A very ancient Germanic belief refers to Christmas elves. Initially inspired by the luminous entities that (according to legend) populated the heavens, elves were later imagined as land clearers whose role was to maintain order in the fields and on the farm. They were particularly cooperative if a good meal...
The answer is simple. Over the centuries, as we will see later, turkey was chosen as the main course for major feasts because it represented an unusual bird. The first roast turkey was reportedly served at a Christmas dinner for King Charles VII. Although this meat is found…
Photo 1: Rufus the dog loves Christmas, especially for the delicious crumbs that guests inadvertently drop while they are at the table and also for laughing at himself while looking at one of the balls on the big tree. Photo 2: As for Roussy the cat, we can't say that Christmas enchants him...
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...
Come Divine Messiah is probably one of the oldest Christmas carols, as it most likely dates back to a very distant past. However, since there are very few traces of this popular song, there is no way of pinpointing the exact year it was composed. As for its…
Although not originally a Christmas carol, Ave Maria gradually became part of that category. This exceptional work by Franz Peter Schubert, an Austrian composer, dates back to 1826, when Schubert discovered the poetry of a man named Walter Scott, who inspired ten compositions. One of them, the Third Carol of Ellen…
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…
A legend from who knows where tells that a fourth Magi had gone to the manger to see the Child Jesus. He came from the farthest reaches of Gaul, from a place called Pelloc'hoaz. The king of Pelloc'hoaz had received news in a dream of the arrival on earth of the King of Kings and that a bright star…
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…
The shops are full of colorful, textured, or metallic papers to beautifully wrap our Christmas gifts, but did you know that with simple brown paper (Kraft), a little imagination and creativity, you can create very original presentations? Depending on the size of the gift, choose a Kraft paper bag (brown paper) or a cardboard box...
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...
In 1957, American country singer Bobby Helms performed a brand new Christmas song called "Jingle Bell Rock," which would go on to become an all-time classic. Co-writers Joseph Carlton Beal, a public relations executive, and James Ross Boothe, an advertising writer, were inspired by another popular Christmas song, "Jingle Bells," and…
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...
Why settle for a store-bought floral centerpiece when you can make it yourself, with a few florist tips and tricks. The materials First, you'll need to visit the florist to get a glass bowl, three white amaryllis, eight ivory roses, fresh green ivy, and…
We all agree that it's easy to know what to do at Christmas: host or be hosted, exchange gifts, drink, eat, and have fun. But are there things you really shouldn't do on this day? Here are some tips on behaviors to avoid...so you can continue to be appreciated by others...
It's a well-known fact that in New York, as in all of America, Christmas is a special time of year. It's the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends, and to celebrate in the streets, restaurants, and bars of the city, which is overflowing with illuminated decorations. A classic! Celebrating Christmas in New York is a classic...
