A young man runs in front of the big fire in central Florina, Greece. [Photo/IC]

Greece: Bonfire party

Some villages in Greece have the custom of holding a bonfire party on Christmas Eve. It is said that this way the sheepherds can keep the newly-born Jesus warm. Besides, young boys and girls will put special tree branches into the fire to see if their branches burn down quickly, which symbolizes good luck or a good marriage in the coming year.