The first Christmas tales were sung more than told, by the troubadours of the Middle Ages. The elders began to spread them around the vigil, shortly before Christmas mass. These were tales inspired by the Gospels, developed around sacred history and the Nativity. At the same time, in the cottages, people exchanged...
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...
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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...
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…
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...
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...
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…
