This year, why not add a NEW tradition to your holidays? Do something fun, or something meaningful, something you borrowed from another culture, or something from the culture of your ancestors. Start a new tradition - if you like it, keep it. If you don't...try a different one next time! Here's some ideas for Christmas from around the world, and tomorrow we'll explore OTHER holidays around the world:
1. Armenia - They celebrate "The Epiphany" on January 6th. It signifies the day Jesus was revealed to be God's son. They also celebrate his baptism on this day. Some foods eaten then are fish, rice, dried fruit and nuts. Santa comes on New Year's Eve so the 6th remains a holy religious holiday.
2. Brazil - Nativity scenes are set up in homes all through December. They attend a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, then an afternoon service the next day. There's public tree-shaped displays of lights and fireworks. Since it's hot at Christmas in Brazil, people tend to go to the beach that day. Foods include pork, salads, dried fruits, and rice with raisins. The meal is usually around 10 pm Christmas Eve, then they exchange gifts, and go to church.
3. Egypt - They celebrate January 6th (the Coptic Orthodox church). The month before, they sing songs of praise on Saturday nights before church services. They eat a vegan diet for 43 days before Advent Christmas on Dec. 25th (starting Nov. 25th). They celebrate a midnight service then go to eat a big family (or friends) meal together. They eat meat, eggs, butter, all the things they fasted from.
4. Jamaica - Christmas carols are played on the radio in December, and Christmas Eve is also called "Grand Market" where you buy treats, clothes for the occasion, and toys. The meal is typically one of fresh fruits, sorrel and rum punch, and meats. Jamaican red wine and fruit cake is an island tradition, it's soaked in rum and wine for MONTHS before Christmas!
5. Poland - Christmas Advent season is a time of peace. People avoid excess of anything during this time. They even often give up their favorite food or drinking or partying during this time. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, including windows and rugs. On Christmas Eve there is fasting until the first star can be seen in the evening sky. On the table are 12 dishes representing good luck for the next 12 months. There is no meat on the Christmas Day meal. Foods include beet soup, dumplings with mushrooms, sometimes after sunset, fish can be eaten. They pass around the table a wafer with Mary, Joseph and Jesus' picture on it, everyone breaks off a piece and eats it. Next they have straw on the floor or under the tablecloth to remind them Jesus was born in a manger. After dinner, carols are sung and only then are presents allowed to be open.
There are lots of great traditions you can try from around the world - whether you jump all in or just borrow parts about it you like - try something new. Make it intentional, full of meaning for YOU.
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