7 Holiday Traditions that Move the Soul (and the Traveler!)

Happy Travel Tuesday and Merry Christmas Eve Eve, Friends! Here are seven cool, unique, and heartwarming holiday traditions from around the globe. From high-speed holiday "sleighs" in Colombia to the ancient, soul-stirring chants of Ethiopia, prepare to have your sleigh bells jingling with inspiration. Let’s unwrap this global gift guide to joy!

1. Colombia: Roller Skating "Misas de Aguinaldo"

   Roller-skating is synonymous with soul-moving movement, so let's head down to Colombia! In cities like Bogotá, it’s a beloved tradition to lace up roller skates and head to early morning Christmas masses. Many streets are actually blocked off to cars until 8:00 AM so thousands of people can skate together in a giant, flowing river of holiday spirit. It’s high-energy, community-driven, and pure joy on wheels.

2. The Philippines: The Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) Known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines," the city of San Fernando hosts a spectacular contest where provinces build 20' high kaleidoscopic lanterns. Travelers flock here mid-December to see these massive "stars" dance to music using thousands of synchronized light bulbs. Filipinos take this holiday seriously. Did you know that the Philippines begins their Christmas celebrations in September and the festivities continue until the Epiphany in January.

3. Ethiopia: Ganna, the Ancient Celebration

   Replacing a European tradition with something truly timeless, we head to Ethiopia. Celebrating on January 7th, thousands of pilgrims dressed in white "shamma" cloths gather at the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The sound of rhythmic chanting, the smell of frankincense, and the sight of a sea of white robes in the early morning light is a spiritual experience that stays with you forever.

4. Japan: KFC Christmas Christmas in Japan involves a unique urban journey to... KFC! Thanks to a 1974 marketing campaign, millions of Japanese families order their "Party Barrels" weeks in advance. Seeing the Colonel Sanders statues dressed in Santa suits is a must-see for any December traveler in Tokyo.

5. Greece: The Illuminating Karavaki (Little Ships) In addition (or instead of) Christmas trees, the the Greek maritime communities decorate small wooden boats with lights. This tradition honors St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, and symbolizes a safe homecoming for those who have traveled the seas!

6. Iceland: The 13 Yule Lads and the Book Flood (Jolabokaflod) Icelanders have 13 "Yule Lads" who visit over 13 nights, instead of Santa Claus. And fellow Book Lovers will embrace Christmas Eve aka Book Flood = where everyone exchanges books and spends the night reading. What a perfect "slow travel" experience for the mind and soul.

7. Austria: The Krampus Run (Krampuslauf) For a more "punchy" tradition, Austrians gather in the Alpine regions to watch the Krampuslauf. Participants dress as the terrifying, horned counterpart to St. Nicholas, parading around the streets with bells and switches. What a high-energy and thrilling way to celebrate Alpine folklore!