This recent collection of holiday recipes from the Switzerland Tourism Media Team was just too irresistible not to post. You’ll find very personal holiday recipes from Team Switzerland’s staff:  Ursula, Paolo, Matthias, Jade, Jeamine and Divine. Thanks gang for sharing it with Traveling Boy. I suspect you know already that our readers respond well to unique recipes, particularly those of the sweet kind. Schöni Wiehnachte, Joyeux Noël, Buon Natale  and, in Romansh, Bellas festas da Nadal! – Audrey

2023, It’s a Wrap!

2023 disappeared quickly, too quickly some might say. Thankfully, 2024 brings us an extra day.

December is here, the countdown has started and we are jingling all the way through the festive season. While some of us are traveling back home to Switzerland for the end of the year, some of us will be staying in the US and Canada to revel in the celebrations. In any case, one thing is sure, we all are looking forward to a little time off, the countless dinners with friends and lots of family gatherings.

Our motto here at the Switzerland Tourism is sharing is caring, therefore we have a gift for you – a selection of special sweet Swiss recipes you might want to try with your loved ones, before the eternal dilemma of deciding on New Year’s resolutions begins.

Don’t worry if you are on the lookout for more, you’ll find the latest Swiss Winter stories available on our media corner here.

Happy Holidays!

Your Switzerland Tourism Media Team

Sweetszerland Recipes

The Süssmost Cream, by Ursula

Half of Switzerland’s apple juice and every third Swiss apple is being produced or grown in the canton of Thurgau. The canton even hosts a beauty competition called “Apfelkönigin” apple queen. As a Thurgau native, Ursula is “THE EXPERT ” in making Süssmost, a creamy dessert mainly made of apple juice (or pear juice), eggs, cornflour and sugar. Because apple juice naturally ferments after a few days, it wasn’t until the early 1900s when pasteurization made it possible for the non-alcoholic version to be stored and sold at market that the Süssmost became popular with children. Let’s hope this delicious dessert becomes the apple of your eye.

My “Nonna” Breadcake, by Paolo

Think twice before feeding the ducks in the coming weeks, because Paolo’s grandmother delicious cake is the perfect preparation for leftover bread. Originally from the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, Ticino, the bread cake “Torta di Pane”, as its name suggests, is a cake made of (stale) bread. The morsels are dipped in milk to soften and then dried and candied fruit is thrown in before the torta is baked. In days gone by, bread was made only once in a while – every two or three weeks in enormous quantities. The Torta di Pane was created to use up all the extra pieces leftover – a much better use than simply toasting.

The Grittibänz, by Matthias

This tasty recipe you might struggle to pronounce comes from the German language “grätschen” which translates as “straddle”, describing the legs and “Bänz” which was a short form of the name Benedict – used as a general name to describe any man. Typically, Grittibänz, charming little bread-men, are decorated with three raisins (for the eyes and nose) and pearl sugar. The funny thing about Grittibänz is that you can bake shapes based on your whole family, including your favorite pets, although it might be a little tough to eat these adorable pastries afterward. Now you can impress your friends with this delectable recipe, as well as add a new word to your future scrabble games G-R-I-T-T-I-B-A-E-N-Z.

The Revenge of the Carrots, by Jade

How a simple carrot cake triggered a childhood memory about a beloved grandmother…sorry Madeleine de Proust. As a child for every special occasion, Jade’s grandmother would bake her this cake, that she didn’t want to eat. Children and vegetables are not always the best of friends and while cakes are the ideal dessert for celebrations, Jade was not so sure about the carrot cake combo. The Swiss Rüeblitorte is lighter and has a base of groundnuts, rather than flour that is mixed in with fluffy egg whites; the final baked product has a nutty, earthy flavor. Year after year the Swiss dessert became an annual family tradition in Jade’s home.

The Zwetschgenwähe, by Jeamine

Say what??? We see you, eyes wide open, don’t even bother to try to pronounce this word. So many consonants, yet so much taste! Just use Jeamine’s tips to cook this delicious, nevertheless unpronounceable, dessert which is made with a specific variety of plum grown in few central Europe countries. The Zwetschge are different from the usual plums, they are not round but oval shaped and with a distinctive color and taste. The base of the buttery pastry, is composed of dough with a layer of ground nuts and topped with seasonal fruits such as plums or apricots, while the filling element is usually a mixture of eggs, milk (or cream as per Jeamine’s recommendation).

Spitzbub: The Mischievous Cookie, by Divine

The term Spitzbub refers to a mischievous boy! Spitzbuben also known as “coquins” in french (should you be looking for them in Geneva) are a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds, and one of the most popular biscuits in Switzerland. The cookie base which is crispy and buttery comes in a variety of festive shapes and has a delicious jam center. Without them, the holiday season just wouldn’t be the same! Although the traditional recipe uses jam (between us…but to the purist’s horror) “any” filling will do. You can decide how the cute, misbehaving cookie should be eaten. Nutella or Peanuts butter anyone?

The post Happy Holidays from Sweetszerland! appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Peru

In Peru the nativity scene is very popular and can be found in just about every home. These scenes are often large and elaborate (sometimes taking up an entire wall), featuring statues of the Three Wise Men, Jesus in the manger, and other nativity figures. On occasion, you’ll find an Andean twist on the traditional scene with llamas and alpacas replacing the biblical images of donkeys and camels.

Attending church is a big part of the Christmas Eve celebration. Peruvians typically attend the misa de gallo or Rooster Mass, which usually begins at 10 p.m., which is actually earlier than some other South American countries.

After mass, some households begin their cena de Navidad (Christmas dinner) at midnight, while others first let the children open their gifts. Either way, both the meal and the opening of gifts take place around this time (with some exceptions in the Andean region, where gifts are opened on January 6 during Epiphany, or the Adoración de Reyes Magos).

After dinner on Christmas Eve, many take to the streets to greet friends and neighbors and continue the celebrations. Although technically illegal, fireworks are abundant and can be seen throughout the night.

Africa

Africa is widely varied as to the customs followed by the people. Native citizens do not celebrate Christmas unless they have been influenced by others who have introduced them to this holiday. Many cities were developed by European countries as colony settlements, and immigrants arrived with Christmas customs from their homelands. Activities are generally held out of doors.

Carolers gather around nativity scenes, and dinner may be served out in the yard. The Christmas tree is a decorated banana or coconut tree. Tribes have festive dances around big bonfires. On Christmas Eve children hang stockings or leave shoes for St. Nicholas to fill. Children may only get one, small homemade toy, but they are thrilled to get it.

Brazil

In Brazil, Christmas arrives at the beginning of summer. There is no snow or need to bundle up. Santa Claus is known as “Papai Noel” and wears the traditional costume as seen in countries where it is winter. The celebration runs from December 25th to January 6th (Three Kings’ Day), lasting 12 days. Many Brazilians attend Mass on Christmas Eve, where the Christmas story is retold. One week later on New Year’s Eve (or Reveillon), many people will flock to the beaches and participate in an African spiritualist ceremony that honors “Lemanja”, the goddess of the sea. Then on Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day, children put their shoes beside the window or outside the door, hoping to find them filled with treats the next day by the Three Wise Men. This officially ends the Christmas season.

Canada

Christmas is celebrated in many ways throughout the country. The children believe Santa Claus comes from the North Pole in a sleigh to deliver his gifts. French-Canadians have a very religious Christmas, where Christmas Eve is spent in church. After Church people go home to a family festival and dine on what is called Reveillon. Gifts are not usually exchanged until New Year’s. Anglo-Canadians and others Canadians celebrate Christmas in much the same way as we do in the U.S.

On January 6, a Kings of Epiphany feast is held, and a special cake is eaten with a pea and a bean baked into it. The people getting these prizes in their piece of cake are elected King and Queen of the 12th Night. This happy, joyous time ends the holiday season.

Cape Town, Africa

Cape Town in South Africa has the advantage of some wonderful beaches, and Christmas falls in mid-summer, so that’s where a lot of the fun happens. Interestingly enough all their Christmas Cards show snow, fir trees and other Eurocentric things. If they want holly, painted berries are used because they’re still green.

Most families get together at home, on the beach or at a restaurant for a cold lunch. Another major Cape Town holiday is “Tweede Nuwe Jaar,” Second New Year, which is traditionally the day the whole city goes to the beach. There’s also the Coon Carnival, where community groups dress up in colorful costumes and play typical Cape Music – banjos, squash boxes and tambourines.

Of course, Cape Town is a major holiday destination for the Transvaal, where most of the population of SA lives in large mining cities. The best part of Cape Town’s Christmas season is when the Vaalies go back to school.

Denmark

Christmas is Denmark’s greatest festival of the year. The chiming of church bells signal the festivities. Traditional Danish celebration is an elaborate Christmas dinner in honor of the beloved Nisse, the Gnome of Christmas. The Danish Christmas tree takes a very unique look with stars, bells, costumed dolls and strings of tiny Danish flags, combining with pine cones and many colors of handmade paper ornaments. At dusk on Christmas Day, the family’s father usually reads from the Christmas gospel. As night falls, the family sings the songs of the season.

England

Most of the activities in England center around church celebrations. Christmas caroling and Christmas plays and stories are favorites of the holiday season. Christmas trees are very popular, however instead of cutting them down, people dig them up along with some soil, and keep them in a large tub. After Christmas is over, the trees will be replanted again. Yule logs are also widely used. A large log is brought into the home to be burned in the fireplace. Before it is lighted, family members sit on it and wish for good luck in the coming year. Two popular Christmas foods are wassail and plum pudding. Wassail is a hot spiced apple beverage. The plum pudding has a small coin or trinket in one of the servings, and the person finding it is supposed to have good luck in the future. Children hang up stockings on Christmas Eve, and during the night, Father Christmas fills them with candy, nuts and toys. The English include the first weekday after Christmas, calling it Boxing Day. Sadly, during the period of the Protestant Reformation, it was illegal to celebrate Christmas, deemed a pagan Catholic holiday.

Estonia

The Christmas observance begins with the first evening star sighted on Christmas Eve. Tradition calls for Saint Nicholas to place wheat cakes on the window sill where they are devoured on Christmas day. The Christmas tree is adorned with handmade ornament balls, colorfully decorated eggs and candles. Christmas Eve supper is served on a table covered with straw, symbolizing the manger where the infant Jesus slept. Later, families dressed in native costumes, gather about their neighborhoods to sing Christmas carols.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, children get up early to be at 4:00 am church services. Later, those who live in the capitol city of Addis Ababa, dress in their best clothing and walk to the royal palace, where the Emperor hands them gifts.

Finland

Simplicity marks the decorations and the celebration of a Finnish Christmas. A balsa star tops the tree; a delicately made ornament that reflects the light of lamps or a bright fire in the fireplace, suggesting a starlit sky. Many tree decorations are edible. Straw is used to remind them of the manger. Christmas is a quiet day for the family in Finland. Dinner can include roast suckling pig, and the traditional rice pudding with an almond. The Finnish believe that the legend of Santa Claus began in Finland with the nation his official residence.

France (Joyeux Noel)

In France, most families enjoy two creches (Nativity Scene); the first in their own church, the other at home.  Holly and greens are purchased for a backdrop. A lighted star is always suspended over the creche. The family gathers and sings carols as the infant Jesus is placed in the manger. The Three Kings are placed in Nativity Scene on Epiphany Eve, (Jan 6).

A special cookie is baked. Some feel it must first be shared with needy people. In addition a ‘Cake of the Kings’ is used in the Jan 6th celebration. A bean is placed inside and the person finding it is given a crown and becomes king of the party. Christmas Eve is for gift giving, shoes are left by the fire to be filled by Pere Noel. Birch sticks are sometimes left as a reminder to be good. Ashes from the Yule log are saved and used during the year to ward off sickness, or other misfortunes. At midnight, on Christmas Eve, the grownups attend a special Mass. Afterwards, a late supper is served to adults. The children go to bed early to dream of their Christmas miracle.

The top of a traditional French Christmas tree carries a star of an angel. Bells, handcrafted exotic birds, pine cones  and candles are added to the tree. Often roses or other flowers and apples are added. French children place wooden shoes near the fireplace or under the tree. The shoes are filled with candies, oranges and chestnuts. Christmas presents are given on New Year’s Day.

Germany (Froehliche Weihnachten)

The 11th of November is St. Martin’s Day. St. Martin who lived in the 4th century was first a knight soldier. Later he became a bishop. He was a kind man and especially good to the poor people. One day he even shared his coat with a beggar, literally splitting it in half. Children carry lanterns in parades to praise him and also to bring light to the cold winter nights. A traditional dish to eat on St. Martin’s Tag is the goose. It is told that geese once saved St. Martin’s life.

The advent season includes the 4 consecutive Sundays before Christmas. This is when the children get ready for the arrival of the ‘Christkind’ or the ‘Weihnachtsman’, who will bring gifts on Christmas. An ‘Adventskranz’ is a wreath made of evergreen boughs held together with red ribbons where four red candles attached to it. The wreath is hung from the ceiling or put on a table.

Traditionally, one candle is lit the 1st advent Sunday and one additional candle for each of the following Sundays before Christmas. The advent wreath with no beginning and no end symbolizes eternity, as do the evergreen branches that it is made of. German children also keep an ‘Adventskalender. Every day during the season the children open one of the 24 little windows that can be found in the picture, until all 24 windows are opened on Christmas Eve.

St. Nikolaus Tag falls on December 6, and St Nikolaus will come and visit the children on the evening of the 5th. He looks very much like Santa Claus, but sometimes dressed like a bishop. He tries to find the good children, giving them  gifts, but also carries switches for the bad ones. Children often put their shoes out on the 5th, just in case he arrives while they are sleeping, and in the morning they find goodies or switches in them. Many years ago Sunnerklas (Santa) came on the 6th, but in modern times it is on Christmas Eve.

Greece

The Greek tree is without lights. Decorations are taken from nature or are homemade. Nuts and garlanded berries, olive branch circles, and holy pictures cover the tree. A cardboard star sits on top. Freshly sheered lamb’s wool drapes around the tree to represent a winter’s snow. A homemade stable (Nativity Scene) with the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph play an important part in the celebration.

Israel: Jewish Traditions (Hanukkah)

Jewish children have a December holiday know as Hanukkah. The word ‘Hanukkah’ means dedication. Many years ago, (165 B.C.) enemies of the Jewish people had taken over their temple at Jerusalem. Finally, a small, brave group of Jews known as the Maccabees battled the enemy and won back the building. Then the Jews held a dedication service to their God. They wanted to keep a large Menorah  burning, but they only had enough oil to last one day. By some great miracle the lamp kept burning for eight days. Hanukkah still lasts eight days. Each night the families get together in their homes to light the Menorah, One candle is lit the first night, with an additional candle lit each night. “Rock of Ages” (Maoz Tzur in Hebrew), a hymn of praise to God, is sung after each night’s lighting of the candles Today, in the United States especially, it has become customary to use an electric Hanukkah menorah (known as a Hanukkiyah), which is placed in the front window for all to see.

No work is to be done by the light of the Menorah, so  families have fun together playing games, singing songs and exchanging gifts. A favorite traditional activity for the children is a game using a square top called a dreidel.  The Jewish symbols on the top say “A Great Miracle happened Here,” in remembrance of the oil that kept burning.

The celebration of Hanukkah in Jewish homes outside Israel (at least among the Askenazic Jews) is the same as described for Israel. The legend of the miracle oil did not surface until over 100 years after the dedication on December 10, 165 BC. The probable reason for the eight day celebration was that the Maccabees hadn’t had time to celebrate the harvest festival of Sukkot earlier in the year.

Also, due to possible non-maintenance of the calendar (adding an extra month 7 times in 19 years to keep the months aligned with the seasons) because of the Jew banning policies of the Syrian Greeks, the dedication may have really taken place on October 11, 165 BC, just after Sukkot (Oct 1 through Oct 8 that year). The Menorah: a seven-branched candelabrum described in the bible is used on Temple days. Today it is the official emblem of Israel. Most synagogues utilize a Menorah as part of the decor in the sanctuary. The special Menorah for Hanukkah has eight candlesticks and a ninth for the shammmash (server).To distinguish the two, the latter is called a Hanukkiyah.

Italy

Rome is the birthplace of the Christmas (Mass of Christ) celebration, stemming from the ancient solstice holiday of Saturnalia. Virtually all traditional Christmas events arrived from Saturnalia, with the exception of a live Nativity Scene, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Now, days before Christmas, the children of Italy go door to door singing favorite Christmas carols. They are often accompanied by pipers wearing bright red jackets and broad-brimmed hats with red tassels. They carry bagpipes, flutes and oboes, on which they play sweet holiday music.

The children and pipers may be invited into homes to sing carols and folk songs. On Christmas Eve, candles are lit as the children in the family take turns telling the wonderful story of Christmas and the birth of the holy “Bambino.” At this time, Italian families gather around their beloved “Presepio,” a shrine to the Holy Child, and pray. On the day of Christmas, all members of the family sit down to a feast of ravioli, tortellini al brodo or lasagna, varying on the region. On the 12th day of the holidays (Jan 6) a kindly old witch known as “La  Befana” brings gifts to the children. Legend has it that when Christ was born, the shepherds told La Befana of the wondrous happenings and the guiding star, but she delayed setting out. Every Christmas since, she wanders in search of the Holy Child, leaving gifts at each home in hope of finding him inside. La Bafana is often shown as being old and ugly, but the children of Italy love her very much. That is unless they have been naughty, for then their shoes will be filled with coal and ashes instead of candy and gifts.

Japan

Japan is not a predominantly Christian country, but Christmas has become a secular holiday that many Japanese people enjoy. Homes are decorated with evergreens, special meals are prepared, and Christmas songs sung. Santa, called Hoteisho, may visit some of the homes. Children believe that he has eyes on the back of his head so he can see all the good and bad things they do. More than Christmas, Japanese children look forward to New Year’s Day. All the homes are cleaned and scrubbed, then decorated with evergreens, bamboo, or flowers. Special rice cakes are made. Everyone pays for all their ills, so that they will not be starting the new year in debt. On New Year’s Eve, temple bells ring 108 times to show the old year is over and the new one is beginning. People put good luck poems under their pillows as they go to bed to bring good fortune in the coming year. On New Year’s Day everyone wears their finest clothes. Boys fly kites, girls play games, and people visit friends. Gifts are often exchanged at this time.

Mexico (Feliz Navidad)

Mexicans start their festivities on December 16. Each night for nine nights before Christmas, families go to each other’s homes for joyous parties or posadas. Each posada starts with a parade of all the guests. Leading the procession are people carrying small figures of the holy family and other Nativity Scene characters. The paradors go to a door of the host’s house and knock. The host calls out that there is no room in his house. The guests continue to sing and knock, and finally they are invited in. The holy figures are placed on an altar and the people pray and sing.

Soon the party drifts out onto the patio, where the high point is the breaking of the pinata, a large earthenware pot, usually decorated to look like a face, animal, or other appealing object. The pinata is suspended overhead by a rope, and blindfolded children strike at it with a large club. When it is broken, its contents shower to the ground and the children scramble quickly to gather its treasures. These usually include fruits, small toys, candy and games. On Christmas Eve, the largest posada of all is held. There are fireworks and noisemakers. At midnight, the people go to church and then, a large feast is held. Sometimes gifts are exchanged, but children often wait until King’s Day (Jan 6) to receive gifts. The night before King’s Day, the children have been busy filling their shoes with hay. During the night, the children believe the kings will pass on their way to Bethlehem, leaving hay is for their horses. In the morning, the hay is gone, and small toys and candy will be found in the shoes.

The Netherlands, from: Olaf Tuinder

The Netherlands: (‘Gelukkig Kerstfeest’; ‘Zalig Kerstfeest’) December 5th is called “Sinterklaas’ Avond” (St. Nicholas Eve). The children believe Sinterklaas sails into Holland on a big ship with his great white horse and his helper, Zwarte Piet (“Black Pete.”) He has come to deliver gifts to the good children. The children who have been misbehaving just might get a switch or a lump of coal. On St. Nicholas Eve, families gather to enjoy a family feast and to listen to the story of how St. Nicholas became a legend.

He especially loved children, and enjoyed giving them gifts on his birthday (Dec. 6th). Later, the Dutch people made St. Nicholas their patron saint. Before going to bed, Dutch children fill their shoes with hay and carrots for the big white horse. The shoes are set by the fireplace or the stove. In the morning, the food is gone and the shoes are filled with candy and toys.

Although Sinterklaas and Santa Claus have almost the same name, the one has nothing to do with the other. A few days before Christmas the Dutch decorate their Christmas tree with candles and other ornaments. Christmas music is played, and on Christmas Eve there are celebrations in the churches. Many Dutch families choose to give their children (and each other) presents at Sinterklaas, but not on Christmas Day. This is slowly changing in favor of Christmas Day. Presents are brought at night by the ‘Kerstman’ (Santa Claus) in a sledge with reindeer. Santa hangs the presents in the tree or puts them under the tree. Despite the Dutch Reformed Church as the Netherlands’ state religion, they ignored Northern Europe’s Protestant disdain of the Catholic holiday, and kept it alive, spreading it across the northern continent.

Norway

Norwegian church bells signal the beginning of Christmas at 4 P.M. Christmas eve. They call everyone to church. At home, fragile handmade ornaments in the shape of stars and circles adorn the Christmas tree. Norwegian flags are joined by string to encircle the tree. Often, cookies and other pastries in elaborate shapes are used as ornaments. A Norwegian family Christmas focuses on the tree, where presents are distributed to the children on Christmas Eve.

Poland

Garlands formed from paper chain links decorate a Polish Christmas tree. Handmade ornaments, elaborate swans made from egg shells, brightly colored birds, fish, shields and patriotic emblems, lend their individual form to the decoration. Straw is commonly used for decorating. It reminds the people that the Christ Child was born in a simple manger. To further recall the newborn Savior, the family leaves an empty chair for him.

Russia

The former USSR  outlawed the celebration of Christmas or any other religious holidays. Older Russian people, however, celebrated Christmas quietly in their own homes, often times on New Years Day. Many years ago, the Russian children used to expect St. Nicholas to visit them on Dec. 6th. They believed he came down from heaven with two helpers – an angel, with gifts for the good people, and a devilish character, who brought switches for misbehavers. In some parts of the country, “Baboushka” (Grandmother) would bring the gifts instead. The homes were decorated with Christmas trees and Nativity Scenes. For forty days before Christmas, people would fast.

Scotland

The Christmas Tree is a relatively new custom in Scotland. The first trees were decorated in a variety of ways, religious Christmas cards, tinsel garlands, paper chains, mesh bags of candy, colored bells, pull snappers. A tree was usually topped with a Christmas fairy. Some trees became home for a Christmas mouse. Unfortunately, since the end of World War II, the Scottish tree has become more standardized.

Spain

Christmas season begins on Christmas Eve and lasts until King’s Day on January 6th. Many families set up a ‘nacimiento’ with small figures of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and other manger characters. During the holidays, it will be the center for prayers, singing hymns and festive dancing. Christmas Eve day is spent in religious devotion in some families. Others enjoy spending the time at the gaily decorated market places which are piled high with fruits, candy, fancy foods and other colorful items. At midnight, the church bells ring and everyone goes to church to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas Day is spent attending more church services and in a huge family feast. Children do not usually decorate trees or hang up stockings. Instead, they wait until the night before King’s Day, and they fill their shoes with carrots and hay and put them on the windowsill. During the night, they believe the Three Kings will pass by. Carrots and hay are left for their tired camels, and the Three Kings will fill children’s shoes with candy and small gifts.

Sweden

The Christmas season begins at dawn on December 13 with St. Lucia’s Day, the Festival of Lights, celebrated in Sweden as well as Norway and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland. One of the earliest Christian martyrs, Lucia  was killed by the Romans in 304 A.D. because of her religious beliefs, giving money and help to early Christians A girl from each household dresses in a long, white robe with a red sash. On her head is a halo of lighted candles and evergreen boughs. She moves from room to room singing and serving a breakfast of coffee and cakes to each member of the family. The candles on Lucia’s head are a symbol that the light of the sun will soon return to Sweden. Because this country is located so far north, days are dark and cold for may weeks before St. Lucia Day and the people are anxious for spring to arrive.

The Swedish people spend many busy weeks before Christmas scrubbing their homes and making special Christmas foods. Late in the afternoon of Christmas Eve Day, they go to church. After church, they hurry home for a huge Christmas feast. Birds and animals are especially remembered during this time. The animals receive an extra portion of their favorite food, and a sheaf of grain is tied in the yard for the birds. After the Christmas Eve meal, the family sits around their Christmas tree to sing carols and exchange gifts. Each gift comes with a poem written by the sender. Before the gift can be opened, the poem must be read for everyone to hear. Before going to bed, the children often set a bowl of porridge out for the Jultomten (Yule Man), a little elf whom they believe takes care of farm animals and watches over the home. Jultomten may even visit the family while they are awake, arriving in a sleigh pulled by a Christmas goat.

Ukraine

Needlework in the form of small pin-cushion-like pillows, ceramic drops decorated in traditional cross-stitched patterns, and real apples, decorated the Ukrainian Christmas tree. Nuts, candles and small wreaths hang from the tree branches. Sometimes thread cobwebs cover the spaces between the boughs. The Ukrainian Christmas always symbolizes health and wealth. The traditional colors of black and red are used in decorating.

Colonial U.S.

In Colonial America, Christmas was essentially a day of Spiritual observance. Carols were sung and church bells rang out to celebrate the commemoration of Christ’s birth. Early Americans decorated evergreen trees with things from nature and homemade items. Christmas was a warm, family experience for Colonial America. It blended the experience of a new land with the customs from a European heritage. The Puritans, however, did not celebrate Christmas, and it took awhile for the Catholic Mass of Christ tradition to become popular with a primarily Protestant population.

Native North AmerIndians

The Amer-Indian Christmas tree was inspired by the teepees of the plains Indians. Many years ago, the planes Indians celebrated the solstice with lights and feasting. Today the Christmas tree is topped with a handmade ornament called the ‘”Eye of God.” Each tree is trimmed by the children, who draw on nature for their designs. Animal hides lay under the decorated trees, where foods, cooking pots and pieces of Indian art are arranged.

USA

Christmas in the U.S. brings together many customs from other countries. Americans make or buy gifts for others, and family members help to decorate the tree and the home, using wreaths, candles, holly, mistletoe, ornaments and lights. Christmas music is played and there are special programs on television during the festive time. Children usually have a two week winter holiday and, before leaving school they have programs and parties with their friends. On Christmas Eve the children hang their stockings, near the chimney or fireplace, to be filled by Santa Claus. Santa comes with his sleigh and reindeer. He fills the stockings and leaves special gifts by the tree. Many families go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for a religious service. The Church is lighted with candles and carols are sung. Like Protestant Colonial America, Christmas never really caught on until roughly 1840, due to the influx of Catholic immigrants. Soon  celebrating Christmas became more widespread. Finally, Christmas was declared a Federal U.S. holiday on December 25 in 1870. Since then Christmas Day has become a steadily more important holiday.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s Christmas traditions are much the same as the rest of the states, but with a unique Polynesian mix. Homes are decorated with greenery and native Hawaiian flowers. Christmas trees are present in numerous homes. Many families enjoy their Christmas meals at the beach. Sea foods and fresh fruits are popular foods, and you will often find pigs being roasted in underground pits as in a Luau. Some children believe Santa comes to them riding on a surfboard or in an outrigger canoe.

Happy Holidays!

Sources Consulted for original Article:

International Christmas (c) 1974 Trend enterprises, Inc. Information included with a bulletin board set.

Christmas Around the World by John D. Green. Taken from a magazine article clipped several years ago (magazine unknown). Mr Green was a writer for the Associated Press. To gather information for his article he spent time interviewing delegates to the United Nations and visiting foreign consultants in New York City.

Teachers Friend ? and other copies of materials or handouts used in classrooms (sources unknown), gathered while working in the school systems.

Articles from various sources (now unknown) gathered while stationed in Germany.

Other Sources Consulted during revision:

Messages as quoted, and referenced to in the article itself.

Dictionary of the Jewish Religion by Dr. Ben Isaacson (c) 1979 by Bantam Books, Inc.

Christmas Around the World from World Book Series: Christmas in the Holy Land (c) 1987, Christmas in Brazil (c) 1991, Christmas in Russia (c) 1992

* The last emperor of Ethiopia was overthrown about 45 years ago, so the custom of waiting for gifts from him is no longer valid.

The post Holiday Traditions Around the Globe appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy Holiday Season from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this Holiday Season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Nine Delicious Holiday Drinks From Around the World

Bored of eggnog? Sick of cider? Here are nine scrumptious end-of-year beverages to sip on from across the globe

Courtesy Lila Thulin, smithsonianmag.com

In the United States, the winter holidays might conjure the image of a crackling fire, wrapping paper, lit candles and the taste of warm cider, eggnog or piping-hot chocolate. These libations — iced, boozy or once-a-year delicacies — reflect the culinary traditions, weather, religion and agriculture of the places they originated. Here are nine beverages that will be served at special occasions around the globe this holiday season.

Urban Safaris in Africa? Absolutely. Don’t Skip over Africa’s Best Cities With the Help of Timeless Africa Safaris

From Cape Town to Kigali, Nairobi to Arusha, transformative opportunities for travelers to discover culture and connect with locals.

There is more to an African journey than watching wildlife in the wilderness – and much more to Africa as well. Timeless Africa Safaris, the boutique Cape Town, South Africa-based travel designer has made a specialty of curating Urban Safaris for travelers intrigued by the culture of the continent, with transformative opportunities.

Europeans’ Favourite Flight Destinations and Opinions On The USA For 2019 Revealed

Courtesy Calum McCloskey, 10 Yetis Digital

• New York is the most searched-for flight destination from the UK, Germany, France and Spain
• Sightseeing, food and culture amongst the top things most enjoyed by Europeans visiting the States
• French, German and UK residents cited ‘the people’ as their least favourite part of travelling to America

The data was collated by the team at flight-comparison site www.us.jetcost.com, who looked at flight searches for 2019 conducted by residents of the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and France (an even 25% split amongst the four countries).

I Accidentally Uncovered a Nationwide Scam on Airbnb

Courtesy Allie Conti

While searching for the person who grifted me in Chicago, I discovered just how easy it is for users of the short-term rental platform to get exploited.

The Swiss UNESCO World Heritage sites.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are witness to the history of the earth and humanity. Each one of these places embodies authenticity, quality and diversity across generations.

Thanks to Mother Nature and some eminent masterminds, Switzerland is home to no less than 12 wonders, a constellation of cultural and natural sites with the Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair, the architectural works by Le Corbusier and the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region among others.

On the anniversary of the convention adopted on 16 November 1972 in Paris at the 17th General Conference of UNESCO we pay tribute in this newsletter to our Swiss wonders.

We begin with a selection of our four favorite sites with the promise of more to come in the next few months…however, if you can’t wait, feel free to visit the exhaustive list available on our website: UNESCO World Heritage sites.

7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? While there are all the obvious benefits that come from a nearly all-inclusive vacation with a pre-planned destination itinerary, there are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you.

Could Nuclear-Powered Ships Help the Industry Meet the 2050 Emissions Target?

Courtesy Lloyd’s Register

Nuclear power as a fuel for ships is a completely zero-emission solution – it does not emit any SOx, NOx, CO2 or particulates. The technology is also millions of times more power-dense than fossil fuels and alternative fuel options that are currently being considered like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. In terms of meeting the IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction ambition, it’s the only proven solution available today, capable of replacing fossil fuels in all marine applications.

The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

(CNN) — It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle seats on airplanes are the worst.Being awkwardly sandwiched in between two people while fighting for elbow room is the bane of most passengers. Now a new design might actually make people want the middle seat — or at least make the travel experience less miserable. The S1 design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three economy seats in a staggered layout, putting the middle seat slightly behind the aisle and window seats, and at a slightly lower height.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a betterlast-cha spot on your next flight.

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

Global Rescue’s Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers

Courtesy Global Rescue

“Shoppers are flooded with holiday promotions,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and associate manager of operations at Global Rescue. “But the Global Rescue Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers is the only one compiled through the recommendations of our members and staff of travel experts and military special forces veterans all of whom are among the most experienced when it comes to the excitement of travel and necessity for preparation.”

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New Year’s Eve in Bologna

Courtesy Alice Brignani, Bologna Welcome

“Bologna dances for the festive season” (Bologna Balla per le feste) from dances in the streets to fine-art videomapping on historical buildings featuring the best dance scenes in the history of cinema.

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22 Destinations that Were Ruined by Tourists Over the Past Decade

Courtesy of Ben Mack, Insider

• The 2010s saw more people traveling than ever before, according to The Guardian’s report on recent figures from the World Tourism Organization.
• But millions upon millions of people going on adventures has put pressure on numerous destinations.
• Some, like Venice, have long been affected by overtourism, but others like Dubrovnik, Croatia, are facing new challenges caused by the popularity of TV shows like “Game of Thrones.”
• Here are 22 of the places we’re loving to death.

See Slideshow Here

Why You Should Visit Hamburg in 2020

From Beatles’ Hamburg anniversary, to a new 5-star hotel, to off-beat festivals and culinary stars …. 2020 is the year to visit Germany’s maritime city.

Since the opening of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s new concert hall, the city has become more popular than ever. If you have not visited this northern German city, 2020 will give you even more reasons to explore this maritime city on the Elbe river, as the coming year has plenty of new discoveries in store.

Come Together – The Hamburg Beatles Experience
March 27-29

It was in 1960, when five young musicians from Liverpool first performed at Hamburg’s Indra club in St Pauli as “The Beatles”. Sixty years later, Hamburg is celebrating the world’s most recognizable band, at the sites where their career started. A weekend of concerts at Indra and Kaiserkeller – both authentic venues where the band performed – as well as other locations, will bring back music history. An interactive Beatles’ tour, exhibitions and talks with Beatles’ experts will broaden the experience. Cometogether-experience.

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Ancient Jerusalem Maze-of-Tunnels Discovered

Courtesy of National Geographic

A fifth-century church has been uncovered in Jerusalem. Built to commemorate the site where Jesus is said to have cured a blind man, the sanctuary fell out of use, its roof eventually collapsed, and the ancient building over time joined the city’s vast underground realm.Unearthing the  2,000-year-old, 2,000-foot-long street that once conveyed pilgrims, merchants, and other visitors to one of the wonders of ancient Palestine: the Jewish Temple, was one the world’s most expensive archaeological projects. Choked with debris during the fiery destruction of the city by Roman forces in A.D. 70, this monumental path disappeared from view.

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Ancient ‘Lost City’ of the Khmer Empire Discovered in Cambodia

Courtesy Jessie Yeung, CNN

Researchers have identified the elusive ancient “lost city” of Cambodia for the first time.

Mahendraparvata was one of the first capitals in the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the 9th to 15th centuries AD, but much of what we know come from inscriptions recovered from other sites. Scientists theorized that the city was located on the Phnom Kulen plateau, about 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) north of Siem Reap, but it was difficult to find evidence.

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Americans Reveal What Makes a ‘Good Tourist’

Going abroad provides the perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the responsibilities/stresses of everyday life. Set in vacation mode, many people sometimes forget that they are a guest in another country and therefore, fail to ensure their behavior as well as actions are always respectful towards the visiting destinations local culture/customs.

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Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

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Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens: I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended: I was pickpocketed in Paris this summer.

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One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

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Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

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12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

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Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that the enormous pressure of the growing population is driving animals out of their habitats. For example, it’s estimated that in Africa, before the Europeans arrived, there could have been over 29 million elephants. However, as early as 1935, the population had dropped to 10 million and now stands at less than 440,000, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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The post Bologna New Year, Global Holiday Drinks appeared first on Traveling Archive.

This year, Trafalgar carried out a study to discover what living ‘The Good Life’ meant to you and whether travel contributed to it. To many people, ‘The Good Life’ meant being able to relax and enjoy a time without stress or anxiety.

The study showed that in today’s high pressured and connected world, people are finding it stressful to plan and enjoy their travels, and even struggle to switch off when away from home. Sound familiar? Here’s how to put the wonder back in your wanderlust and travel stress-free with real ease.

Travel has become… stressful to plan

“The main causes of stress and lack of excitement before embarking on a trip are: 50% time and research needed and 39% pressures of social media”

Travel has become… no different to being at home

“63% check the news, 57% check social media, 51% stay on top of emails”

Travel has become… an overwhelming checklist of things to do

“47% of people (close to half) admit to feeling guilty when they haven’t seen all the sights”

Travel has become… overcrowded

“61% of people agree that being in places with large crowds is a negative aspect of travel and 66% of people have experienced this during their last trip”

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and with it comes the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Get away from it all in one of New York State’s charming small towns this winter. From special events and live performances to fireworks and parades, ring in the holiday season with your loved ones and check out the list below of some of the best small towns to visit in New York.

Troy

Experience Northeast’s largest free holiday festival, complete with more than 100 live performers sharing their holiday spirit at the 36^th Annual Troy Victorian Stroll. Eat, drink and shop ‘til you drop as you walk through town. The celebration will be held on Sunday, December 2, and welcomes locals and visitors alike.

Rhinebeck & Kingston

An old Dutch tradition in the Hudson Valley, Sinterklass is a two-city celebration that pays tribute to the Dutch patron saint of children and sailors. The Sinterklass Celebration has deep roots going back over 300 years when the Dutch settlers arrived in Rhinebeck, New York.  The lively party starts in Kingston, where Sinterklass will have a send-off on November 24, and ends in Rhinebeck, where the crowds will celebrate his arrival on Dec. 1.  The fun holiday celebration is a rich blend of old and new in the Hudson Valley.

Owego

The village of Owego is set to sparkle this holiday season with their popular festival, Lights on the River. Taking place December 7, the event promises an array of activities for the whole family, festive decorations, live reindeer and a dazzling firework show by the riverside. Come join the fun!

Skaneateles

Jump into the holidays with Christmas Past to Skaneateles, where Dickens Christmas comes to life every Saturday and Sunday from November 24 through December 24. Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, the celebration lets the areas’ businesses give gifts to the local patrons for their continued support over the years and share the story of Charles Dickens and his cast. Don’t miss out on the wonderful food, unique shopping, live music and special events like ‘Dinner with Dickens and Friends’, which takes place at the Mirbeau Inn and Spa on December 5.

Lake Placid

Head up north to the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll, December 8-10, for a family and couples weekend full of events, entertainment, parties, dining specials and shopping in this fairy-tale winter wonderland. Just for kids, Santa will be making a special appearance in several locations throughout the weekend, while couples can enjoy dining specials and live entertainment into the late evening hours.

Saratoga Springs

This holiday season is packed with wonderful festivities in the small town of Saratoga Springs. Exciting events take place throughout town starting this week, including the Saratoga Holiday Craft Marketplace for unique holiday shopping, Tree Lighting Ceremony, a round-trip ride on the Train To Christmas Town and more! And if you stay through the holidays, you must catch First Night Saratoga on December 31, the largest New Year’s Eve event outside of New York City that brings live music, comedy acts, magic shows and fireworks to ring in 2019.

Rio de Janeiro Named Must-Visit Destination in 2019

Rio de Janeiro was named one of the world’s five most cost-effective destinations for 2019. A survey conducted by British air travel website Skyscanner revealed, after analyzing flight and hotel offers, that in addition to being a great cultural experience, visiting the Americas next year could also be an excellent idea for those who want to save money. According to the study, the day rates in four-star hotels in Rio dropped by 20%. The website also bets on the drop in air tickets prices due to the creation of new direct flights from Europe to the city. We list five classic and unforgettable tours for those who arrive in the Marvelous City. Check out:

1 – CHRIST THE REDEEMER: With arms wide open over the Guanabara Bay, the Christ, the Redeemer blesses cariocas and visitors. Sitting atop the Corcovado mountain, the statue is one of the most sought-after sights. The world’s largest and most famous art deco sculpture, the Christ is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. To get to the monument, visitors take a pleasant 20-minute train ride across the Tijuca Forest. The view is stunning.

2 – COPACABANA BEACH: Visiting Copacabana and Ipanema is almost mandatory for those visiting Rio. When added to its neighbor, Leme, the beach, located at Av. Atlântica, and its promenade, famous for its Portuguese mosaic stones imitate sea waves, is more than four kilometers long. Along Av. Atlântica visitors will find bike racks, bike lane, kiosks, hotels, bars and restaurants, frequented both day and night. It also has two Military Forts, one at each end of the beach, with panoramic views and open for visitors.

3 – SUGARLOAF: Save an afternoon to visit the Sugarloaf. Going from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach), in Urca, South Region of the city, visitors first take a cable car heading towards the Urca Mountain and from there they take a second car that takes them to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain – 396 meters above sea level. The view from the top of both mountains is breathtaking, as visitors get to see the Botafogo Cove, Copacabana Beach and the Guanabara Bay entrance.

4 – MARACANÃ: Inaugurated in 1950, Maracanã has already hosted the finals of two World Cups, 1950 and 2014. It was the stage of the most important Brazilian derbies and of the thousandth goal of King Pelé, in 1969. He also hosted games the 2013 Confederations Cup, the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2007 Pan-American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016. Completely renovated, it also has a walk of fame and a museum.

5 – TIJUCA FOREST: The National Tijuca Park, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the environmental conservation unit with the largest number of visitors in Brazil. Last year, 3.3 million people visited the park, including many foreign tourists. With access from the North, South and West zones, the Tijuca National Park shelters the world’s largest man-made urban forest, with 3,9000 hectares of Atlantic Forest.

The post New York Small Towns to Visit in the Holiday Season, Rio de Janeiro appeared first on Traveling Archive.