Festive Flights: A Trip Around the World’s Holiday Traditions

"NO PASSPORT NEEDED:  CELEBRATE WITH THE WORLD"

Buckle up- no passport required!  Just pack your imagination suitcase as we take off on a festive journey around the globe to discover how families celebrate the holidays.  Trays up and get ready for take off!

The holiday season is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness-no matter where you live in the world.  From flickering candles, to festive feasts, people everywhere have their own special ways of celebrating this magical time of year.  Let's explore some these beloved traditions.

• GERMANY(THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS MARKETS)- In Germany, Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarlte-bring citites and towns to life with glowing lights, the scent of roasted nuts, and cheerful carolers.  Shoppers enjoy warm mulled wine, handmade gifts, and cozy winter treats like gingerbread and sausages.
• MEXICO(LAS POSADAS)-In Mexico, Las Posadas begins on December 16th and lasts nine nights.  Families reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, ending each night with songs, food and oftern a bright, colorful pinata for the children.
• ITALY(LA BEFANA'S VISIT)-In Italy, children eagerly await La Befana, the kindly old woman who delivers sweets on the night of January 5th.  Along with delicious Christmas dinners, families enjoy, panettone- a delicious sweet, fruit-filled bread that's a holiday favorite.
• SWEDEN(ST. LUCIA DAY)-In Sweden, December 13th marks St. Lucia Day.  Young girls wear white dresses with red sashes and candlelit crowns, leading processions and singing to bring light and warmth to the long winter nights.
• PHILIPPINES (THE LONGEST CHRISTMAS SEASON)-The Philippines is known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, starting as early as September!  One of its highlights is the Giant Lantern Festival, where enormous, colorful laterns light up the sky as symbols of hope and faith. 
• JAPAN (CELEBRATION OF LIGHT AND JOY)-Though Christmas isn't a traditional religious holiday in Japan, it's celebrated with bright lights, cheerful decorations, and a modern tradition- sharing a Christmas meal of fried chicken and strawberry shortcake!  It's all about togetherness and creating joyful memories.
• ETHIOPIA (GENNA-ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS)-In Ethiopia, Christmas- called Genna- is celebrated on January 7th.  People attend church services dressed in white and share a meal of spicy stew and flatbread.  The day is filled with music, dancing, and games enjoyed by all generations.
• AUSTRALIA (CHRISTMAS IN THE SUMMER SUN)-While many of us dream of a white Christmas, Australians celebrate under the summer sun!  Families often gather for beach picnics, outdoor barbecues, and festive events like " Carols by Candlelight."  Santa might even arrive on a surfboard!
• FRANCE (REVEILLON AND JOYEUX NOEL)-In France, Christmas Eve is marked by a grand feast called Reveillon, enjoyed late into the night.  Tables overflow with delicacies like oysters, roasted meats, and buche de Noel, a chocolate yule log cake.  Churches and homes are beautifully decorated with candles and creches. 
• INDIA ( FESTIVAL OF COLOR AND LIGHT)-In India, Christmas is celebrated with lanterns, colorful decorations, and special sweets.  In some regions, mango or banana trees are decorated instead of pine trees.  It's a joyful mix of local culture and Christian tradition.

“Our holiday journey ends where it all began — with festive cheer in the United States.”

• UNITED STATES (CELEBRATION OF MANY TRADITIONS)-Here at home, the holidays bring together a beautiful blend of customs from all around the world.  From trimming the tree and hanging stockings to lighting menorahs or celebrating the Kwanzaa, our diverse traditions refelect the many cultures that make up our nation.  Whether it's baking cookies, singing carols, or sharing a meal with family and friends, the American holiday season reminds us that joy, generosity, and togetherness truly unite us all. 

Around the world, holiday traditions are as diverse as the people who celebrate them.  From festive feasts to heartfelt ritualism each country has its own way of spreading cheer.  But while some customs feel familiar, others might make you do a double-take!  Let's take a look at some of the most unusual - and delightfully crazy- holiday traditons celebrated across the globe that prove the season of joy knows no boundaries.

“Hold onto your Santa hats — these holiday traditions take festive to a whole new level!”

 When it comes to the Holidays most of us think of trees, carols, and cozy family dinners-but around the world, some holiday traditions are downright wild!  Here are a few most unusal ways people celebrate the season.

AUSTRIA (BEWARE OF KRAMPUS!)-  In Austria, St. Nicholas has a scary sidekick named Karmapus- a furry, horned creature said to punish naughty children.  Each December, locals dress up in frightening costumes for "Krampus Runs," stomping through the streets in a spooky yet festive parade.

CATALONIA, SPAIN (THE POOPING LOG)-  In the Catalonia region of Spain, families celebrate with a cheerful wooden log called Caga Tio.  Children "feed" it snacks for days, then on Christmas Eve, they sing songs and tap it with sticks unit it "poops out" candy and presents.  Silly, sweet, and definitely unforgettable!

ICELAND (THE 13 YULE LADS)-  Forget one Santa- how about 13?  Iceland's Yule lads are playful brothers who visit children for thirteen nights before Christmas, leaving gifts (or tricks) depending on who's been good.

JAPAN (A FINGER-LICKIN' FEAST)-Here Christmas dinner means fried chicken!  Thanks to a 1970's KFC ad campain, families across the country now enjoy buckets of crispy chicken and strawberry shortcake on Christmas Day.

NORWAY (HIDING THE BROOMS)-Norwegians believe mischievious spirits come out on Christmas Eve searching for brooms to ride- so families hide theirs before bed, just to be safe!

What a ride! From charming to downright bizarre, these traditions prove that the holidays are anything but ordinary around the globe. Now that we’ve landed back home in the U.S., maybe it’s time to start a new tradition of our own—crazy or cozy, as long as it brings a smile.

SOURCES:

• National Geographic Kids- " Christmas Traditions Around the World"
• BBC Travel-"The World's Strangest Christmas Customs"
• Simthsonian Magazine- " Holiday Traditions From Around the World"
• History.com-" Christmas Traditions Worldwide"

“We’ve packed our bags with holiday traditions from around the world—now let’s unpack some magical reads and films in the book and movie corner.”



“Hot cocoa, good stories, and movie magic—it must be December!”

Now that we've got our coca, it's time to cozy up and explore some books and movies that bring a little magic to the holiday season.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER BY JENNY BAYLISS-This is a heartwarming and funny tale about three estranged half sisters that have to work together to be able to be able to claim their inhertance of their father.

THE GREATEST GIFT BY PHILIP VAN DOREN STERN-This is the original story behind the movie " It's a Wonderful Life."  So, if you are one of the many, that makes watching the movie part of your holiday tradition, this read might be for you. 

I'LL BE ALONE FOR CHRISTMAS BY KRISTIN MULLIGAN-This is an action packed thriller about a woman who goes to a remote cabin to basically do a reset after a breakup, then a bunch of biazarre happenings begin to question if she truly is alone.

Stories have a special way of touching our hearts—whether we find them in a good book or on the screen. After enjoying this month’s reads, settle in with a few films that remind us of the joys of family, gratitude, and connection.

MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE-This is a classic Holiday movie.  After George, wishes he was never born, an angel is sent to Earth to make his wish come true.  Then, George realizes how much his life has impacted people.  So, if you have read the book " The Greatest Gift", you can see how much the movie follows the book.

HOME ALONE-No matter how many times you watch this movie, it gets funnier and funnier.  It is about a little boy that gets left home alone while his family goes on vacation.  And a pair of robbers think it is going to be a piece of cake robbing this house.  Little did they know, a little boy would outwit them.

THE POLAR EXPRESS-All aboard!!  Come and join this magical journey with your hot coca and pjs, to experience what the holiday season is all about.   When a doubting young boy takes a train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

We would love to hear any book or movie recommendations you may have.

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             JACK MARTINDALE

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