Only a select group of intelligent and insightful children were actually able to find out the truth about Santa Claus before the age of nine. For the rest of us, well, we fully believed it or were only partly suspicious. However, this isn’t the case for the entire world. Some people celebrate holidays such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or Lunar New Year. Still, other kids grow up believing in different holiday figures and participating in unique traditions that aren’t so common. Let’s explore some of the fascinating and perhaps unusual holiday traditions of families all over the world.

To begin with a rather tame tradition, on Christmas Eve, families in Norway hide all their brooms to prevent witches or other evil entities from stealing them.
In Ukraine, people decorate their Christmas trees with spider webs rather than ornaments. It’s believed that they will bring good luck.

One of the more relaxing traditions includes Finland’s Christmas saunas. Not only do families enjoy a soothing sauna, but they often leave treats for the “sauna elf,” who supposedly helps keep the sauna fresh and warm.

However, things take a rather thrilling turn in Caracas, Venezuela, where in the week preceding Christmas, families roller skate to a daily church service. This special service is called Misa de Aguinaldo, which translates to “Early Morning Mass,” and roads are typically closed until 8am to ensure the safety of worshippers.

People in Austria believe that a malevolent demon-like creature (who is basically the opposite of Santa Clause) named Krampus exists. Krampus is supposed to punish poorly behaved children before Christmas. Some people like to dress as devils and roam the streets searching for naughty children to abduct, further motivating the kids to 1) get their act together and 2) stay inside the house.

So whether you wake up to find presents under the tree, all your brooms missing, or a devil outside your door waiting to kidnap you, I hope you’re able to make the most out of this holiday season!