If you're anything like me, you've dreamt of a European Christmas - Ice skating underneath the Eiffel Tower, frolicking through Germany's Christmas markets drinking glüwein or eating cheese fondue in the snow covered Swiss Alps. Maybe those dreams aren't quite attainable (at least this year), but incorporating a few European traditions is a good reminder for kids and adults that the birth of Jesus is celebrated in many different ways all over the world.
#1 - Decorate Your Tree on Christmas Eve
In the US, it often seems like stores are setting up for Christmas just as the Halloween costumes are being put away. Why not take a little pressure off and build anticipation for the big day? Many German families leave their Christmas trees bare until Christmas Eve and spend the day decorating with ornaments and handmade garland. The days of stringing popcorn and cranberries together seem like a far cry from our more commercialized Christmas, but why not bring some of those old traditions back.
Disclaimer - Many Swiss still use real candles to decorate their Christmas trees - A tradition unfathomable to most Americans and applauded by most fire departments.
#2 - Leave Your Shoes Out for St. Nicholas
Many European children celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6 by leaving their shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with a generous helping of sweets, fruits, and small toys. Every country takes a little freedom when it comes to celebrating St. Nicholas Day - In some countries he arrives in the middle of November visiting schools/homes to find out if children have been good. In other places, he comes in the middle of the night to find carrots and hay along with children's wish list. This year take a little freedom of your own and have the kids leave their empty shoes by the fireplace in hopes that St. Nicholas (a little late for the wish list) will arrive with some goodies just the right size for their shoes. Only the smartest kids leave their boots!
#3 - Attend Church at Midnight
In Catholic Italy attending midnight mass is almost a prerequisite. Extended families usually gather for their "cenone" (BIG meal) on Christmas Eve and attend midnight mass together. Even as Italy becomes more and more secular, attending mass on Christmas Eve is very much a part of their tradition. There is something very special about staying up late and celebrating the wee hours of Christmas morning with those you love most.
#4 - Break Out the Fondue Pot
Depending upon your age, you probably have a fondue pot sitting in your cabinet that hasn't been touched in a while. Why not break it out this year and celebrate Christmas Swiss style? My groups love eating Swiss fondue any time of the year, but the Swiss really consider it a party dish to be enjoyed among friends and family. Now your views might not be quite as dramatic, but a pot of bubbling hot Swiss fondue on a cold Christmas Eve night is sure to warm your heart and generate some great Christmas memories.
Any other ideas of how to incorporate a little of Europe into your Christmas season? Please share in the comment section below!
#1 - Decorate Your Tree on Christmas Eve
In the US, it often seems like stores are setting up for Christmas just as the Halloween costumes are being put away. Why not take a little pressure off and build anticipation for the big day? Many German families leave their Christmas trees bare until Christmas Eve and spend the day decorating with ornaments and handmade garland. The days of stringing popcorn and cranberries together seem like a far cry from our more commercialized Christmas, but why not bring some of those old traditions back.
Disclaimer - Many Swiss still use real candles to decorate their Christmas trees - A tradition unfathomable to most Americans and applauded by most fire departments.
#2 - Leave Your Shoes Out for St. Nicholas
Many European children celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6 by leaving their shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with a generous helping of sweets, fruits, and small toys. Every country takes a little freedom when it comes to celebrating St. Nicholas Day - In some countries he arrives in the middle of November visiting schools/homes to find out if children have been good. In other places, he comes in the middle of the night to find carrots and hay along with children's wish list. This year take a little freedom of your own and have the kids leave their empty shoes by the fireplace in hopes that St. Nicholas (a little late for the wish list) will arrive with some goodies just the right size for their shoes. Only the smartest kids leave their boots!
#3 - Attend Church at Midnight
In Catholic Italy attending midnight mass is almost a prerequisite. Extended families usually gather for their "cenone" (BIG meal) on Christmas Eve and attend midnight mass together. Even as Italy becomes more and more secular, attending mass on Christmas Eve is very much a part of their tradition. There is something very special about staying up late and celebrating the wee hours of Christmas morning with those you love most.
#4 - Break Out the Fondue Pot
Depending upon your age, you probably have a fondue pot sitting in your cabinet that hasn't been touched in a while. Why not break it out this year and celebrate Christmas Swiss style? My groups love eating Swiss fondue any time of the year, but the Swiss really consider it a party dish to be enjoyed among friends and family. Now your views might not be quite as dramatic, but a pot of bubbling hot Swiss fondue on a cold Christmas Eve night is sure to warm your heart and generate some great Christmas memories.
Any other ideas of how to incorporate a little of Europe into your Christmas season? Please share in the comment section below!