I’ve spent many a Christmas day away from my home in the UK. In fact I much prefer to avoid celebrating Christmas. I just like to use this time of year and the money to explore somewhere in the world. After all it’s a good chance to take a decent break without using up too much annual leave.
Christmas time around the World
Of course, there are many countries that don’t celebrate Christmas. Sometimes, there, it’s possible to find some minor indications that it’s Christmas elsewhere in the world. Then there’s the countries who do celebrate, and plenty with their own unique traditions around this time of year.
This year as I’m celebrating Christmas, and totally getting into it; making cards, baking and other creative things. We are having both sets of parents over for a few days, and very much looking forward to a proper family Christmas. I’ve started to enjoy Christmas more in recent years, when celebrating, and have a few of my own traditions when not travelling.
Hand painted glasses are becoming a tradition each time I celebrate Christmas these days
I also like to experience some other traditions from around the world. For example Christmas markets are wonderful and in the UK they seems to be getting better and better each year. I also like to learn about how traditions at this time of year vary across the globe.
Saint Nicholas Day visited us this year, thanks to our house guest…
Presents before Christmas
For those that don’t already know, it’s not everyone’s tradition to open their presents on Christmas Day. There’s a large number of countries* who mostly open their Christmas presents before Christmas day, on the evening of the 24th December each year. This apparently follows a German tradition.
What is more surprising, is that it’s also the practice among the British Royal Family in the UK, even today. The tradition was introduced by Queen Victoria and Albert.
So, if you fancy changing up Christmas traditions this year, why not do the same.
Or how about the latest trend from the US to have spread to the UK in recent years. Christmas Eve boxes. These have become so popular, even the supermarkets sell them in the run up to Christmas.
Typically the box will include new pyjamas and a selection of sweet treats and movies, Christmas Eve boxes go some way towards keeping kids occupied the night before Christmas. They can be a simple cardboard box or a fancy wooden chest, the contents don’t really have to add that much more expense to your Christmas budget if you consider the contents carefully.
An alternative to a Christmas Eve box – some family fun… with a personalised jigsaw 😉
If you open your presents early, you will have to consider your options for what to do on Christmas Day instead. I’d love to hear what you get up to…
Whatever you are doing and wherever you are this year, I hope that you have a great remainder of 2018…
