Again with the long absence from this blog! Sorry about that. I wish I could say I’ve been off traveling, but alas, I can not.

But if I could I would want to be in Italy. I just think Italy during Christmas would be the perfect combination of exotic and nostalgic. Exotic because it’s somewhere I’ve never been. Nostalgic because it’s Christmas.

And speaking of nostalgia, I thought I would post some traditions from around the world. Enjoy!

• In South Africa, they eat deep-fried caterpillars. I think I’ll stick with the cookies and milk, thanks.
• Krampus – You’ve probably heard of this one thanks to the latest Hollywood horror flick. But if you don’t know, Krampus is the “anti-Claus” in Austria. He comes on Christmas eve and beats naughty children with branches…or worse. Silent night is right! Don’t make a noise or else Krampus will get you!
• In Norway, they hide and lock up all the brooms so that no evil spirits or witches will get them. No cleaning on Christmas? Let’s celebrate the season all year long!
•  Mass is pretty traditional right? Well what if you traveled to Mass via rollerskates? If you live in Venezuela you would!
• Germans hide a pickle in the Christmas tree and in the morning if you are the first child to find it, you win a prize. Not sure if that is Kosher, but there you have it.
• In Portugal, they have a special feast on Christmas morning in which they remember their dearly departed loved ones by setting a place for them at the table. Little bit of Halloween…a little bit of Christmas…I like it!
• Who knew the Brits were so superstitious? Across the pond they have a tradition that says each member of the family has to stir the Christmas pudding in a clock-wise direction and make a wish while doing it.

I’m sure you could find more of these on the interwebs, but why not take a moment and tell me what some of your favorite (or weird) Christmas traditions are.