“Unwrap the Unexpected: Discover the Strangest Christmas Traditions from Around the Globe!”
Lithuania
Straw is a traditional decoration in Lithuania. It’s normally spread on the tabletop and then covered in a white tablecloth. The straw reminds people of Jesus lying in a manger. According to superstition, if you pull a piece of straw from under the tablecloth and it’s long, you will have a long life; but if it’s short you will have a short life, and a thick straw means a rich and happy life.
There’s usually a plate of Christmas wafers at the center of the table— one for each person. Sometimes the wafers have the scene of the birth of Jesus on them.
Egypt
In Egypt, about 15% of people are Christians. Egyptian Muslims don’t celebrate Christmas at all. Egyptian Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church.
They eat a vegan diet from November 25th until January 6th (the Coptic Christmas). This is called the Holy Nativity Fast. You don’t have to fast if you are too weak or ill to do so. In Egypt, Santa is called Baba Noel, which means father Christmas.
Ireland
Children in Ireland leave a pint of Guinness out for Santa Claus instead of milk. Some Irish children leave out Christmas cake, mince pies, and carrots for the reindeer too.
There is also an old tradition that involves putting out a tall, thick candle on the sill of the largest window after sunset on Christmas Eve. The candle burns all night and emits a welcoming light for Mary and Joseph.
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