Christmas starts earlier and earlier every year and that is something we say more and more every year, but the trigger this time is the early sale of mince pies.

We just creeped into September before supermarkets started to sell packets of mince pies. The Grocer magazine reports that the traditional festive snack was on offer in Sainburys for 59p a full 115 days before the big day – by which time presumably they’d have gone off.

Next up for sale has been Christmas puddings, which is perhaps to be expected given they last for months (or years) anyway.

The other supermarkets have also started to roll out their festive ranges with offers on confectionary so why not make the move early and stock up for your Christmas party – as long as you don’t put up with Christmas tree this early is there any harm done?

We’re all familiar with hanging stockings on the mantelpiece, opening the advent calendar and leaving mince pies out for Santa Claus, but there are some weird and wonderful traditions from around the world that other countries have when it comes to Christmas time. Here we take a look at some of the most unusual and where they come from.

Greenland

The people from Greenland have a delightful treat to tempt the taste buds at Christmas time. It consists of the raw flesh of an auk – which is a little bird that looks a little like a penguin and also known as a kiviak. The meat of the bird is buried beneath a stone to decompose, wrapped in sealskin, the whole process takes several months and results in a very pongy snack. Have a think about that next time you’re complaining about sprouts!

Portugal

In Portugal, they have an unusual tradition which includes sitting down for a large feast known as the “Consoda” feast. Nothing strange so far, except that extra places are set for guests who have passed away. Food is offered to the souls so that they might look after the family and bring them luck. It’s quite a nice thought, though just a little bit creepy!

Latvia

In Latvia, they spread out the Christmas presents, with one being given on each of the 12 days of Christmas beginning on Christmas Eve. We’re not sure we’d have the patience to last that long before opening our presents! On Christmas day, a traditional Latvian Christmas meal is brown peas and bacon, pies, cabbage and sausage… a little different from turkey and veg!

Norway

The Norwegians take no chances when it comes to anything spoiling Christmas day, and that includes pesky witches that might want to shake things up a little. How do you stop a witch? By hiding her broom apparently! Yes, all brooms are to be hidden in Norway on Christmas Eve… that’ll teach them!

Czech Republic

All the single ladies, now put your hands up… and reach for a shoe. What? Yes, in the Czech Republic, girls can tell their dating fate with this simple test. Standing on your front door, facing inside, throw one of your shoes over your shoulder. This simple, yet highly scientific prediction process will let you know if you are to be wed within the year. If the toe is facing the door then it will be the chiming of bells before the year’s end. Heel facing the door and you should get out there with the mistletoe!

These are just a few of our favourites, but trust us, Christmas is a weird and wonderful time of year, throughout the world!