This year, as Queen Elizabeth II celebrates sixty years of reign, she plans to celebrate the holidays in style with family and friends. Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton are already expecting to spend Christmas with the large gathering that has been invited to Norfolk for the 24th…
In the heart of Germany, the world's leading seasonal amusement park is celebrating its 35th anniversary and its 10th winter season (from November 27, 2010 to January 9, 2011). As with every year, shows, entertainment, magic, and enchantment will be on the agenda. But there's something new. What's New An Icelandic district has opened...
Full of wonder, Christmas Eve has always offered infinite possibilities to the human imagination. It was believed that during this magical night, the sands of the beaches, the rocks of the mountains, the seas and the valleys would open to reveal, by the light of the moon and the stars, the rich treasures hidden within...
Just like Santa Claus, Father Christmas is a character associated with this wonderful time of year. Like other legends, however, his origin is highly controversial. Indeed, there are several versions of this harsh character who accompanied Saint Nicholas to distribute punishments to children who had not...
In Poland, Christmas takes on a family and religious significance. Gifts are distributed to children on the evening of December 24th, but adults celebrate more the next day, a day of conviviality par excellence. People go to bed late because everyone has the day off on the 26th! Traditions In the past, children would wait for the distribution of gifts…
Mistletoe is known to remain green and alive when the trees from which it comes appear dead, so it has always been credited with somewhat magical properties. Mistletoe symbolizes peace, happiness, and health. No one knows exactly when this tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began in ancient times...
Due to the Orthodox culture in Greece, Christmas is celebrated much less than Easter. However, from the beginning of December, you can admire the festive arrangement of lights and colorful garlands in the shop windows. Traditions On Christmas Eve, children gather to ring doorbells and sing…
It's on November 29th at noon in Finnish Lapland that Santa Claus opens the large Rovaniemi Christmas Market at Lordi's Square. It is said that 10 km south of the Arctic Circle is close to Santa Claus's house himself. If the wooden huts and goods...
About twenty years ago, the tradition of the Christmas market became popular in the beautiful city of Bern, Switzerland. Since then, Waisenhausplatz has been home to around 50 wooden houses every year, framed with fir branches and each individually decorated. There, you can find traditional Christmas items…
German Christmas is meant to be delicious, joyful, and magical. It comes from a long tradition of celebrations at the winter solstice, dating back to the time of the Germans, to honor the sun and nature. Christian festivities in Germany are therefore based on Germanic tradition. Tradition From the beginning of December, Christmas markets open in the…
According to historians, the exact date of Jesus' birth is not known with certainty. They do know, however, that it was in 306 AD that the then Pope, Julius I, chose December 25 as the official date of the Nativity, nine months after the Feast of the Annunciation. The term "Christmas" It…
The Christmas spirit is felt from the beginning of December in cities and towns across Australia. Homes are decorated, Christmas cards are sent, and Christmas carols are heard everywhere. Decorated trees and illuminated garlands adorn homes and public spaces with a thousand lights. The tradition…
This German brioche cake, served as a dessert on Christmas Eve, comes from a very old (500 years old) Dresden tradition. It was once called "Striezel" and was meant to represent the swaddling clothes in which the Baby Jesus was wrapped at birth. Ingredients: You will need 500 grams of flour, 250 grams of butter,…
This custom of giving a Poinsettia at Christmas comes to us from Mexico. The following legend is linked to this magnificent plant. Once upon a time... there was a very poor young girl named Pepita. She was very sad as she walked to church on the evening of December 24th, because she had no gifts to offer...
In the land of light that is Portugal, gifts are brought to children by Pai Natal (Father Christmas) on the evening of December 24th. During the day, women prepare delicious dishes together that will make up the Christmas table. For Christmas, the north and south of the country cultivate their own specialties. In…
Whether rich or poor, Christians across the African continent celebrate Christmas with joy and enthusiasm. Celebrations focus on the religious aspect of the holiday, followed by spirited processions punctuated by dancing and singing. In Zaire: Travelers believe that Christmas in Zaire should be called "the…
Among Romanians, the Christmas holiday has retained its folkloric and religious significance. Christmas carols (the "colindatori") are still spiritually inspired to announce the arrival of the Child Jesus. Customs and traditions In every home, the Christmas tree is decorated with chestnuts, various nuts, apples, candies and chocolates...
For the people of Bolivia, Christmas is a highly anticipated and extremely popular holiday. It is a joyful celebration of the birth of the Infant Saviour (El Nino Salvador). Traditions and customs: In homes, a nativity scene is set up with its mountain setting (greenery, flocks, shepherds, etc.). The nativity scene is surrounded by toys and gifts...
