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...
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…
While we are well aware of the rites and traditions of Christmas, perhaps we are less aware of the superstitions and unusual customs associated with this special day of the year? In Ancient Rome: During the festivities, the Romans enjoyed a role-playing game that consisted of taking the place of their slaves. Among the latter, a…
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…
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…
Every year, my grandmother maintained the custom of making a large quantity of candles in early December in preparation for Christmas. The process is very simple and requires few items. Another opportunity to prepare for Christmas with children or friends. Below is the list of supplies...
Every year during the Advent period (four weeks before Christmas Eve), Christmas markets take place in the centers of many European cities. The recent commercial development and widespread spread of these markets have made them one of the most popular tourist attractions. These markets, made up of small stalls…
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…
According to CNNGo, CNN's travel site, Reykjavik is THE perfect Christmas destination. However, it must be said that competition was fierce against other dream destinations such as Nuremberg in Germany, Salzburg in Austria, Sydney in Australia, and New…
While the first hymns were sung to pay homage to the Nativity, over time they became popular songs passed down by word of mouth. A little history... The oldest Christmas carol in French dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It is the hymn "Between the Ox and the Gray Donkey"...
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…
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...
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...
Nougat is a delicious confection whose production dates back to ancient times. In the Middle East, it was made with almonds, honey, and selected spices. Over the years, egg whites were added. The most famous nougat in the world is that of Montélimar. Impress your loved ones...
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...
Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world, and while some traditions are common to all countries, others are unique to each. Let's take a quick look around the world to discover each country's customs. In Germany, the Christmas tree is only decorated on December 24th, and it's the children...
