5 Worldwide Foot-Related Christmas Customs!
Families in different parts of the world have time-honored Christmas traditions that they look forward to every year. Whether it’s leaving out milk and cookies for Santa or leaving shoes out before bed, there are numerous different and fascinating customs across the world. In today’s post Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is sharing 5 of those fun foot-related traditions.
1. France: French children eagerly wait for Père Noël to visit by placing their shoes carefully in front of the fireplace the night before Christmas. And while they’re dreaming of sugar plums, hopefully, Père fills their shoes with plenty of candy and toys!
2. Ecuador: Many people, especially here in the United States, write a list of what they’re hoping for from Santa before Christmas, but in Ecuador, after they write their list, they place it securely in their shoes. When Ecuadorian children go to bed, Papa Noel takes away the list and swaps it with new shoes and presents. Sounds like a fair trade!
3. Hungary: Anxious children in Hungary leave their boots out hoping that they’ll be filled with treats. In fact, they rest them on the windowsill waiting for the Hungarian Santa, Mekulash. Children who have been well behaved throughout the year awake to find their boots filled with nuts, chocolate, and fruit. On the other hand, those who have misbehaved, wake only to find sticks or switches in their boots. And strangely enough, in some cases, Hungarian children receive both sweets and a switch. Guess they were on the borderline!
4. Italy: The Italian Santa allegedly rides a broom, but in actuality, Santa is really a grouchy older woman named La Befana. Children in Italy carefully lay their shoes out and go to bed to eagerly wait for her appearance. The tradition has it that she brings fruit, toys, and candy to children who have been well behaved. But for children who have behaved poorly, La Befana fills their shoes with coal!
5. Iceland: Like Hungarian children, girls and boys in Iceland leave their shoes on the windowsill during the Christmas season. The main difference is that a troop of 13 elves, Jolasveinar, visits them individually over a 13-day period. They leave various goodies in the shoes of good children, and potatoes in the shoes of those who have misbehaved.
What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? Share in the comments below.
And if you experience any issues with your feet, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland today by calling (410) 761-3501.