While Christmas Eve and Day get most of the attention, December 22nd and 23rd — the quiet nights before — holds its own magic across the globe. This date is a fascinating window into the diverse cultural and linguistic traditions that build anticipation for the holiday. Let’s explore how different cultures spend this day, and pick up some unique vocabulary along the way!

Mexico: La Noche de los Rabanos (Night of the Radishes)

In Oaxaca, December 23rd is for art, not just anticipation. Locals carve intricate scenes from giant radishes (los rábanos) in a dazzling competition. It’s a celebration of artisanía (craftsmanship), where artesanos (artisans) display their tallados (carvings) in the zócalo (main square).

Germany & Austria: Dickbauch (“Fat Stomach”)

The tradition here is deliciously literal. On Dickbauch (December 23rd), it’s believed eating rich, fatty foods ensures you’ll survive the long Christmas night. Think Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) and Knödel (dumplings). It’s a day for Schlemmen (feasting) and using idioms like “sich den Bauch vollschlagen” (to stuff one’s belly).

Norway: The Declaration of “Christmas Peace”

In towns like Oslo and Tromsø, a solemn proclamation is read on December 23rd, declaring the official start of the peaceful Christmas period. Listen for formal terms like “Julefreden” (Christmas peace) and “kunngjøring” (proclamation), a beautiful contrast to the festive “God Jul!” (Merry Christmas!) soon to follow.

Iceland: The Arrival of the Final Jólasveinar (Yule Lad)

Iceland’s 13 mischievous trolls, the Jólasveinar, arrive one by one in the 13 days before Christmas. On December 22nd, the last one, Kertasníkir (“Candle Beggar”), comes to steal your tallow candles. Learning their playful names—like Þvörusleikir (“Spoon Licker”)—is a fun dive into Icelandic folklore.

Poland: The Vigil Begins with Wigilia Prep

For many Poles, December 22nd is a day of intense preparation for Wigilia, the sacred Christmas Eve supper. The air is filled with the scent of pierogi (dumplings) and barszcz (beetroot soup). It’s a time for gotowanie (cooking) and family, centered on traditions like laying siano (hay) under the tablecloth.

From radish art to peaceful proclamations, these traditions show that the journey to Christmas is as meaningful as the day itself. Which custom would you love to experience? Share in the comments, and consider learning the language to truly connect with its heart.

Language school in Riga | Baltic Media