How Europe Celebrates Christmas
With this being our Christmas newsletter we will focus on all things with a Christmas flavour, the first being a look at how some countries around Europe celebrate their Christmas. Let’s start with our nearest neighbour, France.
Renowned for their culinary delights, the main Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve and is called Le Reveillon, literally the awakening. The dinner is a multi-course affair lasting hours with different regions serving their own special dishes. In many parts the meal starts with (you love them or hate them) raw oysters. Another popular appetizer throughout France is foie gras.
Slovakia: Carp for Dinner
All over Central Europe, people enjoy carp for Christmas Eve Dinner.
Iceland: 13 Santa Clauses Place Treats in Shoes
Not only does Iceland celebrate 13 days before Christmas, children also get presents from 13 different Santa Clauses, or Yule Lads.
In Spain
On the night of 6th January the Three Wise Men arrive from the East and bring presents to all the children. It is traditional for every child to write a letter to the Wise Men beforehand telling them how they have behaved all year and requesting gifts. Special mailboxes are placed in shopping centres and leisure spaces for posting these letters and the ‘royal pages’ make frequent appearances to collect them by hand.
On the afternoon of 5th January, the Wise Men arrive in all the cities in fun processions and parades through the streets. Children finally get to open their presents.
In Italy
Traditionally Italians do not eat meat on “La Vigilia” (Christmas Eve) before heading to midnight Mass. Then, on Christmas Day, families host a large lunch—which lasts all day—featuring traditional dishes like pasta in brodo (pasta cooked in stock) and panettone (a sweet bread with raisins).
Wherever you are spending Christmas, The Graham Agency wishes you a happy and enjoyable time.
Don’t forget: The Graham Agency has some fresh bright candidates looking to start 2024 or to add an extra pair of hands over the Festive Season