HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Christmas is such a special holiday. It's recognized by so many different cultures that you can be sure to find it celebrated, in some way, no matter where you are in the world. And while its fun to keep up with our own Christmas traditions, with so many Christmas customs around the world, it might be fun to adopt a few new ones too. Here, we explore some of the traditions that can be found in Italy, France, Germany and Mexico.
Buon Natale!
Italians celebrate Christmas in a big way, with most of their customs focused on their deep religious beliefs.
The festivities begin eight days before Christmas when Italians celebrate the Novena, a Roman Catholic service that consists of prayers for nine consecutive days.
During this week before Christmas, children typically dress up as shepherds and travel door to door singing and reciting Christmas poems. Any donations they make are used to buy presents for those less-fortunate.
Displaying The Nativity began in Italy when St. Francis of Assisi asked a local villager to create a manger scene to symbolize the birth of Jesus. The carved pieces soon became a staple of folk art treasures.
Italians follow a strict fast 24 hours before Christmas Eve and then typically feast on fish that evening, excluding meat.
At noon on Christmas day the Pope gives his blessing to the crowds that gather at the Vatican.
Finally, children typically wait until January 6, the day the feast of the Epiphany ends, to open their presents. This is when "La Befana" arrives with little goodies to fill their stockings with.
Legend suggests that she was a (good) witch who travelled on her broomstick following the three wiseman as they made their way to welcome Baby Jesus. However, in her travels she left behind for good children along the way, while bad children received a lump of coal!
Italians celebrate Christmas in a big way, with most of their customs focused on their deep religious beliefs.
The festivities begin eight days before Christmas when Italians celebrate the Novena, a Roman Catholic service that consists of prayers for nine consecutive days.
During this week before Christmas, children typically dress up as shepherds and travel door to door singing and reciting Christmas poems. Any donations they make are used to buy presents for those less-fortunate.
Displaying The Nativity began in Italy when St. Francis of Assisi asked a local villager to create a manger scene to symbolize the birth of Jesus. The carved pieces soon became a staple of folk art treasures.
Italians follow a strict fast 24 hours before Christmas Eve and then typically feast on fish that evening, excluding meat.
At noon on Christmas day the Pope gives his blessing to the crowds that gather at the Vatican.
Finally, children typically wait until January 6, the day the feast of the Epiphany ends, to open their presents. This is when "La Befana" arrives with little goodies to fill their stockings with.
Legend suggests that she was a (good) witch who travelled on her broomstick following the three wiseman as they made their way to welcome Baby Jesus. However, in her travels she left behind for good children along the way, while bad children received a lump of coal!
Joyeux Noel!
In France, Christmas is celebrated with respect to family, friends and religious beliefs.
Just as in Italy, displaying The Nativity is a tradition so many across the country take part in. So much so that lthe ittle clay figures called "santons" or "little saints" that are placed in the creche (or Baby Jesus' cradle) are made and sold by artisans yearlong.
The children in France hang up their shoes or wooden clogs in hopes that Pere Noel (the equivalent of the American Santa Claus) will visit and leave them presents, fruits, sweets and nuts. He is accompanied by Pre Fouettard, who helps him remember who has been good or bad all year long.
Christmas Eve dinner is quite the feast in France. Typically eaten after midnight mass, the dinner is referred to as "Le Reveillon" and changes depending on the region. Along with plenty of cheese, fruit and wine, some of the more popular menu items include goose, oysters, foie gras and turkey with chestnuts.
One common tradition throughout all of France is the "Buche de Nol" or "Christmas Log" for dessert. Basically, it is a rolled cake filled with cream and decorated to resemble a woodland log.
In France, Christmas is celebrated with respect to family, friends and religious beliefs.
Just as in Italy, displaying The Nativity is a tradition so many across the country take part in. So much so that lthe ittle clay figures called "santons" or "little saints" that are placed in the creche (or Baby Jesus' cradle) are made and sold by artisans yearlong.
The children in France hang up their shoes or wooden clogs in hopes that Pere Noel (the equivalent of the American Santa Claus) will visit and leave them presents, fruits, sweets and nuts. He is accompanied by Pre Fouettard, who helps him remember who has been good or bad all year long.
Christmas Eve dinner is quite the feast in France. Typically eaten after midnight mass, the dinner is referred to as "Le Reveillon" and changes depending on the region. Along with plenty of cheese, fruit and wine, some of the more popular menu items include goose, oysters, foie gras and turkey with chestnuts.
One common tradition throughout all of France is the "Buche de Nol" or "Christmas Log" for dessert. Basically, it is a rolled cake filled with cream and decorated to resemble a woodland log.
Froehliche Weihnachten!
In Germany, Christmas celebrations begin as early as December 1st. Germans are usually busy baking cookies and creating little dolls made out of dried fruit.
Gingerbread houses are a huge tradition in Germany. As is the German Christmas tree pastry, Christbaumgeback, which is a white doughthat can be molded into shapes and baked for tree decorations.
Lighting the candles of an Advent wreath is a popular tradition that seems to have begun in Germany. Beginning with the first Sunday before Christmas, a candle is lit each week until Christmas. Christmas fir trees are also hugely popular in Germany and many families are known to have more than one.
Christkind (Christ child) is the mythical figure that is believed to leave presents for good children on Christmas day. He is derived from St. Nicholas (the patron saint of children) and is a winged figure dressed in a white robe, wearing a gold crown.
Many regions in Germany also still celebrate Nikolaustag or St. Claus Day on December 6. Children leave a boot on the outside of their doors in hope that St. Nicholas will leave a small gift such as fruit and/or chocolate.
A German Christmas dinner usually consists of roast goose, suckling pig, weisswurst and rice porridge. Fruitcakes such as Christollen and Dresden Stollen are popular, as is marizpan for dessert.
In Germany, Christmas celebrations begin as early as December 1st. Germans are usually busy baking cookies and creating little dolls made out of dried fruit.
Gingerbread houses are a huge tradition in Germany. As is the German Christmas tree pastry, Christbaumgeback, which is a white doughthat can be molded into shapes and baked for tree decorations.
Lighting the candles of an Advent wreath is a popular tradition that seems to have begun in Germany. Beginning with the first Sunday before Christmas, a candle is lit each week until Christmas. Christmas fir trees are also hugely popular in Germany and many families are known to have more than one.
Christkind (Christ child) is the mythical figure that is believed to leave presents for good children on Christmas day. He is derived from St. Nicholas (the patron saint of children) and is a winged figure dressed in a white robe, wearing a gold crown.
Many regions in Germany also still celebrate Nikolaustag or St. Claus Day on December 6. Children leave a boot on the outside of their doors in hope that St. Nicholas will leave a small gift such as fruit and/or chocolate.
A German Christmas dinner usually consists of roast goose, suckling pig, weisswurst and rice porridge. Fruitcakes such as Christollen and Dresden Stollen are popular, as is marizpan for dessert.
Feliz Navidad!
Christmas in Mexico is a big, colorful celebration filled with rich traditions focused on food, family and religion.
Mexicans begin their celebrations on December 12, the birthday of "La Guadalupana" (Virgin of Guadalupe) and continue on until January 6, with the feast of the Epiphany, similar to the Italians.
On January 6, children wake up to find gifts from the Three Magic Kings or Wiseman. Children in Mexico believe it is they, similar to Santa Claus, that bring gifts to Baby Jesus and all of the children in Mexico. Mexican children write letters to the Three Magic Kings just as kids in the U.S. write to Santa Claus.
The "Nacimiento" or "El Nacimiento"(Nativity scene) is a popular custom here as well. Most families all have a Nativity set up and commemorate Jesus' birth by placing a baby figure in the cradle on Christmas eve at Midnight.
Midnight celebrations include fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles, followed by Midnight Mass.
Following mass, families enjoy a feast including popular dishes from their regions such as tamales, rellenos and menudo. Biscochitos are a delicious, traditional Mexican Christmas dessert.
Finally, any Mexican celebration couldn't be complete with a pinata and lots of poinsettias, which are a popular Christmas decoration in Mexico.
Christmas in Mexico is a big, colorful celebration filled with rich traditions focused on food, family and religion.
Mexicans begin their celebrations on December 12, the birthday of "La Guadalupana" (Virgin of Guadalupe) and continue on until January 6, with the feast of the Epiphany, similar to the Italians.
On January 6, children wake up to find gifts from the Three Magic Kings or Wiseman. Children in Mexico believe it is they, similar to Santa Claus, that bring gifts to Baby Jesus and all of the children in Mexico. Mexican children write letters to the Three Magic Kings just as kids in the U.S. write to Santa Claus.
The "Nacimiento" or "El Nacimiento"(Nativity scene) is a popular custom here as well. Most families all have a Nativity set up and commemorate Jesus' birth by placing a baby figure in the cradle on Christmas eve at Midnight.
Midnight celebrations include fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles, followed by Midnight Mass.
Following mass, families enjoy a feast including popular dishes from their regions such as tamales, rellenos and menudo. Biscochitos are a delicious, traditional Mexican Christmas dessert.
Finally, any Mexican celebration couldn't be complete with a pinata and lots of poinsettias, which are a popular Christmas decoration in Mexico.
Holiday Gift
Wrapping Tips
Wrapping Tips
Office Holiday Party
Games
Games
Cut Your Own
Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree
