Across the world, Christmas is celebrated through traditions shaped by history, folklore, and local culture. In Sweden, the 43-foot-tall Gävle Goat raised every year traces back to Norse mythology, where goats symbolise strength, provision, and divine power. Venezuela offers a joyful twist by combining faith and festivity as communities roller-skate through the streets towards early-morning Mass. In the Philippines, colourful handmade lanterns light up the season, symbolising hope and the Star of Bethlehem on warm tropical nights. Catalonia’s playful Tió de Nadal (a wooden log with four legs which must be looked after so that it ‘defecates’ presents on Christmas Day) reflects a homely, humorous approach to generosity. In Ukrainian folklore a spider is said to have decorated a poor family’s Christmas tree with beautiful cobwebs, so a spider ornament is often found on a tree today. In Italy, a good witch called Le Befana, for ever chasing after Christmas on her broomstick, visits homes on 5 January with gifts. Together, these customs remind us that Christmas traditions often carry layers of meaning - some ancient, some playful, some spiritual - inviting reflection on how the story of Christ has been received, reimagined, and celebrated across cultures and generations.