5 Fun Foot Holiday Traditions Around the World

Families all across the world have traditions that they maintain and cherish each time the holiday season comes around. Some put an evergreen tree up in their living room and adorn it with treasured ornaments, while others bake Yule logs with Christmas music serenading in the background. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA is sharing some favorite foot-related holiday traditions from around the world. 

Ecuador: Many people put together a list for Santa before Christmas, but, in Ecuador, after you write your wish list, you would place it securely in your shoes. Then you leave your shoes out and go to bed. While you're asleep Papa Noel removes the list and replaces it with gifts and new shoes. Not a bad deal!

Hungary: Eager children here leave their boots out for treats; in fact, they rest them on the window waiting for Mekulash, who is the Hungarian Santa. Well-behaved children receive boots filled with nuts, fruit, and chocolate. But for children who have misbehaved, switches or sticks are given. And oddly enough, in some cases, children in Hungary receive both sticks and sweets.

Iceland: Similar to Hungarian children, during the Christmas season, girls and boys in Iceland leave their shoes on the windowsill. The main difference is that Jolasveinar (which is a troop of 13 elves) visits them one at a time over 13 days. They leave all kinds of goodies for good children, while naughty children will find their shoes filled with potatoes.

France: The children in France anxiously wait for Père Noël to arrive by placing their shoes neatly in front of the fireplace the evening before Christmas. While they dream of sugar plums dancing, Père fills their shoes with toys and candy!

Italy: Santa rides a broom in Italy, but in reality, Santa is a cranky older woman named La Befana. Youngsters across Italy lay out their shoes and go to bed eagerly waiting for her arrival. The story says that she brings fruit, candy, and toys to children who have behaved well. For naughty children, La Befana fills their shoes with coal!

Whatever holiday traditions you enjoy, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas!