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With the twinkle of lights in homes
and on the streets,

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heartwarming stories, festive treats,
and wonderful presents,

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Christmas seems like something
straight out of a child's imagination.

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No wonder it’s celebrated
all over the world.

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But not everywhere the same way.

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Let's explore three unique 
Christmas traditions from all over.

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While Christmas in Germany stands for
Christmas trees, meals and presents,

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other countries 
have their own special customs.

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From unique culinary delights
and extraordinary decorations

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to fascinating legends,

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Christmas traditions around the world 
are diverse and quite surprising.

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Let’s start our journey in Norway.

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Cleaning up and sweeping the floors 
after Christmas is impossible.

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You won’t find a single broom or mop
in the house.

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And there’s a good explanation.

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In Norway, there is an old superstition

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that witches come out of hiding 
on Christmas Eve

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in order to wreak havoc.

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Legend has it
that they search houses for brooms

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to fly through the night
and spread chaos.

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To avoid it, people hide their brooms 
before Christmas Eve.

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Let’s hop on our broomsticks 
and head for Italy.

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Here, too, there's a tradition 
involving witches

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but is far from being scary.

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On January 6th, 
Italians celebrate the Befana.

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Legend has it that the witch Befana
was searching for Baby Jesus

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to bring him gifts
in celebration of his birth.

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But missed the Star of Bethlehem
and set out too late.

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To this day, the Befana is celebrated 
on the night of January 5th.

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The friendly witch flies 
from house to house,

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bringing presents to nice children
and cinder or coal to naughty ones.

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After two enchanting traditions,
let’s now go over to Spain.

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On December 22, nearly all Spaniards
are glued to their TVs.

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But not to watch Christmas movies,
they’re waiting for El Gordo.

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which literally means “the Fat One”,

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not to be associated with Santa Claus
or the like.

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El Gordo is Spain’s 
traditional Christmas lottery,

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in which any participants can win big.

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About 75% of all Spaniards
take part every year.

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The Lotería de Navidad is 
one of the most popular lotteries.

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Close to two billion euros 
are up for grabs.

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The grand prize awaits 
one lucky person.

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Two billion euros, wow.

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Now that’s what I’d call 
a Christmas present!

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Do you know of 
any other Christmas traditions?

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Share them in the comments below.

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For more interesting facts,

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don’t forget to like this video
and subscribe to the channel.

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Be sure to check us out on TikTok.

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Thanks for watching!

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Merry Christmas
and until next time!