227 – Weird Christmas: The World’s Strangest Yuletide Traditions

Mike Huberty • December 19, 2018

You know we love Christmas, after all we’ve already had five shows on the topic, covering things like:

Which means when we’re looking for something new to talk about Christmas, it takes a little bit of work. The thing about Christmas is that it’s been around so long, it means that there’s a whole world of traditions out there to explore. So, when we were doing research and discovered Catalonia’s marvelous  Tió de Nadal  (the pooping Christmas log) we knew we hit a jackpot for starting off a conversation about more weird Christmas traditions around the world.  Every country that has Christianity has their own way to celebrate and they’ve got hundreds of years to develop their own unusual traditions. 

A stuffed animal is wrapped in a plaid blanket and has a red hat on
Anybody got any toilet paper?

So in this episode, we get to talk about stuff like:

Weird Christmas
Famous Caganers (pooping figures) for your Nativity scene, Vladimir Poopin’, am I right, fellas?

So, if you think you’re family is weird on the Holidays, rest assured you are not alone! 

The Sunspot song for this week is a weird instrumental version of the Christmas classic, “Sleigh Ride”.  Although it does include a traditional instrument, acoustic violin, we twisted in some odd synths and arranged it in a 6/8 time signature instead of the typical 4/4.

Join The Haunted Circle! Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your next haunting adventure.

By Mike Huberty March 20, 2026
We are so excited to welcome the travel professionals, families, and industry partners of the Western Association of Travel Agencies (WESTA) to one of Alaska's most iconic port cities. You've arrived in Ketchikan, a place where misty rainforest meets the sea, where totem poles stand alongside historic boardwalks, and where the stories of gold rush pioneers and the colorful characters of Creek Street are still very much alive. There's truly nowhere else like it in the world. We hope your time here is more than just a conference. Whether you're exploring the historic Creek Street district, taking in the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska, or getting a taste of the local haunted history on our complimentary Ketchikan Ghost Walk , this city has a way of staying with you long after you sail away.
River North Chicago
By Mike Huberty March 1, 2026
Chicago’s Irish pubs have long memories and longer shadows. Explore the haunted history of Streeter’s Tavern, The Kerryman, and Fadó, plus a River North pub crawl.
a skull and candle on friday the 13th
By Mike Huberty February 12, 2026
Discover the real history behind Friday the 13th superstition. From ancient Norse mythology and Biblical Last Supper connections to the Knights Templar myth and Thomas Lawson's 1907 novel, explore how Friday and 13 became the Western world's most famous unlucky combination.
The Golden Tiki Bar in Las Vegas
By Mike Huberty January 25, 2026
Step into Las Vegas’ Golden Tiki, a tropical bar with poltergeist tales, eerie bathroom voices, a sinister mermaid, and even Aleister Crowley’s ashes.
gangsters in front of a car
By Mike Huberty January 19, 2026
Our St. Valentine's Day Massacre Ghost Tour Pub Crawl in Chicago is back Friday February 13th, 2026 at 8pm with a romantic twist!
Group of ghost hunters in Lake Geneva
By Mike Huberty January 9, 2026
30 minute ghost tour for 2026 Winterfest in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Hotel 1829 in Charlotte Amalie
By Mike Huberty December 31, 2025
Discover haunted St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands with Hotel 1829’s history in Charlotte Amalie... then join our St. Thomas ghost walk to explore it.
December 23, 2025
A Spirited Start: A Guide to Haunted New Year's Eve Traditions
 La Rogativa San Juan
December 20, 2025
Discover the legend of La Rogativa in Old San Juan, a historic candlelit procession, haunted plaza, and ghostly tradition still felt after dark.
Night Marchers in Hawaiʻi
December 15, 2025
Discover the legend of Hawaiʻi’s Night Marchers, ancient warrior spirits said to roam by moonlight. Explore the myth and join a ghost tour this holiday season.