|
|
Post by zed on Sept 28, 2012 11:08:50 GMT
The Holiday Fibre art exchange had me wondering whether there are any interesting customs in your part of the world around the end of the year. I know the Aussies always have a barbie on the beach at Christmas. Just Kidding!!  I know about Christmas and that Hannukah is around the same time, and that some places exchange gifts in January, but what about Australia and New Zealand, are there any customs or holidays we might not know about? It'd be nice to know about things in any part of the world. |
|
|
|
Post by Shepherdess on Sept 28, 2012 13:10:28 GMT
Christmas is what we have here. It overwhelms everything with the stores pushing for sales. They have already started. Although its a religious holiday, here it is mostly secular these days.
Having said that, there are always lots or outdoor Christmas decorations here. Lots of lights but also other decorations. We like to go out for a drive in the evening just to look at the lights. By Christmas time there is usually snow. It doesn't feel right without snow.
If you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah I would like to know whats done where you live too.
You didn't say what you do Zed?
|
|
|
|
Post by teriann on Sept 28, 2012 15:56:33 GMT
Zed, Ha Ha, funny you should mention that. We actually go to what might be called "a barbie on the beach" here in Michigan. It's the last sunset of the year get together at Pt Betsie... New Years Eve! Cast Iron pots of chili and jambalaya with roasted sausages and a big thermos of homemade hot chocolate on a roaring fire. I doubt it's a widespread tradition though...     |
|
|
|
Post by amanda99 on Sept 28, 2012 16:27:29 GMT
Here in Finland, Christmas Eve is the big day to celebrate.The Christmas tree is usually brought into the house and decorated the night before.
In the morning, traditional rice porridge is served with lots of cinnamon and keep an eye out for the lucky almond!
Many Finns will also visit the cemetery and light candles on the graves of loved ones. The glow of the candles looks amazing as there is usually snow on the ground.
Of course we always have a sauna and prepare for the Christmas meal - usually some gravadlax, herring and fish roe with sour cream to start, followed by a roast ham, puréed swede and mashed potato. Dessert may be a fruit soup or gingerbread cookies.
Then we wait for Santa or Joulupukki. He makes a quick visit to every house and encourages the children to hand out the presents for all from his large sack!
Christmas day is usually a quiet family day and for those energetic enough some iceskating or cross country skiing! I also manage a sneaky Christmas pudding and some cake and crack open the selection box( usually sent by my Mum!!)
|
|
|
|
Post by Shepherdess on Sept 28, 2012 20:12:35 GMT
in the new year we often have a skating party like your last sunset Teriann. We usually have a January thaw the makes a big puddle in our front field. When it refreezes we have a fire with chili and hot chocolate and go skating or at least the kids do.
Amanda fruit soup and gingerbread cookies both sound delicious.
|
|
|
|
Post by zed on Sept 29, 2012 11:38:09 GMT
I love the big fires with pots of chili and hot chocolate Maybe I'll start that over here I'm not religious so don't do anything special. I do usually cook a big dinner-the kind that takes 2 hours to make, 10 minutes to wolf down and 2 hours to clear up after. |
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Sept 29, 2012 21:18:16 GMT
Since my husband and I are often by ourselves at Christmas, we ski on Christmas Day. It avoids the crowds that are on the ski hill for the Christmas holidays because everyone else is opening their presents. Sometimes for Christmas Eve, we watch the torch light parade on the mountain. People holding torches ski down the hill in the dark. My husband has participated before but I haven't. Always afraid I'd kill myself  |
|
