What people remember and look forward to every holiday season isn't the presents -- okay, not only the presents. People eagerly anticipate the traditions and rituals that they celebrate together. The great thing about traditions is that they can be created at anytime. From roller skating to church, to eating fried chicken, here are a few unusual Christmas traditions from here and around the world. If you like them, why not adopt them into your holiday routine!
View the slideshow above for more unusual holiday traditions!
Getting excited about the holidays? check out Fir Real and Curator Report: Holiday Prep to learn some decorating tips to make this year's holiday season even more special.
Photo Credit: flickr/ozchin
Visiting the Cinema
If your family doesn't leave your home on big holidays like Christmas, you would probably never think of going to a movie theater as a Christmas activity. The theaters are actually always packed on this day since many families make a trip to the movie theater an integral part of their holiday celebrations.
Photo Credit: flickr/Galif548
Saint Nicholas Day
Many families of German, Dutch or other European decent celebrate Saint Nicholas Day. On the eve of Dec. 6, children leave their shoes by the door and awaken to find them filled with money and sweets.
Photo Credit: flickr/Radio Nederland Wereldomroeps
Family Secret Santa
When you have a large family that consists of 6 or more children, it may be hard for everyone to afford to buy gifts for each family member. To avoid this, some large families create a Secret Santa game within the family. This way everyone is responsible for one person.
Photo Credit: flickr/SimonDoggett
Christmas Eve Decorating
We've heard of putting off shopping until the night before, but what about decorating? Some families can't wait to start decorating their homes for Christmas and begin the night of Thanksgiving day while others wait until Christmas eve.
Photo Credit:flickr/...loveMaegan
Norwegian Broom Hiding
In Norway there was a belief that witches and evil spirits would come out the night of Christmas eve and search for brooms to ride. Thus, it remains a tradition for wives to hide their broomsticks and mops on Christmas eve.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Roller Skating to Church
In Venezuela, everyone roller skates to church for the weeks leading up to the big day!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Fried Chicken
In Japan everyone goes to Kentucky Fried Chicken to celebrate Christmas day. Supposedly, you might have to make a reservation for a table at one of these fast food chain locations if vacationing in Japan during the holidays.
Photo Credit: flickr/ozchin
Christmas Down Under
If you lived in Australia you would be celebrating Christmas in 90 degree weather. Activities may include enjoying a picnic outside, playing cricket with the family, Caroling in the park, or visiting a local beach where Santa Claus may arrive on a surf board. Not unusual to them, but unusual to those of us living above the equator this time of year.
Photo Credit: flickr/jo3hug
Gondola Rides
If you are in L.A. for this year's celebrations, perhaps you'd take a gondola ride to admire the Christmas and Hanukkah lights on Naples Island in Long Beach, Marina del Rey or Newport Beach.
Photo Credit: flickr/giofrancopatrella
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