Looking to start some new Christmas traditions?
Why not look to the past for inexpensive, traditional ways to celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones šā¤
Some of you may have traditions handed down from generation to generation which is fantastic, but if you are looking to add some the best place to look is for vintage holiday traditions from all over the world.
Research your family's heritage and the customs which evolved from those countries. Here are some example from around the globe..
SCOTLAND
Many Christmas traditions were banned for quite some time in Scotland, due to government regulations, starting from 1647. This is why it is so important for their traditions to be carried through and celebrated now.
If you like baking bread then a Yule bread is the one for you! A loaf of unleavened bread is baked (or if you are feeling extra keen - one for each person in your family) and the person who finds a trinket in their loaf will have good luck for the year to come.
For those who are not so keen on all the baking a lovely tradition is to place candles in your window to welcome strangers and comfort those searching for shelter and warmth.
The New Years Eve tradition of the "First Footer" - the first visitor through the door bearing gifts of peat, money and bread to symbolize warmth, wealth and abundance was originally a Christmas one. Why not bring this back to its origins and carry it out on Christmas day too š
ENGLAND
If you love to sing, this one is for you, since the 16th and 17th Century in England people walked to their neighbours homes to sing Christmas carols outside. When they had finished the were offered a traditional spiced apple cider or beer known as wassail to warm them up š»
Personally I love the idea of bringing back "Sugar Plums" - candy coated nuts or herb seeds. I think a bowl of those in the centre of the Christmas Eve table wouldn't last long in our house š
Ringing bells to welcome in Christmas Day at midnight, is a vintage tradition, although....you might want to wait until everybody's awake for this one!
NATIVE AMERICANS, NORSE, CELTIC DRUIDS
Why not bring some mistletoe into your house or garden to celebrate the sacred traditions of these groups. They believe that, as Mistletoe bears fruit during the winter, and stays green, that is holds magical powers.
It is said to cure infertility, ward off evil and cure disease.
Decorating your home with evergreens and natural materials looks great and you can go foraging for pine cones with your family to add to another fun family day out on a budget. If you live near a beach why not add some decorative shells to your creations.
PHILLIPINES
Lights are a big part of Christmas traditions all over the world but the Phillippines really do it in style. They hold a giant lantern festival on the Saturday before Christmas. They are made from all different materials and laid in elaborate patterns but were traditionally made from origami paper and lit by candles. This is something you and your children could have fun making at home, then add to your decorations.
AUSTRIA
If you have some horror movie buffs at your house you might like this one..
In Austrian tradition a creature called Krampus captures the naughty children while St Nicholas rewards the good boys and girls.
In the first week of December people dress up as Krampus frightening children with chains and bells...not for the faint hearted š¬
GERMANY
On December 6 in the middle of the night Nikolaus travels on his donkey to deliver treats to the Children's shoes or boots left out the night before. They awake to find treats such as toys, chocolate, coins and oranges.
He also visits schools and homes where the children give him a drawn picture, recite a poem or sing a song in exchange for a small gift.
This sounds like a fantastic tradition to share the holiday season with those less fortunate and bring others joy.
Whatever your chosen tradition, have fun with it and give the gift of love and laughter this holiday season ā¤šš
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