Image to the left taken from the Pottery Barn website (depicts travel-related tree ornaments)
For a more exciting and fun Christmas, try adding some international culture to your holiday. It’s easy—all you need to do is use your imagination. Following are some ideas to add a little magic from around the world to your Christmas.
Add some new decorations.
Try adding some ornaments or knickknacks from around the world to your Christmas tree or to your mantel. Pottery Barn has a full selection of travel ornaments, and you can search online for goodies from specific countries. Whether you like glass ornaments, cookie jars, or advent calendars, you’ll find new decorations you’ll love.
Visit shops in other cities or areas of town.
People of certain cultures tend to congregate together, creating pockets of culture in your city or neighboring towns. Seek these pockets and explore them. Go into shops to see what they offer this time of year, eat in a restaurant, or attend a church service. Talk to the people, and ask them about their holiday customs and traditions.
Cook international holiday recipes instead of your traditional holiday dinner.
Try some new recipes from other countries, such as Russian teacakes, Greek patates spiros, or Japanese Christmas cake. Several websites, such as the Food Network, have international recipes to try. Don’t forget to order some British Christmas crackers for a fun addition to your holiday meal.
Incorporate some new traditions.
Explore customs from your family’s country of origin, or discover a culture you’ve always been curious about. For example, you may wish to visit the Christmas markets of Germany or re-create the Scandinavian holiday St. Lucia’s Day. There are scores, if not hundreds, of Christmas traditions throughout the world, and with a little digging and exploring, you’ll find cultural customs you’ll want to add to your Christmas celebration. New traditions put a new spin on Christmas and allow you to experience the world.
Enjoy time with someone from another culture.
If you want to experience Christmas in a completely new way, spend some time with someone from another continent or culture. You’ll discover new food, drink, and customs—and you may even try to re-create some of them in your own home next year. You’ll definitely see Christmas in a new light.
Do you have a favorite international Christmas custom?
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