In the Western world, we celebrate Christmas on December 25th to honour the birth of Jesus, a tradition dating back to around the year 300 AD. But well before that, various cultures had been marking the end of the year as a symbol of life's renewal. Over time, Christmas has transcended its origins and found unique expressions in different corners of the globe, from Brazil and Ethiopia to Japan and Egypt.

Let’s take Nordic countries, for instance. Their holiday traditions, especially the culinary ones, can get quite bizarre. In Greenland, Christmas delicacies include Mattak – raw whale skin served with whale blubber.

Are there other traditions? What about the kids? Are there any less creepy traditions? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

⁠Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?⁠

⁠Where did the story of the Grinch come from?⁠

⁠Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas?⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 23/12/2023

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices