmas trees come not just in green, but bright orange, pink and yellow.
Around the world, people put their own twist on the Christmas holiday. And on New Years Eve, everyone has their own way of scaring away bad spirits and ushering in good luck. Cubans throw a bucket of water into the street to wash away bad luck, the Chinese refrain from sweeping or dusting to avoid brushing away good fortune and Colombians walk around the block with suitcases to ensure travel in the new year.
In honor of the season, we’ve compiled a list of the wackier Christmas and New Year traditions from around the world for you to marvel at while you sit around munching from a supersized box of candy canes from Costco or the perfect combination of Chex cereal with Worcestershire sauce.
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