Christmas in Sweden, Traditions and Customs
Christmas in Sweden, and the traditions in Sweden date back centuries. Nordic and Scandinavian cultures celebrate similarly, but all have their own unique customs. In Sweden the holidays start on St. Lucia's day on December 13th. Near the winter solstice this is a celebration of Saint Lucia (Lucy) who was martyred for her faith. The entire festive season is known as Jul in Sweden, and has it's own traditions and customs. Decorations The most familiar symbol of Christmas in Sweden is the garland worn around the head, traditionally by a girl wearing white robes with a red sash. This is…
Inside John Lewis Christmas Market London
At this point we've taken you through Selfridges and Harrod's but there's another department store in London that really glams up for the Holidays; the John Lewis Christmas Market. Half of the third floor of this huge Oxford Street department store is a Winter Wonderland unlike any other. The focal point of the John Lewis Christmas market is by far the wide selection of Christmas ornaments in all sorts of amazing themes. For nearly every display Christmas tree, they have dozens of selections of ornaments and adornments to buy. On top of that, they have one of the best Personalised…
Inside Harrods Christmas World
When it comes to Christmas in London, the department stores go all out, especially Harrods Christmas World. Launched in early September every year, it might not be the first (that honour goes to Selfridges Christmas Shop). Multiple Rooms decorated for the Holidays, lots of beautiful Christmas Trees, and dozens and dozens of Harrods-themed ornaments to choose from, it is by far our favourite Christmas Shop in London. We made a special trip to take lots of photos to share with you, and we'll be giving away a Harrods-themed gift (read more at the end of this post). Without further adou,…
Italian Christmas Traditions and Celebrations
Like most predominantly Catholic countries, Italian Christmas Traditions the festivities for Christmas begin early December. The Feast of Immaculate Conception takes place on December the 8th, and is a national holiday it Italy. As is St. Stephens day, on December 26th. Decorations It is an Italian Christmas Tradition to put out your Nativity Scene and decorate your Christmas Tree on this day. Festivities continue until January with the Feast of the Epiphany. Many Italians will spend Christmas Eve in Church. Catholic influences are still very predominant in Italy's Christmas Traditions, as Nativity Scenes are very important, a tradition believed to…