Both Europe and America have many different and interesting Christmas traditions. From special recipes to legends passed down from generation to generation, the spirit of Christmas is preserved from generation to generation.

The BBC has collected the most special traditions from around Europe. Among them is Greece with the legend of goblins that come out of the ground to… complicate people’s lives.

Norway

Every Christmas, children in Norway look for two creatures.

The first is like a goat, his name is Julebukk and delivers gifts, and the second is Yul Nisse, who looks after the pets and plays a trick on the children if they do not leave him a bowl of porridge.

For this reason, every year children leave a bowl of porridge on the table to receive their gifts.

Italy

At Epiphany, children receive a stocking of sweets from … the Italian witch La Befana.

According to tradition, La Befana showed the Magi the way to the manger.

Tradition wants her to be old, ugly, wear old clothes, and this is because it symbolizes the year that is coming to an end.

Spain

Christmas begins on December 8 in Spain with the Feast of the Annunciation.

In Catalonia, on the same day, they organize a special holiday called “beating the Christmas tree”.

In particular, from December 8 and every night until December 24, children “feed” a happy log with dried fruits and nuts. They also cover him with a blanket to keep him warm.

Then on Christmas Eve, children knock on a log and sing a traditional song.

The children then peek under the covers and discover that Tio de Nadal has “pinned down” a lot of treats.

Poland

Christmas Eve is significant in Poland, where families traditionally gather for a meal known as Vigilia. The meal begins when they see the first star in the night sky.

The meal consists of 12 courses, which traditionally include fish.

He also shares a special bread waffle called “Oplatek” which symbolizes forgiveness.

Finland

In Finland, Santa Claus is known as Joulupukki, which means “Christmas Goat”. Because of this, people wear goat masks to deliver gifts to children.

Hellas

In many parts of Greece, Easter is celebrated more than Christmas.

However, Christmas is still important. On Christmas Eve, children go from house to house playing music and singing carols in exchange for treats or money.

Before Christmas, fresh basil is wrapped around a wooden cross, which is sprinkled on the house with water to scare away the mischievous elves called gnomes.

Some also start a fire in the fireplace, as they believe this will stop the goblins from creating havoc.

Sweden

Sweden has a special holiday on Saint Lucia’s Day, December 13th.

It is not entirely clear where the Saint Lucian tradition came from. One story says that Saint Lucia was a young Christian girl killed in the 4th century because of what she believed.

The Swedes celebrate it with a procession led by a girl in a white dress and a wreath of candles.

Children open their presents on Christmas Eve. The night before, they leave a bowl of porridge for Tomten – that’s what they call Santa Claus – so he can leave presents for them.

Iceland

There is a tradition in Iceland that everyone should get a new outfit for Christmas. In fact, if they don’t take it, “they’ll be eaten by a giant Christmas cat named Grila.”

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