If there is one country where Christmas has always been, first and foremost, a religious holiday, it is Ireland! Over the past 15 years, however, the celebration of the holiday has gradually become more secular, but it still remains a major event. Family On December 25, family members gather in…
Natural or artificial, which should you choose? While today's high-quality artificial trees look just like the real thing—and make it possible to avoid cutting down trees solely for decorative purposes—they're not gaining popularity. And even though some are now available in a "flaked" version for a snowy tree effect, the…
"Hey, Santa Claus!" cried the leader of the elves, knocking gently on the old man's bedroom window. "Wake up, it's December 21st, we have to start preparing for Christmas if we want to arrive in time for the 24th!" "Already?" replied Santa Claus, sleepily. "Why, yes! Get up if you..."
Here's another tale to share on Christmas Eve, or the day before, while waiting for New Year's Eve. One day, a very poor boy, who was selling cleaning supplies door to door to help pay for his studies, realized that he only had ten cents left in his pocket and that he was very hungry. When he knocked at...
For a long time, the celebration of Christmas in Quebec was focused more on the religious aspect of the holiday. No one would have dreamed of not attending midnight mass. It was rather on New Year's Day that family and friends feasted around a well-laden table, visited each other, and exchanged gifts. From the…
This charming tradition of hanging one or more stockings over the fireplace at Christmas comes to us from Holland. It dates back to the 16th century, when children would leave their hooves filled with hay in front of the fireplace for Saint Nicholas's reindeer. To thank the children for this thoughtful gesture, the saint...
In some countries, Christmas cards reach their recipients around the end of December, or are simply distributed in offices at that time. However, in France, the tradition differs, and cards are sent before Christmas, ideally around mid-December, so that those who receive them can exchange greetings...
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…
Hosting guests can be stressful if you're unprepared and unorganized. We've gathered some professional tips and tricks to help you plan almost everything... calmly and with pleasure. Prepare... in advance Whether it's the guest list, cleaning the house, or inventory...
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year was composed in 1963 by Edward Pola, composer, actor, and television producer, and George Wyle, conductor and composer. The latter is well known for having written the theme song for the popular 1960s series, Gilligan's Island. The lyrics of the song…
After a year enriched by 90 concerts including a tour of shows in Canada, two cruises, a karaoke CD and the “Coups de Cœur” which attract a high-end audience, Alain Morisod and Sweet People have concocted two shows for Christmas entitled “Christmas Concert”, between tradition and renewal, to delight their fans…
Once again this year, the fabulous Zénith de Strasbourg, with its two arenas, will present its Grand Cirque de Noël. Prestigious guests are expected, such as Kid Bauer with his white lions and the Laville brothers. Not to mention high-flying acrobats, funny clowns, equestrian virtuosos, and other surprises. A circus in...
In Denmark, preparations for Christmas begin at the beginning of December, and all houses are decorated in red. Whether it's a red ribbon on the windows, candles, or red tealight holders. From the beginning of December, all houses and apartments are lit up in red. Wherever you find...
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…
Santa Claus If there is one symbol often associated with Christmas, it is Santa Claus, who was inspired by Saint Nicholas. We must go back to the 17th century to trace his origins. It is believed that German or Dutch immigrants brought this character to the United States. Certainly, in those distant 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…
In Quebec, teacher Jean-Guy Laquerre has accumulated 25,139 different Santa Claus-related objects, setting a Guinness World Record. In his home in Boucherville (near Montreal), you can find several hundred Santa Clauses, each one as cheerful as the next. Not to mention mobiles, music boxes, and more.
