December 11, 2025
News
In the Czech Republic, our unique Christmas tradition involves a golden pig. According to folklore, if we refrain from eating any food during the day, we will see the golden pig shining on the walls in the evening. This tradition might seem strange to people from abroad. Likewise, people in the Czech Republic may raise their eyebrows at Christmas ornaments shaped like spiders and their webs. Such decorations are customary in Ukraine. Let us introduce ourselves to unusual Christmas traditions from countries where Caritas Czech Republic operates.
Spiders as the symbol of good fortune
In Ukraine, spiders and their webs are believed to bring good luck. The tradition comes from a story about a poor family that could not afford decorations for their Christmas tree. While the children slept, spiders sneaked into the room and spun their webs on the branches. The next morning, the children found the tree covered in shiny silver threads. Today, people in Ukraine still cherish this tradition. Some sew webs; others craft the spider’s body from a walnut and add legs made from beads and tiny wires.
Photo: Christmas street of Lviv
For nearly four years, people in Ukraine have lived in fear of bombardment and widespread insecurity. During Christmas, we can show them our support by donating to the fundraising campaign Caritas for Ukraine. Thanks to your help, we can renovate destroyed homes and health facilities. We are establishing mental health centres and providing extra classes for children who have missed school due to the war.
Camel as Syrian Santa Claus
We are also working to ease the hardships faced by people in Syria. We are restoring access to drinking water, and we have also helped manage the consequences of the destructive earthquake from 2023.
Despite many years of conflict, local people remain hopeful. Therefore, Christians in the country continue to celebrate Christmas as well. Their unusual custom involves a camel that brings presents for children. When the Three Kings were headed to Bethlehem, they brought a herd of camels with them. The smallest one struggled to walk the entire journey, but it refused to stop because it wanted to see BabyJesus. For its loyalty, the camel was given the gift of immortality. Since then, the youngest in Syria believe that it is the camel that brings them presents on its back.
Photo: Children in Syria
In Zambia, children and adults celebrate apart
Caritas Czech Republic also has a connection to the story of the Three Kings. Every year, we organise a fundraising campaign in their honour. Additionally, part of those contributions is dedicated to our activities abroad. For example, this enables us to assist in Zambia, where many refugees from other African countries are heading.
In Zambia, they celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December, just like in the Czech Republic. Locals visit church where children are encouraged to bring presents for their peers from less fortunate backgrounds. After the service, adults and children continue celebrating separately. Adults have a feast in one house, while children gather in another. Apart from this one unusual custom, Christmas in Zambia is considered a family holiday. People travel to their hometowns and stay for several weeks.
Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated in a lively way
In Africa, we restore access to drinking water and train local farmers in ecological methods that should help them adapt to the impacts of climate change. Besides Zambia, we also operate in Ethiopia.
Photo: Our colleagues on a work trip in Ethiopia
People here also celebrate Christmas by taking part in a sport called Gena. It resembles Czech field hockey, as players use a wooden puck and sticks. During the holidays, two teams from different villages compete against each other across the space between their villages. The winner is the one who scores more goals into the opponent’s village.
Christmas parade in Georgia
Georgians also celebrate Christmas with a sense of community. After the morning service, they march through the streets together, singing a traditional Georgian song and Christmas carols. Locals bring small gifts, food, and sweets, which are later given to those in need.
Do you find these foreign customs captivating? Show your support for the people living in these countries by donating to the Three Kings fundraising campaign or purchasing a gift certificate to help start the lasting change where it is most needed. The certificate features a drawing by the well-known Czech singer Tomáš Klus. With this gift, you will surely surprise your loved ones and help improve lives in Zambia, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and other countries where Caritas Czech Republic operates.
Photo: Gift Certificate
Thank you for helping with us, not just during the holidays.
