It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or that is what Andy Williams merrily proclaims in his hit song that crashes face-first into all stores at the beginning of the festive season (and in some cases even before that). What is never mentioned in all the joyous writings of the jovial holidays and endless feasts is the stress it places on people, particularly their relationships. Rising costs and familial pressures to love everybody, allowing the family to take over your home for a few weeks could cause even the most solid parent to devour most of the eggnog, leading to fights and conflict.

In fact, Christmas is blamed for such levels of conflict that it’s considered a contributing factor in divorce shortly after that. Whether you are part of a family that loves to bicker or spend Christmas with smiles and hugs, here are 10 fights and battles fought around the festive season that might make you rethink your hate for the silly season.

10 Jack Johnson Beats Tommy Burns in a Fight

Leading up to the historic bout, Tommy Burns had defended his title against 12 men, no small feat. Yet on the day after Christmas in 1908, held in Australia, it was Jack Johnson who beat out his Canadian counterpart. But not before taunting him and allowing him a free shot or two just to rile him up and show him that there was no fear. Jack meant business. With racial tensions brimming (considering the time), the taunting that ensued after Johnson so soundly beat his opponent caused unrest to such an extent that the police eventually piled in and stopped the show.

On that day, Jack Johnson became the first black world heavyweight champion. Afterward, he had to endure an endless streak of white boxers being thrown at him in the racially motivated hopes of ending his reign. Johnson only left carnage in his wake, though. Ironically Boxing Day has nothing to do with boxing as a sport, but the day will live on in infamy among those who are aware of Johnson’s antics.^[1]

9 Soviets Invade Afghanistan

Being a predominantly Islamic country, the Afghans don’t celebrate Christmas. The Russians, however, do. Imagine eating yourself into a carb coma only to have to get into your full kit and invade a Middle Eastern country. On the eve of Christmas of 1979, the Soviets sent in around 30,000 troops, toppling the current government and installing a Soviet-friendly president named Babrak Karmal and plummeting the country into a civil war that cost an estimated one million civilian lives.

In what was ultimately a failed campaign for the Soviets, they battled the U.S.-backed mujahideen for almost ten years before an accord was struck with Pakistan, the United States, and Afghanistan. The withdrawal of the Soviet troops was completed on February 15, 1989, also effectively ruining Valentine’s Day.^[2]

8 Belgian Ship Leopoldville Torpedoed

Built in 1929 as a Belgian steam passenger ship, the Leopoldville was converted into a vessel ferrying troops to battle by the Ministry of War Transport in WWII. On its way to reinforce troops locked in combat at the infamous Battle of the Bulge (more on this later), the ship encountered a German U-Boat that fired two torpedoes, effectively ending the voyage in an explosive groan.

Some 2,235 officers and servicemen of the U.S. 66th Infantry Division—who were being transported to the upcoming battle—and a crew of 139 men were on board when the explosives struck. The British destroyer escort, the HMS Brilliant, attempted to rescue those stranded survivors. However, the rescue attempts were made difficult by the bobbing current. The master, 55 crew members, and 763 American soldiers perished at sea.^[3]

7 Battle of the Bulge

Many people, especially those in the southern hemisphere, dream of a white Christmas. The white decked trees, the fireplaces crackling in the living room, hot chocolate for the tummy-tums. That was not the case at the Battle of the Bulge. On December 16, 1944, Hitler launched what is known as the final Blitzkrieg of World War II. The large-scale attack by three German armies of hundreds of thousands of soldiers along the front of the Ardennes Forest of Luxembourg attempted to capture Bastogne and aimed for Antwerp in Belgium.

In what was eventually one of the single bloodiest battles of the war, the siege was eventually broken (but not ended) on the day after Christmas by Gen. George S. Patton Jr., whose third army came to the rescue, breaking through the Germans with his tank units.^[4]

6 Eggnog Riot

We touched on this matter earlier—the effects of too much eggnog turning even the most civilized of interactions sour. That is exactly what happened at the great eggnog riot, and it sounds like more fun than it actually was. ‘Twas the year 1826, at West Point, when the academy’s 260 cadets, known for their bodacious drinking, were snubbed by the powers that be. They had made the executive decision not to add alcohol to the traditional Christmas Eve eggnog. The cadets took it upon themselves to spike the nog, leading to copious amounts of alcohol consumption and ultimate riots, which included bouts of vandalism and assault on a superior officer.

Of the 206 cadets, as many as 90 could have been indicted. However, considering the poor reflection that would have on the academy, 19 of the most aggressive offenders were identified and expelled. Among those who seemed to have managed to escape the night relatively unscathed were Jefferson Davis (later president of the Confederate States president) as well as future general Robert E. Lee.^[5]

5 Christmas Raid

With the advent of railway transport that turned the gears of war, General John Hunt Morgan was entrusted to cut the supply lines of the Union army by attacking and destroying certain key points. In what is now known as the Christmas Raid, although it took place after Christmas day in the final days of December, Morgan took his cavalry and launched a raid into Kentucky.

The raid saw horsemen decimate Union supply convoys of food, forage, and supplies from Louisville, destroy essential trestles (or bridges), and fight a series of skirmishes that resulted in magnificent losses for the Union army. Before long, it was mission accomplished as Morgan took his command back to Tennessee.^[6]

4 Washington Crosses the Delaware River

One of the most celebrated moments of the American Revolution happened on Christmas Day in 1776. After several months of significant defeats suffered by Washington’s army, which resulted in their loss of New York City and other strategic points in the region, Washington took his army of around 5,400 troops in the hopes of surprising the Hessian force during their festive celebrations. Taking on the icy waters where heavy artillery, horses, and the support of experienced seamen, about 2,400 made it over the river. About 3,000 men and crucial artillery failed to reach the meeting point in time.

At 8 am on the morning of December 26, the groggy Hessian defenders were caught with their pants down, underestimating the patriot threat, and Washington’s men quickly overwhelmed the defenses. The failure of the artillery to arrive cost Washington dearly, and they were eventually forced to withdraw. However, news of the victory quickly spread and raised the spirits of the American colonists.^[7]

3 Sinking of the Scharnhorst

The Scharnhorst, one of the German fleet’s most vaunted and dangerous warships, had been tormenting the seas for the duration of WWII. In 1943, information reached the HMS Belfast that it had been deployed from a Norwegian base to intercept a convoy making its way back to Britain.

In a battle fit for a silver screen adaptation out of the Christopher Nolan playbook, the convoy—made up of numerous ships, including the Scorpion, Norfolk, Sheffield, and The Duke of York—left the Scharnhorst fleeing with its tail between its legs. A gun-blasting rabbit hunt ensued with direct hits and near misses, but in the end, it was the HMS Belfast that landed the killer blow and condemned the Scharnhorst to the depths of the icy ocean. Of the 55 torpedoes that were fired, 11 hit the target, and of the 1,968 men on board, only 36 survived.^[8]

2 Italy’s Invasion of Ethiopia

When Mussolini’s war in Ethiopia was already not going to plan when a 200,000-strong Ethiopian army launched a counter-offensive on Christmas Day in 1935. What was known by informed circles as the “Black Period” of the war, the counter-offensive gave rise to the “Harvest of Gold,” in which Mussolini asked his own countrymen back home to raise funds for the war as a pledge to his fascist regime. The public donated valuable personal effects, including wedding rings. In exchange for gold jewelry, they were given rigs of steel to show their commitment to the cause.

The counter-offensive was met with initial success, but the superior Italian weapons and the use of illegal chemical warfare ultimately crushed any chance of victory.^[9]

1 Takanakuy

In Quechua, the primary language in this particular region of Peru, the word Takanakuy means “when the blood is boiling” or “to hit each other.” In short, this day is celebrated (is celebrated the correct word?) annually on Christmas Day and involves people of all ages and sexes coming together and beating each other up, or at least watching people settle scores with their fists.

The ultimate aim of the event is to begin the new year in peace, allowing those who do not have access to law enforcement or alternative dispute resolution to settle their scores in a public arena. The conflict is mutual, and like any Christmas fight, it starts and ends with a hug. The festivities originated during colonial times, and to this day, the Peruvian tradition carries with it a festival of celebration, drunkenness, and religiosity to go along with the hitting.^[10]

Different countries and cultures celebrate the festive season in diverse ways. For some, religious traditions are at the center of the festivities. For others, it’s all about gathering with family to enjoy a delicious meal and catch up with those who live far away. This in itself is also a tradition for many people around the world. Christmas carols have long been a staple of shopping centers during the holidays. Mistletoe is hung in strategic places by the romantic at heart. Well-thought-out holiday cards are sent and received. Children wake up on Christmas morning expecting to see wrapped gifts and cookie crumbs.

On this list are some of the more unique traditions that take place during the most wonderful time of the year.

10 La Chocolatada

Each year, during Christmas time, companies and municipal governments in Peru band together to provide panettone (sweet bread) and countless cups of hot chocolate to disadvantaged communities within the country. They also collect toys and sweets to hand out to the children within these communities. The La Chocolatada event dates to the 1930s when it was used by politicians to win the approval of citizens. The tradition has since spread to other countries such as Spain, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador.^[1]

9 Starring

Thinking of Alaska brings to mind glaciers, moose, bears, and mountains. Here you will find more volcanoes than in any other state. You can explore the vast, unspoiled wilderness, gaze at the Northern Lights, and in certain parts, enjoy two months of constant sunlight.

When Christmas rolls around, the many Russian Orthodox families that have made Alaska their home celebrate with a tradition called Selaviq or Starring. This tradition was introduced to Alaska by Russian Orthodox priests after it began in the Carpathian Mountains during the 16th century. Following the Julian calendar, those who partake in the Starring tradition celebrate Christmas on January 7th. A procession carrying a large wooden star travels from house to house over several days. Those within the procession sing traditional folk songs and recite prayers. Along the way, food, gifts, and sweets are distributed while someone continuously spins the star. Starring symbolizes the journey of the wise men who followed the star of Bethlehem and ended up at the birthplace of Jesus Christ.^[2]

8 A Guyana Christmas

Being in the Caribbean over the festive season means taking part in a variety of unique Christmas traditions. Guyana, which is part of the Anglophone Caribbean, celebrates the holidays by featuring masqueraders that dance from door to door wearing ghost costumes. Some of the most popular costumes include that of Mother Sally, who is a female figure on stilts wearing a long skirt, and the Cow, which is constructed to fit around the person wearing it.

Along with these festivities, delectable dishes are enjoyed, including black cake, garlic pork, pepperpot, and homemade ginger beer.^[3]

7 Christmas Cakes

In Japan, Christmas goes hand-in-hand with over-the-top LED light displays in shopping centers, romantic dinners, and fried chicken.

And instead of indulging in fruitcake, people traditionally eat kurisumasu keeki while gathered with their loved ones. Kurisumasu keeki is a strawberry shortcake cake decorated with edible Christmas-themed ornaments. This tradition was carried over from the cream-covered cake tradition started by the Fujiya confectionery manufacturer, who encouraged people to “eat cake on “Christmas.”

For those who are not fond of strawberry flavoring, these cakes come in chocolate, fruit, and ice cream options. They can also be created in the shape of popular characters.^[4]

6 A Hot Christmas

Christmas is generally associated with cold, snowy weather, hot chocolate or eggnog, and thick coats. Should you find yourself in Australia over the holiday period, however, you won’t experience any of that. Instead, you’ll most likely celebrate by lazing on the beach and knocking back (quite) a few cold drinks. Once you’re done roasting in the sun, you can enjoy a traditional cold seafood platter overflowing with prawns.

Before you retire for the night, you can play a game of cricket or dive into the pool for some heat-relieving fun. And if you’re still up for a party on Boxing Day, you can join Surfing Santa for a street party or a barbecue.^[5]

5 Presépio

During the mid-13th century, the first Christmas crib was created in Italy. As the centuries passed, the concept caught on in other European countries. In modern times you can still find them in churches in England, fire stations in Portugal, and homes across the continent.

In family homes in Portugal, building a Christmas crib or presépio under the Christmas tree is still a cherished tradition. It includes the usual nativity elements, including the figures of the wise men, Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. Many of the presépios include a donkey and bull figure surrounding Jesus’ crib to keep Him warm. Some families include scenes of everyday life in their nativity setup. A stunning example of this is the Presépio Gigante in Vila Real de Santo António. This nativity scene includes beekeepers, a market, hunters, farmers, and much more.^[6]

4 Pohutukawa

The Christmas tree is a holiday staple. Whether real or plastic, they usually take on the same shape and are highly recognizable worldwide. In New Zealand, the concept of the Christmas tree is kicked up a notch with the beautiful Pohutukawa tree. The tree is featured on Christmas decorations and gets a mention in several Christmas carols. In Māori mythology, the tree’s bright crimson flowers are said to represent the blood of a warrior who lost his life in the quest to avenge his father’s death.

After Christian settlers arrived in New Zealand, they gave the Pohutukawa tree the alternative name of New Zealand Christmas tree after witnessing its abundant blossoms in December and January. This important New Zealand festive season symbol was also a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, who requested a jar of its nectar annually after initially receiving one as a gift.^[7]

3 Orange Star

On the first Sunday of Advent, an orange star shines from the window of every home in Greenland as the Northern Lights dance in the dark sky overhead.

While families light their star, they sing Greenlandic Christmas carols and remember the first star brought to the country by the Christian brotherhood Herrnhutters, who arrived in 1733. Churches hold Christmas services, after which small caves are dug into the snow that has fallen over the graves in the churchyard. A lit candle is placed in each of these caves, lighting up the entire cemetery.

Lucia’s parade is also customary in Greenland. Children are dressed in white robes, each carrying a light in their hands. The person heading the parade is dubbed Lucia, and she wears a wreath adorned with four lights.

2 Zampognari

The Bible tells the story of shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night and being terrified after an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The angel brought them the good news of the birth of the Savior.

During Christmas time in Italy, shepherds appear in squares and piazzas across many regions. These shepherds are dressed in sheepskins and wool cloaks. They entertain people by playing festive tunes on unique bagpipes. One of the most requested songs is the Christmas hymn “Tu Scendi dale Stelle” (“You Come Down from the Stars”).

The tradition of the bagpipe-playing shepherds, also known as the zampogna, started in ancient Roman times when shepherds traveled from their mountain homes to town to perform for people in a bid to earn an extra income.^[9]

1 Karavaki

Christmas trees are common in Greece, but so are Christmas boats which usually take up a spot right next to the traditional tree. Several Greek islands prefer the boats which are decorated to celebrate the holidays. It is not known exactly where the tradition started, but some believe that because the southern islands of the Aegean Sea didn’t have an abundance of trees, residents turned to something they knew well: boats.

Sailors and captains are ingrained into the history of Greece, with nearly all the men of the islands being away at sea for months at a time. Over Christmas, they would battle severe storms to bring home big hauls of fish. It is believed that the boats carrying the men home eventually became a symbol of hope and bravery that were celebrated during Christmas.

Greece’s Christmas boats are handmade and used to be carried from door to door by children singing carols.^[10]