Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Some thoughts on the Christmas traditions and celebrations.

Make yourself a brew, put your feet up and wander the world of Christmas traditions with us as we take a break from the commercial excesses of the festive season and explore one of the most enduring and internationally recognized festivals of all time. It's not just Christians throughout the world who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In many countries where Christianity is not the religion of the majority, traditional Christmas decorations can be admired and celebrations joined in.

Christmas pops up in many disguises. In Sweden, Santa is a gnome called Jultomten who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by his Yule goat, Julbrock. Later in the evening, risgrynsgröt may be served, a rice porridge eaten with raspberry jam or cinammon. Oh, and finding the single almond added to the pot prior to be serving is like catching the flower bouquet at a wedding! Not all celebrations begin on Xmas Eve either. In Russia and the Ukraine, festivities begin on 7th January. The date is different because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old 'Julian' calendar for religious celebration days. Christmas in Vietnam – mostly a Buddhist country – is a recent event where Santa ditches the sleigh for a scooter and people flood to towns and cities to enjoy the festivities then return home later for Christmas chicken soup.

Meanwhile, down on the southern hemisphere, Christmas comes in the middle of the summer and a barbecue or a picnic on the beach would be a typical Christmas menu. Sounds hideous, we'd much prefer to be slaving over a hot oven for the traditional turkey and all its trimmings than dining al fresco on a beach or a garden with beautiful flowers in full bloom! Chileans observe Xmas as a religious affair with Jesus at the centre of most celebrations. Christmas day in Chile is also a day to enjoy nature and sports while Brazilians celebrate on Christmas Eve with fireworks and a big churrasco (barbecue). In South Africa, Malva pudding – a traditional baked dessert with apricot jam – might also be served as a Christmas pudding in all its sticky, spongy glory!

But wherever you are and whatever traditions you enjoy, we at Wunderlabel.com wish you, your families and your friends a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Finally, we'd like to thank all our customers for their support and look forward to seeing you in the coming year.