Christmas Around the World

Christmas Around the World

When we talk about Christmas, it’s easy to assume that the holiday is the same all over the world. But is that really true?

Traditionally, kids in the United States write letters to Santa to talk about the things they want for Christmas. If they’ve been good throughout the year they will likely receive a letter from Santa that assures them their name is on his ‘Nice List’. These same kids will probably have a decorated Christmas tree in their homes and they will hang stockings for Santa to fill with wonderful surprises.

For most of us, Christmas includes an exchange of gifts, a visit from Santa, and a delicious meal that is shared with loved ones.

But what about Christmas in other places: Is the holiday celebrated in the same way? Now, we have Internet and social networks that make it possible for us to see and experience how people observe Christmas in different parts of the world.

Christmas Foods

Christmas food is not only ham, turkey, and delicious side dishes and desserts. In other parts of the world, different kinds of food will be served on Christmas. Most European countries

celebrate Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. The Czech Republic, Austria and Germany serve carp with vegetables.

The carp is cooked in a beer and ginger sauce which makes it very tasty and spicy. Bulgaria serves twelve dishes, none of which are meat. They are different kinds of beans, fruits, cakes, cheese and spinach. Some countries, like Australia and Brazil follow the traditional turkey, ham, and stuffing viands.

The Christmas meals in France vary based on the regions. Parisians enjoy foie gras and oysters, while goose is the main fare in Alsace and Burgundy. Spain and Portugal concentrate on seafood such as sea bass, almonds and marzipan.

Christmas Traditions

Some Christmas traditions follow the cultures of the country. Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7. On Christmas Day, the Czech Republic women try to predict if they will get married in the coming year. With their back to the main house door, the shoe is thrown over their shoulder. If the heel is nearer the door, they will remain single.

German children leave their shoe outside the door and if they are good, the shoe will be filled with candies. This is similar to leaving your stockings in the fireplace, with the expectation that it will be filled with goodies the following morning. Slovakians throw a spoonful of loksa to the ceiling to predict if they will have a good harvest the following year.

The harvests are plentiful if more loksa stays stuck to the ceiling. Christmas is normally celebrated on December 25. But there are countries that because of their culture and tradition, might celebrate it on a different day and for a longer period.

But wherever it is and whatever food you partake, the spirit of Christmas lives in everyone. From the team at Package From Santa: A very Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

Christmas Crafts for the Kids

During the holidays, children can become very difficult to control. They are full of energy. You can keep the children busy with making Christmas crafts. Children enjoy making all sorts of crafts to brighten the holiday spirit. Here are a few crafts that will interest the children.

Christmas balls and ornaments always give a thrill to kids.

Simple Tree Ornaments

You can decorate plain Christmas tree ornaments or get some small balls, such as used golf balls and ping pong balls for the children to decorate. They can paint faces and caricatures on the balls. You can then put strings on the balls and hang them on the branches. You can use photo software to make small pictures of each family member. The children can paste the small pictures on the balls.

If the pictures are slightly large, you can paste them on used tennis balls. Be sure the branches are sturdy and firm to hold the tennis balls. Tennis balls are heavier than ping pong balls. You can buy plain Styrofoam balls from the store and have the kids paint them with various colors using paint or markers. You can also glue on sequins, buttons, and other decorations. 

 

Adding sequins and other shiny items to the ornaments will add interest, as the balls will reflect the Christmas lights and glisten in the night. The great thing about making Christmas balls is that the kids will see their handiwork hanging on the Christmas tree during the entire Christmas season. It will make them feel proud and happy that they contributed in preparing the Christmas tree.

Letters to Santa

Another simple craft is making a Santa letter. Children believe in Santa. They will enjoy writing letters to Santa and telling him to bring their gifts. Explain to the children the letter should not be a simple list of gifts. They should color the letter and paint pictures on the letter.

Reading a colorful letter with lots of pictures will make Santa very joyful. The children can use crayons and watercolor paint on thick construction paper.  You can guide the children in making the pictures. 

 

Christmas Calendar

One craft that can be used the whole year round is a calendar. You can have the children make a calendar, allowing one page for each month of the year. They can highlight specific dates for significant events, like birthdays and holidays. Aside from the regular dates, they can put numbers to serve as a countdown to the next Christmas.

Making crafts can be very interesting and exciting, and craft projects can be as beautiful as they are inexpensive. Joining the kids in making the crafts can result in a lot of bonding time with them. It can be a great way to create Christmas memories that will be cherished for years to come.  Making crafts is a fabulous way to be imaginative and creative as you enjoy the holiday season.

Make Your Summmer Party Special

Make Your Summer Party Special

Have you ever wondered how you can turn a typical backyard party into something memorable – a party that will stand out as being unique and one-of-a-kind? We have you covered! Consider the idea described below.

Many retailers look for unique ways to get customers in their doors – especially during ‘off seasons’. During the summer months most families are focused on things like vacations and on getting ready for the next school year. Sales can be down for things like furniture and appliances. With that in mind some merchants offer sales – some even have “Christmas In July” sales. 

You can probably see where this is going; why not have a Christmas In July party? The kids will love it! 

 Give Some Gifts

You can ask each parent to bring a kid’s gift to be exchanged or they can bring gifts for their own kids. The important thing is to have at least one gift for each kid. Of course, if the budget allows, you can purchase gifts for each child that will be attending. To make this option affordable you may want to consider some of the items available at your local dollar store. 

Since the weather is warm, it is likely that you will have the party outdoors. This makes gifts for the outdoors a perfect solution. Look for items that will give the kids something to do. For instance, you could buy bottles of bubbles, water guns, jump ropes, inflatable pool toys, and other inexpensive outdoor items for the kids.

Let’s face it – everyone likes gifts, no matter how old they may be. You can also give gifts to the adults at your party. Keep it simple. Consider things like homemade salsa or fudge. If you’re not into the homemade thing you could give candles, key rings, or other inexpensive items.

Decorations

It just wouldn’t be a Christmas party without some decorations. Of course, you probably don’t want to drag out all your Christmas stuff, but you could add a few strands of lights around your outdoor trees, shrubs and deck railings. You can find strands of solar lights that can be used year-round to add ambiance to your outdoor living space.

Simple wreaths can be hung and decorated. And if you’re lucky enough to have an evergreen tree in your yard you can make simple decorations from construction, artificial flowers, and other items.

Food

Every party needs to include some food. While you might opt to go with a traditional backyard barbeque meal that includes items cooked on the grill, you could also add a great dessert that adds a look of Christmas. For example, you could have Red Velvet cake or a cake with white frosting that is topped off with fresh strawberries.

The idea is to have a party that is lots of fun for everyone. Use your imagination and get creative. And please, share your ideas with everyone here at Package From Santa!

Merry Christmas!!!

Ice Skating At Christmas Time

Ice Skating At Christmas Time  

 

Christmas is a season filled with traditions. We give gifts to others, decorate trees, write letters to Santa, and enjoy ice skating at Christmas time. Each of these things are traditions that help make the holiday season special.

Ice skating is something that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Whether you visit a seasonal ice-skating rink, one that is open year-round, or you skate on a frozen pond – ice skating is a thrilling experience.

Here are some tips that will help make your ice skating more fun and safe!

Tips for Fun

Be prepared for fun – be ready to laugh at yourself and at others. Expect to fall down a time or two – it’s all part of the process! With that in mind, you might want to make sure you have someone nearby – it may be a good idea to hold hands. Having someone with you can provide emotional support.

Tips for Success

It can take a little time to get used to ice skates. If this is all new to you the first thing you need to do is to stand on the skates. That’s right – just stand there for a bit – don’t try to skate, in fact, don’t try to move for a moment or two.

To get started for your first time ice skating you might want to ask a friend for help – someone that has experience ice skating. Just bend your knees slightly and let that person pull you around – but tell them to take it slow.

Don’t expect to look like a professional – just enjoy the experience. You will get the hang of ice skating and soon you will be helping someone else ‘get the hang of it’.

Tips for Safety

The first thing we need to mention is that skating on frozen ponds can be very dangerous. Even if the pond appears to be completely frozen there may be areas or patches of ice that are thin or weakened. Always use caution in choosing the place you skate – opt for safety first!

The blades on ice skates are dangerous – do not touch them! Parents should help children with their skates. Also important is that the skates fit properly. Wearing skates that are too big or too small can cause more falls and even lead to serious accidents or injuries.

It makes sense that you need to dress warm, but do dress in layers. Because you will be moving around you may get warmer than you expected. If you are dressed in layers you can adjust your clothing to suit your needs.

Helmets can offer protection. Although this is optional, it may be a very wise choice for young children.

Watch for the other guy! Just any public place, an ice skating rink can get crowded at times. This makes it easy to bump into other people and for other skaters to bump into you. The main danger is the risk of getting hurt by skates. It is wise to visit the rinks when they are less crowded – especially if you are new to ice skating or if young children will be with you.