From the beginning of December, Christmas cards are sent to family and friends. These will be displayed on the walls until Three Kings' Day, January 6th. The many Christmas markets resound with the "Ho-Ho-Ho" of Santa Claus, and the facades of shops and stores are overflowing with lights to create...
Since not everyone eats meat, it's best to have at least a few dishes for vegetarian guests. Here's a great vegetarian recipe to add to your holiday table. Vegetarian Pie for 8-10 people Ingredients for the filling: 250 grams of thawed and drained spinach 275 grams of mushrooms of your choice 400 grams of…
In the United States, we would never dream of ending Christmas Eve without bringing Christmas Pudding to the table, a cold (no-bake) dessert inspired by the famous English Plum Pudding. According to historians, this traditional dessert dates back to the Middle Ages, but it is unknown in which part of the United Kingdom it was created. We know that plum pudding was…
While it's easy enough to find a way to please a child at Christmas, it can be more complicated to offer THE gift that will fulfill Mr.'s wishes. In any case, there are more original alternatives than the usual shirts, cigars, and aftershave lotions. Time just for him In today's hectic life, we...
Making a successful fudge recipe can sometimes be a miracle. It's either too soft or too hard. You have to beat it for several minutes, and the result is often far from what you expected. Here's a very easy fudge recipe. It won't…
Christmas Market in the Swedish Capital Since 1903, in Stockholm, Christmas markets (julmarknader in Swedish) have been held from the end of November to the end of December, and take place in the city's main squares, in small red chalets, in Kungsträdgården (on November 27, 28, 29 and then between November 4 and…
Christmas decorations are all more wonderful than the last in specialty stores and supermarkets. However, the baubles that we make ourselves, ideally with the children, will make us appreciate our Christmas tree even more because we know that it is now personalized. How do we do it? It will…
A trick was played on Old Man Winter "Old Man Winter"...that's what the North American Indians called the cold season. For them, winter took the form of a very old giant with long, white hair. They were convinced that, every year, Old Man Winter settled in the forest...
Last year, the Coca-Cola Christmas Train toured several regions of France. The latest news is that Santa Claus has announced that he will be returning to service aboard his beloved transport. Ten French cities will be visited from December 16th to 29th. These include train stations in Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and Metz.
The santons that decorate European nativity scenes are said to have originated in Provence at the beginning of the 16th century. Indeed, just as a "living" nativity scene was presented in church to recall the Nativity, these small figures, called "santoun" (little saints), were created to adorn the Christmas nativity scene in Provençal families. In…
A few evergreen branches and natural decorations make the basis for a beautiful Christmas wreath to hang on a door or wall in any room of your home. Here are the steps to complete this easy project. Materials Two cardboard circles in the size of your choice A glue gun A roll of…
Also known as an "Advent wreath," this Christmas ornament is made in more than one country around the world, with some variations from one place to another. Some wreaths will hold candles, while others are very colorful and will be used to decorate the front door or a room in the house, or as a centerpiece. Chic, rustic,…
Every country celebrates Christmas in its own way, and culinary traditions vary as well. For example, in Germany, the traditional Stollen, a delicious bread filled with dried and candied fruit and almond paste, has been served for over 500 years. In Belgium, sauerkraut is the star of the show. However, to respect tradition, a piece…
Last year, around this time, we published a series of articles on the various Christmas markets you can visit in Europe. Here are some notes on some of them, if you plan to include a visit to one of these cities in your holiday itinerary. The Zurich Market (Switzerland)…
Creating a magical Christmas atmosphere requires few elements and a little imagination. Here are some ideas to inspire you, if you haven't finished your decorations yet. Tips and tricks 1. Use lanterns, candles, and tealight holders on windowsills, tables, and the fireplace to add brightness. This twinkling will be reflected...
The tradition of these "crackers," a kind of oversized candy that you break at Christmas by pulling both ends at the same time (to find a surprise inside), comes to us from England. A tradition that has become widely known beyond British lands, since it can be found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa...
Although Christmas is a Christian celebration celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus, it was originally intended to be a pagan celebration. In those early days, the festival took various forms, marking the rebirth of the unconquered sun, or winter solstice, as well as the Roman Saturnalia, both of which took place on December 25th.
The only European Christmas market to take place in an amusement park is undoubtedly the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Every year, the beautiful gardens of Tivoli Park host a Christmas market considered the most beautiful in the Danish capital. From November 12 to December 30, 2010, visitors can wander through…
