Christmas Symbols
Christmas has its traditional symbols-Santa, presents, a decorated tree and carols. Some countries, however, have different symbols. Here are some of them:
Sweden: The Yule Goat has been a Swedish Christmas symbol, dating back to ancient pagan festivals. However, in 1966, the tradition got a whole new life after someone came up with the idea to make a giant straw goat, now referred to as the Gävle Goat. According to the official website, the goat is more than 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs 3.6 tons. Each year, the massive goat is constructed in the same spot. Fans can even watch a livestream from the first Sunday of Advent until after the New Year when it is taken down.
Iceland: For 13 days, each night before Christmas, Icelandic children are visited by the 13 Yule Lads. Children place their shoes by the window. In the morning, they'll either have received candy (if they're good) or be greeted with shoes full of rotten potatoes if they're bad!
Norway: Their Christmas season, called "julebord", begins on December 3. Norwegians celebrate in bars and restaurants throughout the month. December 23 is called Little Christmas, and rituals include making a gingerbread house, and eating risengrynsgrøt (hot rice pudding).
Holland: Sinterklaas is the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, the man recognized by children for his long white beard, red cape, and red miter. Children put a shoe by the back door and wake up on Christmas morning to find treats like gingerbread men, marzipan, and chocolate letters.
Austria: The alpine country has a legend that a devil-like creature called Krampus joins their St. Nicholas festivities on December 6. Children are asked for a list of their good and bad deeds: Children who have been good over the year are rewarded with sweets, apples, and nuts, while children considered bad could get a rude surprise from Krampus on Christmas morning.
