How is everyone doing? Feeling festive? As this magical time is just around the corner, I can imagine a lot of you have decorated your trees, prepared your feasts and wrapped your presents. What is your favourite part? I think mine is the sense of gratitude I get when I put tinsel on the tree, bake a batch of Christmas cookies and wrap up in a thick blanket. All of this makes me feel thankful for the good things in my life, despite all the hard times that have come my way. I have survived another year and now I can celebrate by thanking the people I love most.
Lately I have been exploring the different Christmas traditions performed across the world. Many of the Western rituals such as decorating a Christmas tree, exchanging presents and eating turkey originate from Germany. It is all thanks to Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria who brought these activities into practice during the Victorian Era (1837 - 1901). Before this, many people were too poor to have elaborate parties and dinners. While he ruled, however, turkeys and Christmas cards became a great deal cheaper. Where presents used to be sweets and fruit, they were replaced with stockings of treats, and larger, more expensive gifts such as dolls or toy locomotive sets.
Over a century later, people all over the world are still cooking meats, wrapping gifts and singing carols. In fact, many celebrate on Christmas Eve instead. It is especially important in European countries, such as Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland. They prepare lavish feasts with meats and fish, vegetables, wine and cakes, which they share with close friends and family. During this day, everybody exchanges gifts before going to Midnight Mass. Christmas day is spent relaxing, visiting distant relatives, and eating left overs. It is actually January 6th, named Epiphany Day, which is seen as the main event. This day is marking the visit of the wise men (or Three Kings) to see baby Jesus in his manger. It is the day the prophecy of his greatness came about. A lot of families choose to have their big feast on this day, as well as giving presents and singing carols.
In Asia, the majority of the population see Christmas as a more secular event than a religious one. In South Korea, activities such as going to Church is a nationally treasured occasion, even for the non- religious! Lights, trees and cake ( a sponge cake covered in cream) are big parts of the festivities. Japan have only recently considered Christmas as holiday over the last few decades. They are very enthusiastic about decorating the city with lights and enjoying good food though! Christmas Eve is their version of Valentine's Day. Couples often go to restaurants or stroll through the city in the evening. KFC is actually one of the most popular foods during the festive season.
There are so many perspectives of Christmas and what it means to each person. Whether it is more spiritual or more worldly, there are three main elements : family, food, and fun.
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