CHRISTMAS CURIOSITIES

CRACKER-PULLING, carol-singing, mince pie-scoffing, mistletoe snogging, and a beer left out for thirsty Santa – these are all cherished Christmas traditions observed in many places around the world.

But in some places on the planet the annual festive holiday is celebrated in rather weird and wacky ways. And some sound far from festive.

Here are the world’s most unusual Christmas traditions.

GUATEMALA’S BURNT OFFERINGS

Fire has long been seen as cleansing, and in Guatemala it’s used to “burn the devil” to kick off their Christmas season.

In recent years devil piñatas have been added

This ceremony happens every year