Infohostels Staff
In America they are drinking eggnog and eating roast turkey and pumpkin pie. In Russia, they are throwing kutya up towards the ceiling in the hope that it will stick and bring forth a plentiful harvest. In Japan, fried chicken is eaten as a traditional festive food. In Italy, everyone is passing everyone else panettone, after panettone, after panettone. And in the South Pacific, friends and family are gathered in the backyard for a barbeque with a beer in hand in the summer sun.The Christmas holiday tradition sees pine trees decorated with glowing lights and brightly coloured ornaments. Ice skating is a favourite pastime, and tables are decked out with feasts of hearty food to feed many. If you are lucky you will be getting a white Christmas. Wreaths, holly and mistletoe are hung in the hallways of homes and little children are told by their parents that they must be well behaved otherwise they will not get any presents from Santa Claus.
But what are some of the crazier traditions around the world that take place at Christmas time? Well, in Brighton England they have an annual Christmas swim where participants are dressed only in their swimsuit and santa hat to brave the freezing cold temperatures and take a dip in the ocean. In Kyoto Japan, the Santa Claus Marathon takes place, run by hundreds of children dressed in Santa Claus costumes, and in Southern Germany, Bavarian Highlanders shoot mortars into the air whilst dressed in traditional costume to ackonwledge the yuletide season. Louisiana sees the burning of hundreds of bonfires and of course who can forget the oldest tradition under English folklore… any girl standing under mistletoe must not refuse a kiss from a man as to do so will ensure she does not marry!
This holiday is seen around the world as one which brings people together. To forget any bad that has been done and to look forward to the coming new year. Whether you are celebrating Christmas at home with your family or are currently travelling and spending the holidays with fellow travellers, make sure to be merry, enjoy the laughter, the food and most importantly, the good company.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the team at Infohostels.com!!!
