Mother Christmas 2014 in pictures
Mother Christmas 2014 Photo gallery of beautiful Mrs. Christmases in red and white.
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Legends: Origins of the Yule Log
This delicious cake, the Yule log, dates back to a very ancient custom that existed in several European countries towards the end of the medieval period. In fact, a log was placed in the hearth and kept burning constantly from December 24th until the New Year. This gesture was similar to the pagan celebrations dedicated to the winter solstice.
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Christmas Markets in Europe – 4. Strasbourg
Christmas Markets in Europe – 4. Strasbourg Since 1570, Strasbourg has held its Christmas market around its prestigious Cathedral. Since then, its influence in Europe has only grown, thanks to its tradition of trade and its spirit of tolerance and humanism, which form the basis of its history and identity….
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Christmas around the world: in Iceland
Many people consider the Icelandic tradition of celebrating Christmas a bit strange. You see, children don't expect a visit from one Santa Claus, but from 13! And that's not all. Rather than bringing all the presents together at once, these Santas come down from the mountains one by one, over the course of 13 days...
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Tradition: Origin of the Pinata in Mexico
All year long, children wait for the Christmas festivities (between December 16th and 24th) to participate in the opening of the Pinata. Where does this tradition come from? First of all, the Pinata is an object made of mache cardboard covered with colored paper and stuffed with candy and tropical fruits. Originally,…
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Traditions: Midnight Mass
Depending on tradition and country, Midnight Mass does not occupy the same place in the Christmas celebrations. It can be held in the early evening, later in the night, or even on the morning of the 25th. More than a century ago, three Midnight Masses were celebrated: one…
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Suggestion for a perfect New Year's Eve menu
Christmas Cooking Recipe One of the most anticipated occasions during the holidays (aside from the magical moment of gift-giving...) is Christmas Eve. This tradition, which on several continents of the world, consists of getting together with family and friends around a festive table to share a...
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Christmas Around the World Series: in Italy
Curiously, in Italy, Santa Claus has been replaced by a kind witch (La Befana) wearing a pointy hat, riding a broomstick as is fitting, who goes to slide the presents down the chimneys of houses for children to open at Christmas. You can also see several representations of La Befana in the windows...
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Welcome to the Christmas blog
Our blog has just been born… We are a team of three writers to feed Goal: – Share the magic of the holiday – Educate ourselves and you on the history and traditions surrounding the holiday – Provide gift ideas, it’s always a headache when the month of December…
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One drink for the road…one drink too many?
It must be said that the holiday season is not conducive to temperance. On the other hand, a well-informed person has the leisure to decide how many drinks they will allow themselves in the evening; especially if they have to drive after a heavy meal. Since ancient times, alcohol consumption has been associated with meetings...
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Christmas around the world: in Great Britain
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...
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Coca-Cola: The Christmas Train is back in service
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.
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An overview of Christmas markets in Europe
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)…
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Animation: Make English “crackers” with the children
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...
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Christmas and Religion Through the Centuries
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.
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The tradition of the 13 Christmas desserts
In Provence, no one could imagine Christmas Eve without serving the 13 desserts. This ancient custom probably dates back to the end of the 19th century, and is attributed to the members of Cremascle, a Marseille association. However, there are more than one known origin, but what we know for sure is that...
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Christmas Around the World Series: in Ukraine
Christmas can be said to be a "rediscovered holiday" for Ukraine, at least in the eastern and central parts of the country. Indeed, during the Soviet era, it was no longer an official holiday in the country. Nine years ago, the custom of celebrating Christmas became official again. A religious holiday par excellence...
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Traditional Australian Pavlova Recipe
In Australia, one wouldn't dream of ending Christmas dinner without a beautiful and delicious dessert called Pavlova. The name of this dessert recalls a pastry chef's homage to a great Russian dancer, Anna Pavlova, who came to Australia for a tour of shows in the 1920s. Ingredients To make this recipe...
