Christmas a world of traditions

December, the month of reflection, nostalgia, traditions, heat, solidarity, good intentions and magic. This month is probably the most, busiest, most expensive, but also the most spiritual month of the year, because almost all people around the world are engaged in this magical tale where religion and tradition play the leading role.

The best thing about this month and especially at Christmas is that it brings people closer together, if only for a moment. The houses look warm and cozy out, everywhere burning lights and Christmas trees adorn the living rooms. Everyone is preparing for the big party. A festival that is celebrated in different ways, but essentially one message propagates: everything is love and love is everything.

The traditions surrounding Christmas vary by country, but there are traditions around the world where Christmas is celebrated are the same as: decorating the Christmas tree, sing songs, prepare a Christmas dinner and share with family and / or friends, give presents to each other, Find your best outfit together and like a child again believe that everything is beautiful and magical.

To show the magic of Christmas an exotic touch, I want to take you through different countries to get acquainted with their ways and traditions to celebrate Christmas. If you want to celebrate Christmas this year somewhere else then you are already prepared or you can just get inspiration for home.

Colombia

Colombia Christmas starts at 7 december, on this day we celebrate the day of Saint Mary and across the country lit candles on the street. We call this day 'El dia de las velitas' (candles day). On 16 December begins "La Novena the Aguinaldos" which can be translated as prayer, "nine days before Christmas'. Nine days come Colombians together to pray the Christmas prayer together and sing songs. At the end of the prayer the traditional buñuelos with natilla be eaten. Christmas Eve on 24 December, celebrated with family, with overeating, Drink and music. It is danced until the early hours and celebrated.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the atmosphere begins with the arrival of Sinterklaas. The holy man who comes from Spain annually and bring presents to all the little children. He put the whole country on its head. Everywhere you see Santa Claus, black Pietjes, gingerbread and marzipan. The Dutch celebrate 5 December in giving the birthday of Sinterklaas presents interchangeably, packaged as a surprise and with an accompanying poem. The Dutch celebrate this evening with family. Often played games and ate lots of gingerbread and ginger nuts. Only after the departure of Saint Nicholas they prepare for Christmas and New Years. The tradition at New Year's oliebollen (dough balls) eat, drinking champagne and setting off fireworks.

Italy

Italians celebrate Christmas Eve at the table with the whole family, this is what they call 'Cenone', a traditional big dinner with lots of pasta, vis, meat and nougat. On Christmas Eve all children gifts from Papá Noel and 5 januari van de Befana (good witch).

If tradition food Italians with New lentils and men give their wives red lingerie, because this would bring them luck in the new year.

Spain

In Spain they believe called in Santa Papa Noel, but the arrival of the Epiphany is more important than Christmas. The arrival of the Epiphany is celebrated on 6 January, presents, a parade and the famous 'Roscon de reyes' (a sweet bread with a note inside, Who gets the note, has the whole year luck, but must also pay the Roscon).

In Catalonië is of Father Christmas / Christmas Uncle Meer Traditie. They dress and grooming a wooden stump from 8 December until the Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, the children are allowed with a wooden stick to give him a few taps and sing this song:

"Caga Tio, ment Christmas
No shit herring, they are salt
shits nougat, they are better!”

Would Tió de Nadal presents defecate and bad children coal.

In Spain, it is a tradition to eat turron around Christmas, the lottery (Christmas lottery El Gordo of beter bekend El Niño) buy all they have to wait in line for hours to get their lucky number. To be New Year's Eve 12 grapes eaten at La Puerta del Sol in front of friends and family.

But how nice it would be if we traditionally milder, attempt, would have been more attentive and loving to ourselves and everyone around us, not only in December but just every day. Then the world would be Christmas every day.

I wish you lots of health, wisdom, growth, awakening to life and not just now but for the rest of your life.