Welcome to day 2 of Blogmas! As we count down the days to Christmas, I’m excited to share a little holiday cheer with you. Each day until December 25th, I’ll be posting festive content to help get you into the spirit of the season. From the way we see the holidays in pop culture to the way Christmas is celebrated around the world, I hope these posts bring a little extra joy and warmth to your holiday preparations. So grab the eggiest of nogs, wrap up in your slanket, and let’s celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together!

Well, well, well, it’s that time of year again – the time when we gather around the table with loved ones, argue about politics, and stuff our faces with delicious holiday grub. But have you ever stopped to think about how the rest of the world celebrates this joyous occasion? Buckle up, because we’re about to take a whirlwind tour of some of the most intriguing and downright quirky Christmas dinner traditions from around the globe.

First up, let’s jet off to Italy, where the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a time-honored tradition. That’s right, seven courses of seafood delights, ranging from humble anchovies to luxurious lobster. It’s like the ocean decided to throw a Christmas party in your mouth. The origins of this custom are a bit murky, but some say it’s a nod to the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Others claim it’s just an excuse to eat copious amounts of fish. Either way, it’s a delicious tradition that’s sure to leave you in a food coma.

Next, we’re heading to Japan, where Kentucky Fried Chicken has somehow become the go-to Christmas dinner choice. You read that right – a bucket of the Colonel’s finest is the centerpiece of many Japanese Christmas celebrations. This trend started back in the 1970s, when KFC launched a clever marketing campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas.” The slogan caught on, and now, millions of Japanese families wouldn’t dream of celebrating the holiday without a heaping helping of fried chicken. Who needs turkey when you’ve got a bucket of Extra Crispy?

But wait, there’s more! In South Africa, Christmas dinner often features a delicacy known as “smiley.” No, it’s not a happy emoji – it’s actually a sheep’s head, slow-roasted until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy. The name comes from the fact that the sheep’s teeth are often exposed during the cooking process, giving it a somewhat unsettling grin. It may sound a bit macabre, but those who have tried it swear by its rich, flavorful taste.

Meanwhile, in Norway, the traditional Christmas dish is something called “lutefisk.” This delightful delicacy consists of dried cod that’s been soaked in lye (yes, the same stuff used to make soap) until it reaches a gelatinous consistency. It’s then boiled and served with butter, salt, and occasionally a side of pea stew. The taste is described as “acquired,” which is a polite way of saying “you might want to have a backup plan.”

And let’s not forget about the UK, where Christmas pudding reigns supreme. This dense, fruity cake is made weeks (or even months) in advance and is often doused in brandy before being set ablaze and served with custard or cream. It’s like a boozy, flaming fruitcake – what’s not to love? Plus, tradition dictates that a silver coin should be hidden inside the pudding, and whoever finds it in their slice will have good luck in the coming year. Just be sure to visit your dentist afterward.

But perhaps the most unusual Christmas dinner tradition comes from Greenland, where the delicacy known as “kiviak” takes center stage. Kiviak is made by stuffing a seal carcass with up to 500 auks (small seabirds), then burying it under a rock pile for several months until it ferments. When Christmas rolls around, the seal is dug up, and the fermented birds are enjoyed as a festive treat. It’s like a turducken on steroids, with a hefty dose of “eww” thrown in for good measure.

So there you have it – a smorgasbord of unique and sometimes bizarre Christmas dinner traditions from around the world. Whether you prefer your holiday meal with a side of seafood, a bucket of fried chicken, or a fermented seabird, there’s no denying that Christmas is a time for coming together and celebrating with the ones you love. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always pizza delivery.

But enough about these global culinary adventures – what about you, dear readers? What strange and wonderful Christmas dinner traditions do you have in your neck of the woods? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s raise a glass (or a drumstick) to the glorious diversity of holiday feasting!