Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love the smell of Christmas trees, the sparkling lights, Christmas markets… I also love all the traditions that are associated with this season.
In short, I love Christmas and I’ve written a lot about it over the years. So I’ve put together a list of my Christmas articles that I thought you might enjoy.
Santa Claus
- If you’re wondering where jolly old St. Nick originated. Read all about it in St Nicholas… Santa Claus… Father Christmas.
- Then read about St Nick’s French donkey and the many benefits of mistletoe in Mistletoe and a Flying Donkey.
In the Western World, many Christmas traditions are fairly similar from country to country. However, each nation also has some customs that are particular to it.
Happy Christmas
British Christmas Traditions
- A typical British Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without some special holiday desserts. Read about two of them in British Christmas Pudding and Pie.
- Many of our Christmas traditions were established in the time of Charles Dickens. Read about his influence in Dickens and His Christmas Carol.
- And for something to drink on a cold winter’s day when you are browsing the markets have a look at Wassail and Wassailing.
- Christmas is a time for parties and one item which shows up at every holiday gathering is the Christmas Cracker (not the kind you eat).
- And it just wouldn’t be Christmas in the UK without the Christmas Panto. These silly shows delight children and adults alike.
- Christmas trees are widespread now, but read about their history in History of the Christmas Tree: From UK to Germany and Back.
Joyeux Noël
French Christmas Traditions
- In the South of France, find out why the Provence Nativity scenes include the whole town in The Little Saints of Provence — and — The Provence Christmas Story
- Then find out why those people of Provence have so many desserts at their holiday dinner in Thirteen Desserts: That’s My Kind of Meal.
- Moving up to the North of France, read about Father Whipper: St. Nick’s Evil Helper.
Feliz Navidad
Barcelona
But Barcelona, Spain takes the prize for a really strange Christmas tradition in Happy Crappy Christmas.
12 Days of Christmas
And Christmas doesn’t end on the 25th of December… We still have 12 more days. The 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas day and end on Epiphany (January 6th) which is considered the day that the wise men showed up at Jesus’ manger.
- The day after Christmas is Boxing Day in the UK. And it has nothing to do with the sport.
- In Italy, Epiphany is ushered in by Befana: Italy’s Good January Witch.
And remember…
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