As TESOL educators, it’s essential to understand and embrace the wide range of cultural practices our students may come from. One of the best ways to explore cultural diversity is through holiday traditions. While many of us are familiar with certain global celebrations, there are some customs that can be surprising or even shocking to outsiders. As educators, it’s important to approach these differences with an open mind and to instill compassion and tolerance in our students. Let’s dive into some of the world’s more unexpected holiday traditions and explore how teachers can use these cultural differences as a tool for fostering understanding and empathy in the classroom.
The Shocking and Surprising Ways Some Cultures Celebrate the Holidays
Holidays are often a time of joy, reflection, and connection with loved ones. However, not all holiday celebrations fit the mold of what we might expect. Here are a few examples of holiday customs that may surprise, shock, or fascinate TESOL teachers and students alike:
1. Krampus – Austria, Germany, and Central Europe
While many associate Christmas with gift-giving and the joyful figure of Santa Claus, some cultures have a much darker counterpart: Krampus. In Austria, Germany, and parts of Central Europe, Krampus is a terrifying creature that punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. Dressed in demonic costumes, locals parade through the streets in early December to celebrate Krampusnacht. For some, this frightening tradition adds a bit of thrill to the holiday season, but it can be quite shocking to those unfamiliar with it.
2. Tió de Nadal – Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia has a particularly strange holiday tradition involving a wooden log called Tió de Nadal (Christmas Log) or “Caga Tió.” Families “feed” the log over the course of several weeks, covering it with a blanket to keep it warm. On Christmas Eve, children gather around and sing songs while hitting the log with sticks until it “defecates” presents and sweets. While humorous to locals, this tradition may come as a surprise to those who are not accustomed to this playful holiday custom.
3. Night of the Radishes – Oaxaca, Mexico
In the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, the holiday season brings an unexpected event: the Night of the Radishes (Noche de los Rábanos). On December 23, locals carve intricate sculptures from oversized radishes, showcasing everything from nativity scenes to cultural motifs. This artistic tradition is a major part of Oaxaca’s Christmas festivities, drawing in tourists and locals alike. While it may seem unusual, it’s a festive and creative way for the community to express their holiday spirit.
4. The KFC Christmas – Japan
One of the most surprising Christmas traditions in Japan is the widespread custom of eating KFC (yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken) for Christmas dinner. What started as a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s has since become a holiday tradition in Japan. Families pre-order their KFC meals, and it’s not uncommon to see long lines outside KFC stores on Christmas Eve. While Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Japan, this quirky custom has become a way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
5. Gävle Goat – Sweden
Every year in the Swedish town of Gävle, a massive straw Yule Goat is erected in the town square to celebrate Christmas. However, what makes this tradition shocking is the goat’s unfortunate fate. Since the 1960s, vandals have made it a point to try and burn down the goat before Christmas, despite efforts to protect it with fences and security cameras. Some years the goat survives, while in others it meets its fiery demise. This bizarre aspect of the Gävle Goat’s history has made it a notorious and unpredictable part of Sweden’s Christmas season.
Teaching Cultural Diversity in the TESOL Classroom
Exposing students to different holiday traditions is a fantastic way to teach cultural diversity and promote empathy. However, it’s essential that TESOL teachers approach these discussions with sensitivity, particularly when students encounter traditions that may seem strange or shocking. Here’s how educators can foster a classroom environment that celebrates differences while practicing compassion and tolerance:
1. Create a Safe Space for Discussion
Cultural differences can sometimes feel intimidating or confusing to students, especially if the customs seem unusual compared to their own. As a TESOL teacher, it’s important to create a safe space where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Encourage open discussions where everyone’s perspective is valued, and make it clear that there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to celebrate holidays—only different ones.
2. Celebrate the Beauty of Diversity
Use these surprising holiday traditions as a way to highlight the beauty of cultural diversity. Each tradition, no matter how unconventional it may seem, is rooted in historical and cultural significance. Help students understand that behind every custom is a rich history and set of values that contribute to the cultural identity of a people. By celebrating diversity, you’ll foster a classroom environment where differences are seen as strengths.
3. Encourage Empathy and Tolerance
When discussing cultural practices that might seem shocking, use the opportunity to teach students about empathy. Remind them that just as their own traditions may seem unusual to someone from another culture, other people’s customs may feel different or strange to them. It’s important to approach these differences with understanding and respect rather than judgment. By encouraging empathy, TESOL teachers can help students develop the skills needed to navigate cultural differences in a globalized world.
4. Link Cultural Traditions to Broader Themes
Holiday celebrations often reflect deeper themes, such as family, community, generosity, and resilience. Use these traditions as a springboard to explore these broader themes with your students. For example, while Krampus might be a scary figure, it teaches lessons about behavior and morality. The KFC tradition in Japan reflects how holidays can evolve and adapt in new cultural contexts. Help students see the universal values that underlie seemingly different practices.
Practicing Compassion and Tolerance in a Global Classroom
As TESOL teachers, we often work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing their own unique perspectives, traditions, and experiences into the classroom. By fostering an environment of compassion and tolerance, we can help students feel respected and valued, no matter where they come from.
Whether we’re discussing shocking holiday traditions or everyday cultural differences, it’s important to model an attitude of acceptance and understanding. Encouraging students to share their own customs and learn about others promotes mutual respect and broadens their worldview.
Conclusion: Learning from Holiday Traditions
Holiday traditions, no matter how shocking or unusual they may seem, offer valuable opportunities for TESOL teachers to promote cultural understanding and empathy. By celebrating these differences and encouraging thoughtful discussions, educators can help students develop the cultural competence needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. As we navigate these conversations, let us remember the importance of practicing compassion, tolerance, and respect for the diverse ways in which people around the world celebrate the holidays.
In doing so, we create a learning environment where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
