Rituals around the world that swap gifts for meaning

Ukrainians craft delicate webs from paper and wire and wrap them around their tree like tinsel. Finding a real spider or cobweb on a tree is considered to be good luck, and it’s customary to not sweep them away during this period. The easiest way to adopt the tradition: leave the cobwebs undisturbed.

6. Denmark: Making homemade decorations

A klippe klistre day – literally “cutting and sticking” – is an essential Danish ritual. Homes, schools and workplaces across the country hold crafting sessions to make elaborate garlands, braided stars and paper hearts to bring Christmas cheer to classrooms, offices and living rooms.

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It’s a chance to hygge together and build a sense of community through creativity, all fuelled by æbleskiver (small Christmas doughnuts), cookies and gløgg, Denmark’s potent mulled wine. After years of practice, Danes seem able to turn the thinnest twist of paper into something quite magical – but even a simple paper garland can being a touch of Scandinavian craftiness to your home. 

7. Venezuela: Getting your skates on

Christmas church services in Venezuela are joyful, communal and often lively, accompanied by bells, firecrackers and sometimes fireworks in the run-up to Christmas. But the most distinctive custom is how people often arrive: on roller skates.

The tradition centres on skating to the early-morning Misa de Aguinaldo (Early Morning Mass) held between 16 and 24 December around 05:00 or 06:00. Children often go to bed early so they’re ready for the dawn service, and many adults skate through the night to reach the church together. It’s a beloved ritual that turns a solemn moment into something light-hearted and communal, with neighbours gliding through quiet streets side-by-side.

If skating isn’t an option, joining a local mass or community event can bring a similar sense of shared celebration.

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