Popular Christmas Traditions and Christmas Decorations in Spain
Throughout the world, Christmas is one of the most well known holidays. In Spain, as well as in many other countries, this holiday focuses on the celebration of Christ's birth. It is a time for families to gather together to celebrate and share the joy of the season with song, dancing and family meals. Christmas trees and handmade decorations, as well as the Nativity scene are familiar sights. Although these traditions are common in many countries, there are some aspects of the Christmas holiday which are unique to Spain.
Popular Christmas Traditions and Christmas Decorations in Spain
How To Make A Bow For The Holidays
Tube. Duration : 3.03 Mins.
How To Make A Bow For The Holidays
Dana Plazyk of www.flowers-by-design.com explains how to make a beautiful bow with a wired ribbon.
How To Make A Bow For The Holidays
How To Make A Bow For The Holidays
How To Make A Bow For The Holidays
How To Make A Bow For The Holidays
No URL How To Make A Bow For The Holidays
Christmas in Jamaica
Christmas, no matter how it is celebrated, brings together family and friends to celebrate Christ's birth. Being predominantly Christian, Jamaica celebrates Christ's birth and lends its own distinct flavor to Christmas.
Christmas in Jamaica
Crankin' Out Crafts -ep21 Deco Mesh Wreath
Video Clips. Duration : 1.97 Mins.
Crankin' Out Crafts -ep21 Deco Mesh Wreath
Puna is back to show you this super quick Deco Mesh wreath made on a work wreath.
Crankin' Out Crafts -ep21 Deco Mesh Wreath
Crankin' Out Crafts -ep21 Deco Mesh Wreath
Crankin' Out Crafts -ep21 Deco Mesh Wreath
Crankin' Out Crafts -ep21 Deco Mesh Wreath
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The Story of the Advent Wreath
Beautiful and symbolic, the Advent Wreath reminds Christians of the deeper meaning of Christmas and stirs within the heart love, joy, peace and hope for our world. There are several theories about the origination of the Advent Wreath. Whether it began as a non-Christian tradition or whether it did not appear until the 19thcentury are discussions best left to historians. It really does not matter because the Advent Wreath has become a symbol of great significance to Christians.
The Story of the Advent Wreath
How to Make a Homemade Christmas Wreath (Day 1116 - 12/14/12)
Video Clips. Duration : 5.43 Mins.
How to Make a Homemade Christmas Wreath (Day 1116 - 12/14/12)
Want to make a homemade gift for someone this holiday season? We've got you covered! ==OTHER AWESOME STUFF== LET'S PLAYS youtube.com MERCHANDISE stephenshop.spreadshirt.com FACEBOOK http TWITTER twitter.com WIKI stephengeorg.wikia.com
How to Make a Homemade Christmas Wreath (Day 1116 - 12/14/12)
How to Make a Homemade Christmas Wreath (Day 1116 - 12/14/12)
How to Make a Homemade Christmas Wreath (Day 1116 - 12/14/12)
How to Make a Homemade Christmas Wreath (Day 1116 - 12/14/12)
No URL How to Make a Homemade Christmas Wreath (Day 1116 - 12/14/12)
17 Fun Christmas Decorating Ideas to Add Sparkle to Your Home
'Tis the season to decorate your home in all the splendor of Christmas. I personally love decorating for the holidays... pulling out all of those bins of forgotten decorations... discovering new items I purchased throughout the year... and falling into deep nostalgia. Decorating for Christmas is almost as fun as the actual day of Christmas. It truly is a special time of the year and making your home special will bring warmth to your family and friend's hearts... and create wonderful memories.
17 Fun Christmas Decorating Ideas to Add Sparkle to Your Home
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
Tube. Duration : 1.75 Mins.
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
Watch more Christmas Recipes videos: www.howcast.com Subscribe to Howcast's YouTube Channel - howc.st Make Christmas wreath cookies with cornflakes following these simple steps. Howcast uploads the highest quality how-to videos daily! Be sure to check out our playlists for guides that interest you: howc.st Subscribe to Howcast's other YouTube Channels: Howcast Health Channel - howc.st Howcast Video Games Channel - howc.st Howcast Tech Channel - howc.st Howcast Food Channel - howc.st Howcast Arts & Recreation Channel - howc.st Howcast Sports & Fitness Channel - howc.st Howcast Personal Care & Style Channel - howc.st Howcast empowers people with engaging, useful how-to information wherever, whenever they need to know how. Emphasizing high-quality instructional videos, Howcast brings you experts who provide accurate information in easy-to-follow tutorials on everything from makeup, hairstyling, nail art design, and soccer to parkour, skateboarding, dancing, kissing, and much, much more. Step 1: Melt butter Melt 1/2 cup of the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Step 2: Add marshmallows Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly with a spatula until they're melted. Then remove from heat. Tip Be careful not to overheat the marshmallow mixture as it will burn. Step 3: Add food coloring Add the food coloring to the marshmallow mixture and stir until the color is thoroughly mixed in. Step 4: Stir in cornflakes Stir the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture ...
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
No URL How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
There are many different Christmas classroom activities that can be used with students in the lead up to Christmas. Many of these are both fun and also educational so that while the children enjoy themselves they will also be learning. The Christmas theme can be used in math activities, writing activities, spelling activities, craft activities and there are also educational Christmas puzzles that can used with students. There are also many educational Christmas games that can be played in the classroom with either small groups or with the whole class.
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
How to Make a Rag Wreath
Video Clips. Duration : 4.28 Mins.
How to Make a Rag Wreath
Why wear pants when you can turn them into holiday decorations???
How to Make a Rag Wreath
How to Make a Rag Wreath
How to Make a Rag Wreath
How to Make a Rag Wreath
No URL How to Make a Rag Wreath
Christmas in Jamaica
Christmas, no matter how it is celebrated, brings together family and friends to celebrate Christ's birth. Being predominantly Christian, Jamaica celebrates Christ's birth and lends its own distinct flavor to Christmas.
Christmas in Jamaica
Christmas 2010 The Mendelsohns
Tube. Duration : 4.50 Mins.
Christmas 2010 The Mendelsohns
Christmas decorations at the mendelsohns 2010 decorated By TC Crawford
Christmas 2010 The Mendelsohns
Christmas 2010 The Mendelsohns
Christmas 2010 The Mendelsohns
Christmas 2010 The Mendelsohns
No URL Christmas 2010 The Mendelsohns
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
There are many different Christmas classroom activities that can be used with students in the lead up to Christmas. Many of these are both fun and also educational so that while the children enjoy themselves they will also be learning. The Christmas theme can be used in math activities, writing activities, spelling activities, craft activities and there are also educational Christmas puzzles that can used with students. There are also many educational Christmas games that can be played in the classroom with either small groups or with the whole class.
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
Christmas Wreath Card application Martha Stewart Branch punch
Tube. Duration : 7.07 Mins.
Christmas Wreath Card application Martha Stewart Branch punch
Here is a card with a wreath I made using the Martha Stewart Branch punch....so much fun!!! Thanks for watching and have a blessed day!!!
Christmas Wreath Card application Martha Stewart Branch punch
Christmas Wreath Card application Martha Stewart Branch punch
Christmas Wreath Card application Martha Stewart Branch punch
Christmas Wreath Card application Martha Stewart Branch punch
No URL Christmas Wreath Card application Martha Stewart Branch punch
Here is a card with a wreath I made using the Martha Stewart Branch punch....so much fun!!! Thanks for watching and have a blessed day!!!
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Christmas Spelling Game
Holiday Wreath
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
One of the Christmas classroom activities that is sure to be a hit with the kids is the Christmas Spelling Bee Game. Although it might not sound like fun, kids love this fast moving game that has an element of chance to it.
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
For this Christmas game the children stand in a circle. The caller gives a word for the children to spell and nominates the person to start. Children give one letter at a time going in a clockwise direction. The child who is after the person who says the last letter says 'Jingle Bells'. Then the next child is out and sits down. If a child says a wrong letter, they are out and sit down also. Then the next person must give the correct letter. When the word is completed, the caller then gives the next word and play continues around the circle. The last child standing is the winner. Christmas words can be used for the spelling bee. Here are some words to get you started, stocking, chimney, wreath, carols, elves, merry, holly, presents, Santa, angel, Rudolph, tree, candles, sleigh, and decorations.
Christmas Math Activities
Christmas math activities are also ideal as Christmas classroom activities. A simple Christmas math activity is to draw several Christmas trees on the board and then put the numbers from an addition, subtraction, multiplication or division operation jumbled up in each tree. The pattern for the operation is then written under the tree. If the numbers 2, 4, 6 and 7 are in the tree, the pattern? X? =??, would be added under the tree. Children then have to unjumble the numbers in the tree to create a true operation to fit the pattern. The answer for this one would be 6 X 7 = 42. More complex operations can also be used.
Other Christmas classroom activities include Christmas craft activities where decorations, gifts, cards and wrapping paper can be made.
Christmas Pasta Wreath
A simple but very effective Christmas craft activity is to make a Christmas wreath from a paper plate and different shaped pasta pieces. Cut a hole out of the center of the paper plate and then glue pasta around the wreath shape in a pattern. It won't look very interesting yet, but spray it with silver or gold spray paint and it will great. It can then have a ribbon tied to the top of it and be hung on a door or wall as a Christmas decoration.
There are loads and loads of Christmas classroom activities than be used to give the kids some fun in the classroom before Christmas. If you choose your activities carefully, then not only will the kids have fun but they will also be learning at the same time.
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
Christmas decorations at the mendelsohns 2010 decorated By TC Crawford
Keywords:
Traditional Christmas carols are also sung in the tropical islands in the same way these are sung in almost all countries. Yet to give it a Jamaican flair, a lot of the popular Christmas carols are re-recorded in reggae rhythm. Reggae versions of popular Christmas carols are now acquiring popularity the world over.
Holiday Wreath
Christmas in Jamaica
Perhaps the most important sign that marks the Christmas season in Jamaica would be the food. Bakers and homemakers start baking Christmas fruit cakes using mixed fruits marinated in wine months in advance, and rum made from locally grown sugar cane. Sorrel, Jamaica's Christmas drink, is also prepared using sorrel sepal, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, orange peel, and white rum. Served over ice, sorrel is served all over Jamaica during the Christmas season. Celebrating Christmas day in Jamaica is a whole-day feast starting with ackee, salted fish, breadfruit, fried and boiled bananas, fresh fruit juice, and tea. Because of the hearty breakfast which can go on until before lunch, Christmas dinners are served in the early afternoon. Roasted chicken or duck, stewed ox tail, goat curry, ham, rice, and peas are the usual offerings.
Christmas in Jamaica
Johnkano celebrations, a pagan ritual introduced by African slaves that highlight masked dancers and musicians are also celebrated in some of Jamaica's rural areas. A lot of houses are painted, and homeowners hang new curtains and western Christmas decorations such as wreaths, tinsel, and Christmas lights. Santa Claus, a western Christmas concept, also adorns houses and shop windows. This is despite the fact that Jamaican houses do not have chimneys where Santa usually descends! In some rural communities, Santa Claus delivers his gifts riding a cart pulled by donkeys.
Christmas in Jamaica
Why wear pants when you can turn them into holiday decorations???
Keywords:
Christmas Spelling Game
Holiday Wreath
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
One of the Christmas classroom activities that is sure to be a hit with the kids is the Christmas Spelling Bee Game. Although it might not sound like fun, kids love this fast moving game that has an element of chance to it.
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
For this Christmas game the children stand in a circle. The caller gives a word for the children to spell and nominates the person to start. Children give one letter at a time going in a clockwise direction. The child who is after the person who says the last letter says 'Jingle Bells'. Then the next child is out and sits down. If a child says a wrong letter, they are out and sit down also. Then the next person must give the correct letter. When the word is completed, the caller then gives the next word and play continues around the circle. The last child standing is the winner. Christmas words can be used for the spelling bee. Here are some words to get you started, stocking, chimney, wreath, carols, elves, merry, holly, presents, Santa, angel, Rudolph, tree, candles, sleigh, and decorations.
Christmas Math Activities
Christmas math activities are also ideal as Christmas classroom activities. A simple Christmas math activity is to draw several Christmas trees on the board and then put the numbers from an addition, subtraction, multiplication or division operation jumbled up in each tree. The pattern for the operation is then written under the tree. If the numbers 2, 4, 6 and 7 are in the tree, the pattern? X? =??, would be added under the tree. Children then have to unjumble the numbers in the tree to create a true operation to fit the pattern. The answer for this one would be 6 X 7 = 42. More complex operations can also be used.
Other Christmas classroom activities include Christmas craft activities where decorations, gifts, cards and wrapping paper can be made.
Christmas Pasta Wreath
A simple but very effective Christmas craft activity is to make a Christmas wreath from a paper plate and different shaped pasta pieces. Cut a hole out of the center of the paper plate and then glue pasta around the wreath shape in a pattern. It won't look very interesting yet, but spray it with silver or gold spray paint and it will great. It can then have a ribbon tied to the top of it and be hung on a door or wall as a Christmas decoration.
There are loads and loads of Christmas classroom activities than be used to give the kids some fun in the classroom before Christmas. If you choose your activities carefully, then not only will the kids have fun but they will also be learning at the same time.
Christmas Classroom Activities for Fun and Learning
Watch more Christmas Recipes videos: www.howcast.com Subscribe to Howcast's YouTube Channel - howc.st Make Christmas wreath cookies with cornflakes following these simple steps. Howcast uploads the highest quality how-to videos daily! Be sure to check out our playlists for guides that interest you: howc.st Subscribe to Howcast's other YouTube Channels: Howcast Health Channel - howc.st Howcast Video Games Channel - howc.st Howcast Tech Channel - howc.st Howcast Food Channel - howc.st Howcast Arts & Recreation Channel - howc.st Howcast Sports & Fitness Channel - howc.st Howcast Personal Care & Style Channel - howc.st Howcast empowers people with engaging, useful how-to information wherever, whenever they need to know how. Emphasizing high-quality instructional videos, Howcast brings you experts who provide accurate information in easy-to-follow tutorials on everything from makeup, hairstyling, nail art design, and soccer to parkour, skateboarding, dancing, kissing, and much, much more. Step 1: Melt butter Melt 1/2 cup of the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Step 2: Add marshmallows Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly with a spatula until they're melted. Then remove from heat. Tip Be careful not to overheat the marshmallow mixture as it will burn. Step 3: Add food coloring Add the food coloring to the marshmallow mixture and stir until the color is thoroughly mixed in. Step 4: Stir in cornflakes Stir the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture ...
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I love decorating for Christmas so much, it looks like Christmas blew up in my house... but in a good way! :-)
Holiday Wreath
17 Fun Christmas Decorating Ideas to Add Sparkle to Your Home
So... I've listed 17 ideas for decorating home your home for the holidays. I hope that you find at least one new idea for you... and maybe a few will inspire you with a whole list of original ideas!
17 Fun Christmas Decorating Ideas to Add Sparkle to Your Home
1. Brighten your christmas tree
It's easy to string lights on your Christmas tree... but take tree lights very seriously at my house. My husband wraps each individual branch and twig with lights. Yes, it's a bit tedious... but the result is breathtaking. Hey, you're going to be looking at that tree all month... take the extra time and really make your tree glow... literally.
2. Decorate your stair rail
This is a given, but it amazes me how few actually do it. Whenever you see beautifully decorated homes in magazines you see this grand staircase wrapped in garland and lights. It's stunning. And you can have the same exact effect in your home. It's easy! Wrap your banisters with garland. You can go cheap and use the standard green garland in a box... or you can go all out and get some more realistic garland. Whatever your budget can handle... do what's best for you. Now, wrap the garland in white lights. It doesn't matter what kind of garland you use... because once those lights are on... wow! But don't stop there! Tie a pretty christmas ribbon bow at the bottom and top of the hand rails. And if you have enough ribbon, wind the ribbon loosely around the rail. Don't wrap the ribbon exactly like you wrapped the garland... offset it a bit. Now, you're really decorating!
And if you're inspired... grab some shiny christmas ball ornaments and hang those on your garland all the way up the stairs. I bet you didn't know your house could look so luxurious!
3. Add christmas bows
I add bows made of all kinds of christmas ribbon all over my house. On the stair rail, on my wreaths... on the ends of my draped garland. On door knobs. I attach them to my outdoor house lights. I add a big swag christmas bow just below my angel on my christmas tree. And for my second tree (yes, my second tree) I have a big 2-ribbon tree topper bow.
4. Hang wreaths in windows
It's common to hang wreaths on your front door. But I love hanging wreaths on my windows. I'm not talking about just on the outside of your house. I also mean on the inside. I don't hang wreaths in all my windows... my I select a room that needs a little extra Christmas spirit and hang one in each window. I also hang a wreath above the fire place. And another on my book shelves. And guess what... I add bows to all of them.
5. Greet visitors with some fun
All the formal decorating stuff is nice... but don't forget to add some personality and fun to your rooms. Especially in your foyer. Find something that makes you smile and put it where people will see it as soon as they come into your house. I found this Christmas center piece that is made of holly leaves, berries and 3 stacked gingermen. It is adorable! It makes me smile and I put it on a table in my foyer. Now, I enjoy it when I come home... and others can enjoy it when the visit. It's silly and I love it!
6. Create memories with small decorations
Growing up, I always remembered my Mother's little Christmas knick-knacks. Like snow globes and funny little snow men. I really didn't follow in tradition when I first had kids. But my Mother gifted me little silly items every year. And as the years have gone on, my children ask about some of these items when we decorate the house. I have a little igloo with snowmen that has a little light that acts like a fire. My daughter remembered this from last year and was so excited when she saw it out. It's the little things... literally... that can be the most special.
7. Decorate your fireplace mantel
My fireplace mantel varies from year to year. I've draped garland and lights and hungs stockings. I've displayed a variety of different sized candles dressed in pine cones and garland. I've displayed framed photos of the family. Whatever you decide... just have fun with it. Experiment. Try varying heights of a few different items. Try simple... try cluttered. Find your style.
8. Add garland
Like wreaths, add garland everywhere! I wrap garland on the banisters... I frame the door ways. I drape garland with fruit over my french doors. I lay garland along the top back of my couches. I even wrap my columns in garland.
10. Add a little character to your front yard
I used to do the "nice" decorating in my front yard. White lights on the shrubs. Garland and white lights around my door. And it IS nice. But now, I try to add a little fun. Not too much... I still don't want my yard looking like I'm having a yard sale! This year I lined my front walk in light up candy canes. So cute! I still have my white lights on everything else... but its the candy canes that make me smile. And my kids love them!
11. Place wrapped gifts
Wrap boxes in shiny paper... tie a ribbon on them... and place them around your house. What fun! I place wrapped gift boxes on my book shelves, a few in a blank corner... some under the tree... anywhere that you need to add a little Christmas cheer. What an easy way to decorate!
12. Candles
Ah, the soft flicker of candle light can really add to the mood of a cozy home. I love the look of candles in windows. Obviously, don't use real candles for this. I also like to light a few candles around my home. The smell of cinnamon and holly is delicious.
13. Fill glass vases with cranberries and sparkle
Pull out those glass vases that just sit in your cupboard. Fill them with fake cranberries, clear glass stones, salt, pine cones, and/or christmas balls. Layer and be creative. And then leave these filled vases out. This a professional decorator trick. It's quick and it looks amazing!
14. Bowl of ornaments
Take a large bowl and fill it with some of your extra christmas balls. Or, collect some unique ones that you personally love... and place those in your bowl. Place this bowl in the center of your coffee table or dining table.
15. Photos of Christmas memories
Pull out some of those precious memories of Christmases past and put them in some decorative frames. Shiny silver frames... red painted frames. Whatever you like. And place these around your house. You'll find that you'll start remembering stories and sharing these moments with your friends and family.
16. Christmas hand towels and bathroom mats
Don't forget the bathrooms! Add a cute hand towel and a christmasy floor mat. I have a chimney tissue box that I place on the back of the hall bathroom toilet. Just add a little somethin'.
17. Set your dining table
You may not be expecting dinner guests, but it's always nice to have a decorated and set table. Pull out your favorite holiday dishes. I have these fun white dishes that have reindeer, christmas trees and santas painted on them. I love them! Dress up your table with colorful place mats.... place random christmas balls over the table... place a dramatic center piece... and light some votive candles.
As I write this article, I can already think of a few more christmas decorating ideas. But I have to end this list at some point. Decorating your home for the holidays can create a lot of wonderful memories that you'll relive each year you pull out those bins. So, get to it! And happy holidays!
Oh... and don't forget to hang jingle bells on the doors... and mistletoe above the doorways... ok, ok, I'll stop!
17 Fun Christmas Decorating Ideas to Add Sparkle to Your Home
Want to make a homemade gift for someone this holiday season? We've got you covered! ==OTHER AWESOME STUFF== LET'S PLAYS youtube.com MERCHANDISE stephenshop.spreadshirt.com FACEBOOK http TWITTER twitter.com WIKI stephengeorg.wikia.com
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Advent defined by Webster is the "arrival" or "coming" of something significant. For Christians, the birth of Christ and His later crucifixion were momentous events. As Christians, we celebrate His birthday, Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. For many Christians, part of the celebration of Advent is the beautiful Wreath.
Holiday Wreath
The Story of the Advent Wreath
Every part of the Advent Wreath is steeped in symbolism. Made of various evergreens that represent continuous life, the Wreath is also a reminder that with Christ, we have everlasting life. Each evergreen has its own specific meaning. The prickly leaves of holly serve as a reminder of the crown of thorns placed on Christ at the crucifixion. Using laurel represents victory over persecution. Pine cones used in decorating the Wreath signifies life and resurrection. Of course, the circular shape of the wreath symbolizes eternity and enduring life.
The Story of the Advent Wreath
Four candles adorn the Advent Wreath. Most Advent Wreaths are made with three purple candles and one pink candle. Many modern Wreaths include a larger white candle in the center of the wreath which represents Christ. The four outer candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Each Sunday, an outer candle is lit. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, the middle candle or Christ candle is lit. According to historians, in the early years of the church, each candle in the Wreath was given a name. The outer candles were hope, peace, love and joy and the center candle, the Christ.
Through the years, the Advent Wreath has become a family tradition for many Christians. Not all churches formally recognize the season of Advent and do not include the Wreath in Christmas celebrations. However, it's interesting to note that in recent years, many of the Protestant and Evangelical Christians have recognized the spiritual importance of Advent. As a result, more churches have revived some of the Advent customs with this Wreath being one of those customs.
Whether or not your church displays the Advent Wreath, this is a tradition you can observe in your home. Advent Wreaths can be purchased or made. Creating a Wreath as a family would certainly magnify its importance in Christian families. This is a wonderful family tradition you can begin. The beautiful memories you make with your children will last forever. As adults, they will want to continue this wonderful tradition.
The Story of the Advent Wreath
Puna is back to show you this super quick Deco Mesh wreath made on a work wreath.
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Traditional Christmas carols are also sung in the tropical islands in the same way these are sung in almost all countries. Yet to give it a Jamaican flair, a lot of the popular Christmas carols are re-recorded in reggae rhythm. Reggae versions of popular Christmas carols are now acquiring popularity the world over.
Holiday Wreath
Christmas in Jamaica
Perhaps the most important sign that marks the Christmas season in Jamaica would be the food. Bakers and homemakers start baking Christmas fruit cakes using mixed fruits marinated in wine months in advance, and rum made from locally grown sugar cane. Sorrel, Jamaica's Christmas drink, is also prepared using sorrel sepal, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, orange peel, and white rum. Served over ice, sorrel is served all over Jamaica during the Christmas season. Celebrating Christmas day in Jamaica is a whole-day feast starting with ackee, salted fish, breadfruit, fried and boiled bananas, fresh fruit juice, and tea. Because of the hearty breakfast which can go on until before lunch, Christmas dinners are served in the early afternoon. Roasted chicken or duck, stewed ox tail, goat curry, ham, rice, and peas are the usual offerings.
Christmas in Jamaica
Johnkano celebrations, a pagan ritual introduced by African slaves that highlight masked dancers and musicians are also celebrated in some of Jamaica's rural areas. A lot of houses are painted, and homeowners hang new curtains and western Christmas decorations such as wreaths, tinsel, and Christmas lights. Santa Claus, a western Christmas concept, also adorns houses and shop windows. This is despite the fact that Jamaican houses do not have chimneys where Santa usually descends! In some rural communities, Santa Claus delivers his gifts riding a cart pulled by donkeys.
Christmas in Jamaica
Dana Plazyk of www.flowers-by-design.com explains how to make a beautiful bow with a wired ribbon.
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Leading up to the Christmas holiday, the Spanish celebrate a tradition called "Hogueras" (bonfires). This is a celebration of the winter solstice which is the shortest day of the year. At this time, people jump over a bonfire, symbolizing a protection against illness. Also during the winter solstice, swing sets are constructed to be used by the people in the belief that by swinging high they will cause the sun to move higher in the sky.
Holiday Wreath
Popular Christmas Traditions and Christmas Decorations in Spain
On Christmas Eve, tiny lamps are lit in the windows throughout the villages, representing the stars in the Christmas Eve sky. At midnight, bells are rung in each of the villages, calling everyone to "La Misa Del Gallo", the Mass of the Rooster. It is called this because the rooster was known as the first of the animals to announce Christ's birth.
Popular Christmas Traditions and Christmas Decorations in Spain
After the midnight Mass, Christmas dinner is served. The traditional holiday meal includes "Pavo Trufado de Navidad", which is Christmas turkey with truffles. Roast lamb, suckling pig, duck, and seafood such as lobster, shrimp, trout and salmon may also be served, depending on which part of the country one is in. Traditional desserts may include marzipan, made of honey, almonds and eggs, and polvorones, which is a sweetbread. Nuts, dried fruits, and caramel custard are among other desserts served. No meal is complete without a drink. Cava is the Spanish champagne, and it often accompanies the Christmas meal.
In many countries a visit by Santa Claus is an important part of a Christmas celebration. However, in Spain, this is not the case. The children do receive small gifts from "Papa Noel" on Christmas, but this is not a big part of the festivities. Instead, they celebrate January 6, which is the Three King's Day, a day commemorating the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. On January 5, the children take part in a parade to see the Three Kings when they come to their village or town. When given the chance, they ask the Three Kings for the presents they are hoping for. On the eve of this special day, the children leave their shoes out where they are easily found. They are filled with straw and carrots for the camels on which the Wise Men travel. On the next morning, the straw and carrots are gone, replaced by presents. On this day, a special dessert is served, the "Roscon de los Reyes" which is a large circular cake. It is decorated with candied fruits, which represent the jewels which were on the Three Kings' robes. There is a surprise baked into the cake, and whoever finds it becomes the king or queen of the house.
Spain's celebration of Christmas is similar to the manner in which other countries celebrate it with Christmas trees and Christmas wreaths.. But by also having its own unique traditions, a visitor can gain insight into the people of Spain and their lives. Knowing the traditions of various countries such as Spain can give one a new appreciation of the Christmas holiday around the world.
Popular Christmas Traditions and Christmas Decorations in Spain
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