Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel. [Updated 10/26/21 ] Like most kids who grew up in the US, I became fascinated with Santa Claus from a very early age.From his fuzzy red suit and his long white hair and beard to the reindeer who pulled his sleigh, this jolly old elf who distributed presents to kids all around the world was a larger-than-life legend. But unlike other children, I never really grew out of my interest in St. Nick. Always the inquisitive kid, I had so many questions: Who was Santa Claus? Where did he come from? How did he get to be so beloved by children all around the world? Raised in the Episcopal Church, I became particularly fascinated with the history of Santa Claus. In particular, the origin of Santa in the Catholic Saint Nicholas, the 4th century Greek bishop who was known for his charitable gift-giving and countless miracles. The older I got, and the more I learned about Santa, the more I came to treasure the Christmas spirit he represented and the importance of keeping it in our hearts all year round. This year, as my 17-year-old daughter celebrates her last holiday at home before heading off to college, will be an extra special season for us. So, in addition to our annual traditions (including reading The Night Before Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas), we’ll be sharing these 55 fascinating facts about Santa’s 1600-year history and honoring St. Nicholas’ legacy of charitable giving. Here at Green Global Travel, we like to put an emphasis on the green aspect by finding lots of little ways to make life more sustainable. READ MORE: 35 Recycled Christmas Decorations & DIY Christmas Crafts to Make The History & Names for Santa Claus Around The World GuideTHE STORY OF ST NICHOLAS1. Saint Nicholas was a Greek Christian bishop born sometime around 280 A.D. (approximately 1738 years ago) near Myra in Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Anatolia (now located in Turkey). He was famous for his generous and anonymous gifts to the poor. He once helped three impoverished daughters of a local Christian with dowries (dropping a sack of gold through their window each night) so that they wouldn’t have to become prostitutes. 2. Given his birthplace, the real St Nicholas likely looked very different from the image of Santa Claus most people know today. He almost certainly had an oil skin tone, brown eyes, and grey/silver hair. When scientists reconstructed his face using forensic technology, they discovered that the future saint had a badly broken nose. They surmised that he had received the injury during the persecution of Christians under the rule of Emperor Diocletian, who famously divided the Roman Empire. 3. The saint is also commonly known as Nicholas the Wonderworker, due to the many miracles attributed to his intercession. These include tales of him calming stormy seas, chopping down a tree that was possessed by a demon, and saving three innocent soldiers from being put to death. 4. In 1087, the Italian city of Bari mounted an expedition to locate the tomb of the Christian Saint and procure his remains in order to attract tourism to the area. The reliquary of St Nicholas was desecrated by Italian sailors and the spoils were taken to Bari, where they are kept to this day. 5. St. Nicholas has been the world’s most popular non-Biblical saint for centuries. Led by Erik the Red and later his son, newly converted Christian Leif Eriksson, the Vikings were the first Europeans to arrive in the New World. In 1126 they built a cathedral dedicated to Nicholas, who is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, students, and more. Christopher Columbus named a port in Haiti for St. Nicholas in 1492, and the Spanish also named the St. Nicholas Ferry settlement (now Jacksonville, Florida) after him. READ MORE: 25 Symbols of Christmas: History & Meaning of Christmas Decorations ![]() NAMES FOR SANTA CLAUS AROUND THE WORLD
HISTORY OF SANTA AROUND THE WORLDOdin, Sleipnir & the Yule Goat (Scandinavian Santa)6. Numerous parallels have been drawn between Santa Claus and Odin, a major god of the Germanic peoples prior to their Christianization. According to legend, Odin kept two ravens that would listen at people’s chimneys to find out who was good or bad. During the Germanic holiday of Yule, he led a great hunting party through the sky, riding an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir that could leap great distances (sound like Santa Claus’s reindeer?). 7. Odin was referred to by many names in Skaldic poetry, including Langbarðr (“long beard”) and Jólnir (“Yule figure”). According to some traditions, children would place their boots near the chimney, filling them with carrots, straw, or sugar for Sleipnir to eat. Odin would then reward those children for their kindness by replacing Sleipnir’s food with gifts or candy! Eventually, the use of Christmas stockings began to replace boots. 8. In other countries, the figure of St. Nicholas was blended with local pagan folklore. In Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway, the original bringer of gifts at Christmastime was the Yule Goat. 9. In the 1840s, an elf in Nordic folklore called “Tomte” or “Nisse”– a short, bearded man dressed in gray clothes and a red hat– started to deliver the Christmas presents in Denmark. This new version of the folkloric creature was obviously inspired by the Santa Claus traditions that were gradually spreading to Scandinavia. 10. By the end of the 19th century this tradition had also spread to Norway and Sweden, replacing the Yule Goat entirely. Even though the tradition of the Yule Goat as a bringer of presents is now gone, a straw goat is still a very common Christmas decoration in all of Scandinavia. READ MORE: 80 Christmas Traditions Around the World (with Fun Facts) ![]() Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa Claus) 11. In the Netherlands and Belgium, presents are delivered by Sinterklaas (another name for Santa), who is often called De Goede Sint (“The Good Saint”) and De Goedheiligman (“The Good Holy Man”). His feast, known as Sinterklaasfest, dates back to the Middle Ages and originally combined philanthropy to the poor with parties of Carnival-style excess. The feast takes place on December 6, and eventually came to be celebrated in many countries around the world. 12. Most of the iconic imagery we associate with Santa Claus actually started with Sinterklaas, who was a blend of pagan and Christian traditions. Like St. Nicholas, he’s elderly, with long white hair and a full beard. He wears a long red cape over a white bishop’s vestment, carrying a ceremonial shepherd’s staff. Just as Odin rode Sleipnir, Sinterklaas rides a white horse. Where Odin’s ravens told him whether kids were naughty or nice, Sinterklaas’ helpers do the same. He keeps his checklist in a big, red book he carries with him. 13. In the Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas has helpers commonly known as Zwarte Piet (“Black Peter”) in Dutch. Popularized by an 1850 book written by Amsterdam-based teacher Jan Schenkman, the character is said to be black because he’s a Moor from Spain. People portraying Zwarte Piet typically wear blackface make-up, colorful clothes from the Renaissance era, curly-haired wigs, red lipstick, and earrings. This has led to controversy, with critics calling it an offensive racial stereotype reminiscent of the Dutch colonial era. 14. Schenkman’s book, Sint-Nicolaas en zijn knecht (“Saint Nicholas and his Servant”), is also credited with introducing what would become traditional Dutch images of Sinterklaas. These included scenes of him delivering presents by going down the chimney, riding over the roofs of houses on a horse, and arriving from Spain by steamboat. Today, the Dutch holiday season traditionally begins in mid-November, when Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat at a designated port, then parades through the streets on his horse. 15. Some 26% of the Dutch population gives presents on both Sinterklaas Day and Christmas Day. In Belgium, presents are given to children only, but to almost all of them, on Sinterklaas Day. On Christmas Day, everybody receives presents, but often without the help of Sinterklaas. READ MORE: The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe ![]() Father Christmas (British Santa Claus)16. The figure later known as Father Christmas first appeared in Christmas his Masque, a 1616 play written by Ben Jonson. In the festive production, “Old Christmas” was portrayed as a jolly, well-nourished, bearded man dressed in a fur-lined robe. He personified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas. He was accompanied by his 10 children, whose names included Wassail, Carol, Misrule, and Minced-Pie. 17. Father Christmas was considered controversial in those pre-reformation days after the English Civil War. The government, which was controlled by Puritans, wanted to abolish Christmas and its traditional customs because they considered it a Catholic holiday. Supporters of King Charles adopted Father Christmas as a symbol of their cause because he represented bountiful feasting and good cheer. It wasn’t until Victorian times that he started being associated with giving gifts to children. 18. Father Christmas first became known outside the UK as “the Ghost of Christmas Present” in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. In that holiday classic, he was portrayed as a large, genial man who takes Ebenezer Scrooge through the bustling streets of London on Christmas morning, sprinkling the essence of the holiday onto the happy populace. The book, which depicts Scrooge reluctant to give Bob Cratchit coal for the fire, is also thought to have inspired the “lump of coal for naughty kids” tradition. 19. When Father Christmas first began showing up in illustrations, he wore many different colored robes, including green, purple, blue, and brown, among others. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that it first became popular to depict Santa Claus wearing a red suit. 20. By the early 1800s, pre-modern representations such as the historic St. Nicholas and the Dutch Sinterklaas had merged with the British Father Christmas to create the character now known as Santa Claus. Father Christmas is now considered to be one of the other names for Santa as they are now considered to be the same person. The British leave out beer or sherry for him rather than milk on Christmas Eve. READ MORE: 10 Best Environmental Charities for Holiday Donations ![]() Christkindl or “Kris Kringle” (German Santa Claus)21. The German Santa Claus was nearly eliminated for centuries by Martin Luther, the 16th German professor of theology who played a major role in the Protestant Reformation. With his native land divided between Protestants and Catholics, Luther wanted to rid Christmas of all its Catholic customs. To replace St. Nicholas, he introduced das Christkindl, an angelic Christ Child who would bring gifts to good girls and boys. Eventually this figure was replaced by der Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas) in Protestant regions and in the U.S., where Christkindl mutated into “Kris Kringle.” Ironically, Christkindl is still popular in the Catholic region of Bavaria. 22. There are actually dozens of different names used for the German Santa Claus. The four most popular names are Weihnachtsmann, Klaus, Nickel, and Niglo, each of which is more popular in a different region of the country. But there are countless other local names, with most more commonly associated with December 6 (Niklolaustag, or St. Nicholas Day) than Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 23. When St. Nicholas arrives, he’s not accompanied by jolly little elves. In Germany, his companions are more malevolent characters, with different names in different regions. They’re known as Aschenmann, Bartl, Boozenickel, Hans Trapp, Klaubauf, Belsnickel/Pelznickel, Ruhklas, and Knecht Ruprecht, and all of them are pretty darn frightening. Collectively known as the Nikolaus-Begleiter (Nicholas Companions), these sinister souls reflect the twisted darkness of the Grimm Brothers fairy tales, which were based on ancient Germanic folklore. 24. The most famous of these St. Nicholas companions is Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon creature with a hideous face, horns, fangs, and a long, pointed tongue. Legend in the Alpine countries holds that Krampus comes to punish the naughty children. Some versions of the traditional folklore suggest he’ll swat them with birch branches, while others involve a sack for taking them to Hell. He traditionally appears during festivals on Krampusnacht (December 5), the night before the feast of St. Nicholas. 25. As early as 1555, St. Nicholas brought German children gifts on December 6, which was the only “Christmas” gift-giving time during the Middle Age. Now, on the night of December 5 or 6, a man dressed as der Heilige Nikolaus (who resembles a bishop and carries a staff) goes from house to house in small communities in Austria and the Catholic regions of Germany in order to bring small gifts to the children. READ MORE: 20 Best Festivals in the World (includes Krampusnacht) ![]() Père Noël (French Santa Claus)26. Known as Pére Noël, the French Santa Claus has a keen sense of style. Instead of the traditional red hat with a white pom pom on top, Père Noël has a fur-lined hood built right into his cloak, which is also trimmed with white fur. Not only does this (presumably fake) fur cloak make the French Santa more fashionable, it’s also more practical when flying across the night sky at light speed! 27. In the period leading up to Christmas, French children write letters to Père Noël (the French name for Santa) in class at school, asking him for certain presents. A fun fact is that, in 1962, a law was passed in France decreeing that all letters written to Santa would be responded to with a postcard so that when a class writes letters, each pupil gets a response. 28. In the Franche-Comté region of eastern France, on the border with Switzerland, Père Noël is not nearly as popular as la Tante Arie (Aunt Arie). She is said to be the reincarnated form of Henriette de Montbéliard, the Countess of the County of Montbéliard. This fanciful fairy is said to always be accompanied by her donkey, Marion, and to reward good children with gifts and naughty children with nothing but a boot filled with twigs. She’s also believed to perform miracles for virtuous, hardworking, charitable people. 29. Instead of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa in France on Christmas Eve, the children leave carrots and other treats for Père Noël’s flying donkey, Gui (the French word for mistletoe). Apparently the French really have a thing for Christmas donkeys! 30. There are no presents under the tree for French kids on Christmas Day. Instead, Père Noël brings toys after the evening Mass on Christmas Eve. Well, the good children get presents from Père Noël. But naughty children may instead encounter Le Père Fouettard (“the father whipper”), a nasty bad guy in black robes who– as his name implies– whips children who don’t behave. READ MORE: Real Christmas Tree vs Fake Christmas Tree: Which is Better? ![]() HISTORY OF SANTA CLAUS IN AMERICA31. If you love Santa Claus but don’t like immigrants, consider yourself a hypocrite. It was Dutch immigrants who originally brought the legend of Saint Nicholas (who was known to them as Sinterklaas) with them to New Amsterdam, which we now know as New York City. They also brought the Christmas traditions of their homeland, which included giving gifts and sweets to children on December 6, the day of his feast. 32. In Washington Irving’s satirical story History of New York(1809), Sinterklaas was Americanized into the name “Santa Claus.” This name for St. Nicholas was first used in the American press in 1773. But by then the character had lost his bishop’s apparel. He was instead pictured as a big-bellied Dutch sailor with a pipe and a green winter coat. Irving’s story may also be the first time Santa was depicted as sliding down a chimney to deliver presents. 33. John Pintard, who founded the New York Historical Society in 1804, also deserves his fair share of credit for making jolly old St. Nick more popular in the US. It was he who launched the society’s first annual St. Nicholas anniversary dinner on December 6, 1910. To honor the occasion, he commissioned artist Alexander Anderson to create the first known American image of the saint. The portrait pictures Santa leaving treats in children’s stockings hanging by a fireplace. The accompanying poem reads, “Saint Nicholas, my dear good friend! To serve you ever was my end, If you will, now, me something give, I’ll serve you ever while I live.” 34. Many of our current ideas of what Santa Claus looks like came after the publication of the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” in the Troy, New York Sentinel on December 23, 1823. Initially published anonymously, the famous poem– which is better known today as “Twas The Night Before Christmas”– was later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. Modern details originally established in this poem included riding in a sleigh that lands on the rooftop, having 8 reindeer, and carrying a bag full of toys. 35. One of the first artists to define Santa Claus’s modern-day image was Thomas Nast, a German-born cartoonist of the 19th century. Nast was best known as a political cartoonist, particularly for his pro-Union work during the Civil War and creating the Republican Party’s iconic elephant. But in 1863 he created his most enduring work, when his famous illustration of “Merry Old Santa Claus” appeared in Harper’s Weekly. The story that Santa lives at the North Pole may have been a Thomas Nast creation. His 1866 collage of engravings titled Santa Claus and His Works included the caption, “Santa Clausville, N.P.” READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA ![]() THE COCA-COLA SANTA CLAUS CONNECTION36. Early illustrations of Santa Claus often pictured him as a stern, commanding disciplinarian holding a birch rod. The image of the jolly old elf we know and love today was created by artist Haddon Sundblom for Coca-Cola advertisements, which debuted in The Saturday Evening Post in 1931. The popularity of Sundblom’s images spawned urban legends that Santa Claus was invented by the Coca-Cola Company, or that Santa wears red and white because they’re the colors used to promote the Coca-Cola brand. 37. Coca-Cola was not the first soft drink company to utilize a modern image of Santa Claus in its advertising. White Rock Beverages used Santa to sell mineral water in 1915, and then in advertisements for its ginger ale in 1923. Coca-Cola first used Santa for its Christmas ads in the 1920s, but they were not nearly as popular as Sundblom’s Coca-Cola Santa Claus. 38. Sundblom’s early paintings of Santa Claus were actually based on a live model– his buddy Lou Prentiss, a retired salesman. After he passed away, Sundblom began using himself as a model, painting while looking into a mirror. This led to a huge hullabaloo one year, when Santa’s belt was backwards! He also used other real people as models for his paintings, with the children based on his neighbors and a poodle in a 1964 painting belonging to his neighborhood florist. 39. In 1942 Sundblom introduced a new friend for his Coca-Cola Santa, known as “Sprite Boy.” The character, who appeared in Coke’s Christmas ads for nearly two decades, was named for the fact that he was a sprite (another name for an elf). The company didn’t actually introduce the Sprite beverage until the 1960s. 40. Sundblom’s Coca-Cola Santa Claus became one of the 20th century’s most successful ad campaigns. His indelible images were used in magazines, store displays, billboards, posters, calendars, and plush dolls, many of which are valuable collectibles today. He created his final Santa painting in 1964, but his art went on to be exhibited at the Louvre, the Royal Ontario Museum, and many more famous museums around the world. Many of Sundblom’s original paintings can now be seen at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. READ MORE: Atlanta Christmas Events: 50 Things to do for Christmas in Georgia MISCELLANEOUS SANTA FACTS41. During the Protestant Reformation, St. Nicholas was relegated to being Jesus’ sidekick, and looked nothing like the Santa Claus of today. In Germany he was known as Ru-laus (Rough Nicholas), Aschenklas (Ashy Nicholas), or Pelznickel (Furry Nicholas). Protestants also turned the Devil into St. Nick’s helper in an attempt to demonize the Catholic saint, hoping their faithful flock would associate Santa with hellfire and damnation. 42. Although Santa/St. Nicholas has been celebrated for over 1,000 years now, Mrs. Claus didn’t get a single mention until the 1849 publication of A Christmas Legend, a short story by James Rees. She was later popularized by Katherine Lee Bates’s 1889 poem “Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride” (the term “Goody” was short for “Goodwife,” or “Mrs.”). 43. Spanish children widely prefer the Three Kings (a.k.a. Three Wise Men) over Santa Claus when it comes to Christmastime gift-givers. In Spain, kids write letters to Los Reyes Magos– Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar– who bring the children gifts either the night before, or on the morning of, the Epiphany (January 6). The children usually leave a drink for each of the Three Kings, as well as some food and drink for their camels. 44. During Joseph Stalin’s reign in Russia (1924-1953), he attempted to eradicate Santa Claus and Christmas altogether in favor of a more secular “Winter Festival.” Russians commonly believe that an elderly woman named Babouschka purposely gave the wise men bad directions to Bethlehem so that they couldn’t find Jesus. Now, Babouschka visits Russian children on January 5, leaving gifts at their bedsides in the hope that one of them is the baby Jesus and she will be forgiven. 45. Introduced in 1823 in The Night Before Christmas, Santa’s reindeer were originally named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder and Blixem. Dunder and Blixem were later changed to Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer didn’t come along until 1939, when Robert L. May created the character in a book for the Montgomery Ward department store. 46. In the Czech Republic, Santa comes on December 5, which is known as St. Nicholas Eve and considered a separate holiday from Christmas. That night, he normally arrives accompanied by one or more angels and devils. After asking the children if they’ve been naughty or nice, he asks them to sing a song or recite a poem. If they’ve been good, he gives them a basket of presents, often containing chocolate and fruit. If they’ve been bad, the devil might give them a lump of coal. READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Christmas Traditions in Mexico ![]() 47. Naturally the Hawaiian Christmas holiday has a tropical theme. Hawaiian Santa Claus and his elves wear aloha shirts instead of fur-trimmed suits. Some households import real Christmas trees from the mainland, while other decorate palm trees with lights and ornaments and use outrigger canoes and dolphins to resemble Santa’s sleigh and reindeer. The most popular Christmas dinner is a community or family luau, complete with roast pig and colorful Christmas leis. 48. The popular department store Santa tradition dates back nearly 130 years. The first one was Massachusetts entrepreneur James Edgar, who took on the role back in 1890. Edgar, who owned a small dry goods store in Brockton, Massachusetts, came up with the idea of dressing up in a Santa Claus costume as a marketing tool. Children from all over the state came to see him. The tradition of kids getting their picture taken with Santa dates back to at least 1918. 49. Countless kids around the world send letters to Santa Claus each Christmas season. The three countries that send the most letters are France (1.7 million), Canada (1.35 million), and the United States (just over a million). So where do all these letters to Santa ultimately go? In the United States, they’re sent to Santa Claus, Indiana! 50. In Norway and Denmark, children usually leave rice pudding for Santa. Swedish children do the same, along with a hot cup of coffee to help him have the energy he needs to keep delivering presents all night long. READ MORE: The Best Food Gifts From Around the World (The Ultimate Gourmet Guide) ![]() 51. When traveling through Iceland, Santa can look forward to a traditional Icelandic bread known as laufabrauð. In Australia, Ireland, and Britain, he is often left a glass of beer or sherry for extra Christmas cheer! 52. While most people recognize Santa’s home as being the North Pole, there’s actually a town in southwestern Indiana that could give the North Pole a run for its money. Fittingly named Santa Claus, the town is proclaimed as “America’s Christmas Hometown.” And it’s suitably filled with Christmas-themed attractions. There are a ton of famous locations in Santa Claus, IN, such as the 1880 Santa Claus Church, the Santa Claus Post Office (where all letters to Santa in the U.S. are sent), and a 22-foot-tall statue of jolly ol’ St. Nick. You can also find Santa himself visiting the cheerful town during the holiday season. 53. In 1927, Santa received his airplane pilot’s license from then-Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics, William P. MacCracken. Also in the photo (which can be found in the U.S. Library of Congress) is Clarence M. Young, the Director of Aeronautics for the Department of Commerce. While visiting to get his license, Santa was also given official airway maps to help him navigate the skies on Christmas Eve, along with the assurance that there would be lights illuminating the sky to help him see at night. 54. On the night before Christmas, many eager kids look to NORAD to track Santa’s whereabouts in the hopes that he will soon be at their house. Interestingly enough, this modern-day Christmas tradition began with an accident. A young child accidentally called the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) in 1955, believing she was calling Santa after seeing a listing in a local newspaper. The commander on duty realized the mistake, but promised the young child that CONAD would help guide Santa on his travels. From there, the tradition went on to NORAD when it was formed in 1958. Every year since, millions of families have tuned in to the NORAD Santa Tracker to keep tabs on the jolly old elf as he sets out on his Christmas gift-giving journey. 55. Santa Claus is an incredibly popular character that has been featured in hundreds of songs, movies, and TV shows. He even made his way into the Marvel Universe in the 1991 holiday special, The X-Men Meet Santa Claus. There we learned that Santa has more magical powers than we originally thought, and is actually one of the most powerful mutants in the world (according to Cerebro, Professor X’s m utant-detecting device). The comic book explains that Santa has special abilities including immortality, weather manipulation, telepathy, immunity to the cold and heat, and gravity manipulation, among other powers. 56. With over 2.1 billion children and an average of 2.5 children per household, Santa must make 842 million stops in 32 hours on Christmas Eve. His round-the-world trip takes him some 218 million miles, with toys estimated to weigh in at over 400,000 tons. Assuming all of the households he visits leave out two cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, he consumes around 374 billion calories, 33,000 tons of sugar, and 151,000 tons of fat in one night! Hope Santa has a good personal trainer in the off-season… –Bret Love READ MORE: Countries That Don’t Celebrate Christmas ![]() ![]() COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SANTAWho is Santa Claus?Where is Santa Claus from?How old is Santa Claus?What is Santa Claus’ real name?What is the origin of Father Christmas?What is the German Santa Claus’ name?What is the French name for Santa Claus?What is the origin of the American Santa?Did Santa used to be Green?Why does Santa wear red and white?Did Coca Cola make Santa red?
The post The History & Names for Santa Claus Around The World (with 55 fun facts!) appeared first on Green Global Travel. The History & Names for Santa Claus Around The World (with 55 fun facts!) published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr The History & Names for Santa Claus Around The World (with 55 fun facts!)
0 Comments
Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel. [Updated 10/26/21] Making recycled Christmas decorations at home is a fantastic opportunity to slow down and savor the holiday season.It gives us a chance to spend some quality time with our family and friends, not to mention avoiding the ever-increasing consumerist trappings of the holiday season. Using waste materials for our homemade holiday crafts is even better. It means that we aren’t producing more garbage in the course of our celebration, nor are we spending money to buy Christmas decorations we could easily make ourselves. But still, we’re fully embracing the festive spirit of the season. When we give our DIY Christmas crafts as gifts, it means that much more, because– to paraphrase Dr. Seuss– it comes from our hearts and minds rather than some big box store. From an environmental perspective, the following homemade Christmas décor ideas help us demonstrate our respect for the planet. Rather than treating its resources as if they’re disposable, we’re upcycling them to create something perfectly in the spirit of the season. And if we’re being honest, isn’t it just as important that the process of making these Christmas crafts is just plain fun, and fills our holidays with joy? READ MORE: 80 Christmas Traditions Around the World ![]() ![]() Recycled Christmas Decorations & DIY Christmas Crafts Ideas TOC
![]() Recycled Christmas DecorationsNo other holiday decoration is as common and beloved around the world as the Christmas tree. And no Christmas tree is complete without ornaments. The most treasured ornaments are usually those that come with personal memories attached. Whether it’s a photo of baby’s first Christmas, a casting mold someone made in kindergarten, or a project from high school art class, these snapshots in time often become family heirlooms. These time-honored traditions don’t have to stop just because the kids have grown up. Making DIY Christmas ornaments together as a family is fun, free, and full of home grown holiday cheer. There are a host of things that most of us already have around the house that you can use to make recycled Christmas ornaments. Scraps of yarn or thread come in handy. Old lids from jars or bottles can be painted and transformed into ornaments. Cookie cutters, puzzle pieces, and board game parts that probably haven’t seen the light of day in years can all make cool Christmas ornaments. Even old light bulbs can be quickly converted into glass baubles. READ MORE: 25 Symbols of Christmas: The History & Meaning of Traditional Christmas Decorations ![]() 1. How To Make Sheet Music AngelsThere are many different ways to make Sheet Music Angels, which you can hang on your tree or give as homemade Christmas gifts to your friends and family. There are tons of instructional how-to videos available to watch for free on YouTube, but this is one of the easiest methods we’ve found.
READ MORE: Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate For Christmas ![]() 2. Christmas Paper ChainsSome craft projects are easy to do. The materials are easy to come by. And when they’re done to a silly extent, somehow they come off looking amazing. Paper chains are among the simplest recycled Christmas décor you can make at home. One paper chain looks a bit sad and anemic. But when a dozen long, colorful chains are strung around a room, it somehow magically transforms the space into a holiday wonderland. Paper chains can be made from all sorts of recycled stuff. Materials we’ve used in the past include newspapers, old coloring books, comics, magazines, junk mail, paper bags, spent wrapping paper, old maps and so on. Looking to entertain children? Have them color pictures on the paper before the chains are linked together. This is a great family activity, and it’s a Christmas craft project that’s hard to mess up. READ MORE: 15 Recycled Christmas Cards Crafts for Kids ![]() 3. Holiday SignsFor those who don’t mind doing a little carpentry (or who have become hip to the DIY pallet projects scene), scrap wood can fuel creative ideas for perfect DIY Christmas decorations. Pallet planks are the perfect size for your source materials. But old scraps of plywood, one-by-fours, poster board, or even cardboard can also work well. Using actual wood makes the decoration look a bit classier, but kids could work on cardboard to decorate their own rooms. The process is simple. You take a scrap of wood (varying the sizes has a nice effect), sand it, and paint it with holiday sayings or lyrics from your favorite Christmas carols. If lettering isn’t your specialty, try simple pictures, such as a tree, a gift, or a candy cane. Otherwise, the wood can simply be Christmas colors: red and green stripes, solid red or green or white, or an abstract blend. Dot them around the house or stake them in the yard for a splash of holiday cheer. READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Christmas Traditions in Mexico ![]() 4. Suspended Paper SnowflakesThe traditional vision of a snowy white Christmas still feels as heartwarming as ever. But with the world gradually getting increasingly warmer due to climate change, these days those snowy winter wonderland days are in increasingly short supply. Making paper Christmas decorations is a wonderful pastime many of us may remember from grade school (or the modern holiday classic about Buddy the Elf). As with paper chains, when a dozen or more snowflakes are hanging down from the ceiling, they look amazing! Even in an increasingly paperless world, many of us find ourselves knee deep in old paper. There are flyers, bills, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and any number of other ways paper can worm its way into our trash heap. So instead, why not recycle your unwanted paper and use it to make snowflakes? Check out this link for instructions on how to make awesome 3-D snowflakes, but try using homemade glue instead of tape. READ MORE: NYC Christmas Window Displays ![]() 5. Memory WreathIn the world of upcycling, any DIY craft project that can take lots of small things and turn them into one striking item is a project worth doing. When it comes to recycled Christmas decorations, making holiday wreaths made from repurposed materials is easy, and the results can be amazing. These wreaths can transform a lifetime of memories into joyous holiday décor you can hang on the door. These are the best kinds of homemade Christmas decorations, because the only limit is your imagination. Old toys, knickknacks, ornaments, puzzle pieces, board game pieces, cookie cutters, and all manner of Christmas-themed keepsakes can be nestled together in the form of a wreath. By attaching all of your upcycled trinkets to a themed memory wreath, you’ll be creating something new that can be proudly displayed and appreciated in an entirely different way. READ MORE: Real Christmas Trees vs. Fake: Which is Better? ![]() 6. DIY Nativity SceneWhen most people think about making Christmas decorations, nativity scenes probably aren’t the first craft project that comes to mind. But making a nativity scene, from the stable and the animals to little baby Jesus, can lead to a series of fun DIY Christmas decoration projects. Nativity scenes start with the stable, which is as easy as finding a box you can decorate. With Christmas coming up, boxes will likely be arriving in the mail regularly, so the source material should be an easy find. With some craft materials, twigs, and dried grass clippings, this part is easy to make. Next, it’s a matter of creating Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the Wise Men, and whoever/whatever else you’d like the scene to include. These figurines can be made from toilet rolls, match boxes, simple cardboard cutouts or even wine corks. Some people like to use army men, plastic weird animals, wind-up toys, or even LEGO figures. It’s your holiday, so have fun with it! Making a nativity scene as a recycled Christmas decoration has the added benefit of being a fun way for kids to be reminder that the holiday season isn’t only about wish lists and candy canes. READ MORE: Countries That Do Not Celebrate Christmas ![]() 7. Wine Bottle Crafts for ChristmasBefore we go off to our holiday parties and other events, before we sit down for our dinners and deserts, why not make a recycled Christmas decoration to serve as a centerpiece for the feast? With friends and/or family coming to visit, most of us will undoubtedly serve (and/or drink) a few glasses of wine to add extra holiday cheer. This will likely leave at least one empty wine bottle lying around. Wine bottles are a versatile recycling material for making Christmas decorations. They stand tall and proud, already have an attractive shape, and can hold things inside like a vase. Here are some cool options for what to do with the wine bottle itself:
Once the bottle is decorated, it can also be adorned with things:
This kind of holiday centerpiece definitely ties the room together, and it’s the sort of detail that moves the table from feeling humdrum to full-on festive, even without the feast and roast beast. READ MORE: The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe ![]() 8. Natural DIY Christmas DécorAs the chill of winter fills the air, a lot of natural debris tends to accumulate in the yard. There are a host of twigs, pine cones, and fallen branches and logs to contend with. Don’t send this detritus to the dump! That’s crazy, because they’re good for both the garden and for making recycled Christmas décor. So are pine needles, and clippings from the rosemary bush. Going natural with homemade Christmas decorations adds a simple rustic touch around the holidays. Fasten twigs together in the shape of a tree, or bind them at the ends to make stars. Fill a wooden bowl with pine cones and tufts of pine needles. Take a cool looking piece of wood and make it into a yule log. To create a wonderful smelling wreath, snip lengths of rosemary and fold them into a circle. These miniature wreaths can be hung around the house, or use them around candle votives for an extra touch of greenery. No waste, all natural! READ MORE: The 20 Best Environmental Charities & Animal Charities for Holiday Donations ![]() 9. DIY Christmas Crafts: Mason JarsThose of us who have learned to avoid plastic packaging, and instead buy stuff in glass jars, inevitably build up a collection beyond anything we’ll ever need. But instead of sending them off to be recycled, why not consider turning them into homemade Christmas gifts everyone will love? It may take a little more time than buying tiny junk gifts for acquaintances and co-workers. But old jars can easily be upcycled to make nice DIY Christmas crafts they’ll actually appreciate. With a little decorative creativity, glass jars can be turned into awesome gift containers. They can be stuffed with food, such as Christmas cookies or hot drink mixes. They can be filled with holiday snacks—nuts and dried cranberries, chocolates, or other sweets—and put out on the coffee table for holiday guests to enjoy. They can also be used as containers for sewing or shaving kits. They can be made into candle jars. Add a bit of ribbon and a homemade name tag, and an old jar quickly becomes a memorable Christmas gift with a personal touch. Check out this great cookie mix recipe and other great mason jar Christmas gift ideas from The Frugal Girls… READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA ![]() Peppermint Crunch Dark Chocolate Cookie Mix in a JarINGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
BAKING INSTRUCTIONS: Attach a label or add these instructions to the top of the jar’s lid.
READ MORE: The History of Chocolate (& How Chocolate is Made) 10. DIY Christmas CollageThe images of Christmas time are a many-splendored thing, and seemingly no one decoration could contain them all. Or, so one would think. A homemade Christmas collage is a magnificent way to combine many of the special symbols of the holiday season into one thematic work of art. And when it comes to making DIY collages, most of us have a whole host of waste materials on hand we can use. Check out the YouTube video above of a homemade Christmas Collage that recycles wrapping paper, gift tags, and magazine clippings to create artful Christmas memories your family will treasure forever. Christmas cards are a fantastic sentiment to send to friends and family each year, but they usually just end up in the garbage. The same can be said for wrapping paper. There are also lots of Christmas ads in the newspaper and magazines. All of these items can be upcycled for making festive DIY Christmas collages. And these collages can be more than just something to hang. Consider covering the table with one, or even decorating an entire wall or door. READ MORE: 15 Ways To Reduce Waste & Move Towards Waste-Free Living 11. CHRISTMAS BOTTLE CAP PINSWhen it comes to Christmas, sometimes even the smallest gifts can make the biggest splash. Pins (a.k.a. buttons) are a perfect case in point. Wearing a simple festive pin on your lapel or sweater has the power to bring about a smile, spread the holiday spirit, and maybe even garner a compliment or two. Homemade holiday pins are perfect to wear yourself or give as small gifts. They’re easy to create and can be made from all sorts of stuff. With bottle cap pins, the possibilities for DIY Christmas decorations are endless. Making them only requires a safety pin and glue, and you can put the image on the outside or inside of the cap. It can be as easy a gluing a photo of Santa (or a snowman, or a reindeer) from wrapping paper or a magazine ad. Old ornaments and Christmas decorations are another good source for inspiration, and Pinterest is littered with free-to-download images that you can use. Artistic folks might like to paint their own seasonally appropriate images on the inside of a bottle cap. Since bottle caps can’t be recycled, you’re giving both your friends and the earth a great gift! READ MORE: The History & Names of Santa Claus Around The World How To Make A Bottle Cap PinITEMS:
INSTRUCTIONS:
READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate New Year Traditions Around the World ![]() 12. DIY ADVENT CALENDAR IDEASAdvent calendars are a beloved holiday tradition in many homes, counting down to Christmas Day. But they’re typically a one-use item that just creates more waste. Instead, why not make them at home, from garbage you already have on hand? That way, the advent calendar can be themed however you like—whether it’s Santa Claus or Frozen or the Nativity—and filled with homemade treats and prizes. For some fun DIY Advent Calendar ideas check out these suggestions below:
Decorate them with some holiday cheer using recycled wrapping paper, ribbon, etc. Then number the containers from one to 25. Finally, fill your upcycled advent calendar with fun stuff like hand-written jokes, holiday treats, Bible scriptures, or whatever suits your fancy. It makes the whole project more personal. READ MORE: The Best Christmas Light Displays in Georgia ![]() 13. SNOWMAN CRAFTS FROM TIN CANSThe holiday season is filled with big-time food for big crowds of people. And that means there will probably be an abundance of tin cans around, of varying sizes. With a little paint and some imagination, these cans can make cool Christmas decorations. One of our favorites is the tin can snowman. It starts with three tin cans of different sizes and some white paint. Minimalists might stop there, but a lot more can be done to make your Frosty feel fancy. Make a quick sojourn into the sewing kit and you might find be a few colorful buttons to make a face and coat. A spare piece of ribbon from the present-wrapping stash could be turned into a scarf. A bit of felt or construction paper could make a carrot nose and a top hat. These homemade Christmas decorations are a great project for the kids to do. Then they can set their recycled holiday décor out on display for grandma and grandpa to admire. READ MORE: Atlanta Christmas Events: 50+ Things To Do for Christmas in Georgia 14. CHRISTMAS CRAFTS WITH TOILET PAPER ROLLSSantas made from the insides of toilet paper rolls are one of the easiest Christmas decorations to make, possible for toddlers and entertaining enough for adults. Plus, all the trimmings the kids will need in order to make a nice toilet roll Santa are already lying around the house. The toilet roll is the perfect rotund, jolly shape necessary for making St. Nick’s body. It’s just a matter of painting or drawing the red suit onto the toilet roll and creating a simple hat out of construction paper or some ribbon. Then you add a bit of fluffy cotton in the appropriate spots to form the beard, the hat, and the fur-lined coat. But if you’re someone who always recycles your old toilet paper rolls, then don’t let the fun stop there. Toilet paper rolls are the ultimate medium for making Christmas decorations. They can be used to construct dainty wreaths, festive utensil holders, and all sorts of fun Christmas characters. If this article inspires your Christmas craft-making spirit, check out these 20 ideas for more Christmas crafts made out of toilet rolls. READ MORE: 10 Natural Travel Toiletries You Can Make at Home ![]() 15. DIY CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGSThe crux of making our Christmas memories more special is often in the little details that seem to go unnoticed at the time. One of those tidbits is the gift tag. Sure, there are plenty of options to buy them cheaply at the store, but they’re also quite easy to make out of old cereal boxes. This simple DIY Christmas craft is definitely not one that requires a lot of concentration or talent. Anyone who can work scissors, even rudimentarily, can cut a box into a handful of rectangles. This is also a great way for reusing last year’s Christmas cards. For parents who are really looking to keep their little elves busy around the holidays, the picture side of these homemade gift tags could be painted with solid colors, stripes, snowmen or whatever else comes to mind. Adding a splash of artistic flair would only make the tags even more special for the recipient. Rather than going out to buy bits of paper or cardboard to make gift tags, just use what’s already around. Then, afterwards, what’s left can go into the recycling bin. READ MORE: 125+ Best Gifts for Travelers (& Every Travel Style) ![]() 16. HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS POSTCARDSMy wife, Emma, is British. One thing I’ve learned over the last 15 years is that Brits just love exchanging cards, and especially at Christmas. Across the pond, it seems like everyone is displaying this year’s Christmas card collection. The sentiment is fantastic. It’s a lovely thing to let someone know you’re thinking of them, and a card is but a simple holiday gesture for doing so. The problem is that, at the end of it all, everyone is left with dozens of Christmas cards. That’s a lot of rubbish! One interesting way to avoid tossing all those cards into the recycling bin is to turn them into next year’s Christmas postcards. Most of the time these cards have a front cover with a seasonal picture on it, but the back part of it is left blank. To make it into a homemade card, simply cut off the picture portion and reuse the blank part to create your own Christmas postcard the following year. This reduces waste and saves money, yet still gets the sentiment of good holiday cheer across. READ MORE: NYC Christmas Window Displays (Free Walking Tour) 17. CHRISTMAS CRAFTS MADE FROM SOCKSGetting new socks for Christmas is a tradition that dates back to a time when people actually had to make their own socks. It may not be the flashiest of gifts, but sometimes gifts are practical and perfect. If this happens in your home, it’s likely that a lot of old socks are ready to be tossed right around Christmas time. But rather than throwing them away, old socks can be easily transformed into recycled Christmas décor. The obvious and simplest example would be a sock snowman. That’s just a white sock stuffed with rice at the bottom (a little weight in the bottom helps to keep it upright), and then filled at the top with whatever is light, fluffy, and handy. Use white string to form it all into a couple of snowballs. Of course, your snowmen can be much more creative than that. They can have little crocheted hats and scarves, buttons for eyes, and a tiny piece of carrot for the nose. You can also use old socks of different colors to make craftier creatures such as penguins, reindeer, or even Santa himself. Just a head’s up: Whatever you do, don’t throw old socks away. Spread the word that used clothing (even dirty old socks) can be recycled, just as we would bottles and cans. It’s important! READ MORE: The Best Travel Clothing ![]() 18. HOMEMADE SNOW GLOBESThose with a backlog of jars and lids on hand have the basic materials for my favorite recycled Christmas decoration, the snow globe. Snow globes are a surprisingly easy Christmas gift to make at home, and they can entertain some recipients for hours. It starts with finding an empty jar with a lid, then some old Christmas tree ornaments to create your mini winter wonderland. Use a hot glue gun to affix the ornament(s) artfully to the lid, and then fill the jar with water, glitter, and just a bit of glycerin. Once your homemade snow globe looks just the way you want it to, simply screw the lid back on and glue it to keep it shut permanently. Then turn it over and watch the snow swirl! This is a perfect way to use up old ornaments or recycle Christmas decorations from the past. It breathes some new life into them, and makes a perfect homemade gift for the folks you love. READ MORE: Going Green: 60 Simple Tips For Earth Day & Every Day ![]() 19. FAMILY CHRISTMAS GAMESWith each passing Christmas, it seems like we find more and more reasons to tune into our tiny screens and out of the family scene. A surefire fix for that is to make a fun DIY Christmas game to play together. Family Christmas games don’t have to be anything new. They just have to be themed appropriately. A few crayons and some paper are all you need to make Christmas bingo cards. Rather than printing something off from the internet, have everyone draw their own bingo cards on cardboard boxes. Use chestnuts or chocolate kisses to cover what’s been called. Christmas bowling is another great game that’s easy to make at home. Old tin cans can be painted to depict Christmas characters such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty, elves, and so on. Then they can be set up like bowling pins. Or, using those same painted cans, we make a pyramid. Then we ball up a sock to make a “snowball” and see who can knock them all down in one toss. These DIY family Christmas games are simple, but sweet. And they provide the sort of homespun fun that people will remember for years to come. READ MORE: 40 Fun Facts about Thanksgiving Around the World ![]() 20. HOMEMADE WRAPPING PAPERWrapping paper is something that, for the most part, only moms really care about. Everyone else is usually just itching to rip that paper off and get to the present. Unfortunately, that used wrapping paper cannot be recycled. However, we could swaddle our homemade Christmas gifts in homemade wrapping paper. Rather than buying fancy stuff, why not use out-of-date newspapers, recycled paper bags, or the plain brown paper that comes with Amazon shipments to wrap the presents? You (and/or your children) can paint, stamp, or draw seasonally appropriate pictures all over the paper before the gift is wrapped. Who isn’t going to love that? In fact, the paper might just get more attention than the present you wrapped it with! For the just-so people who are worried about appearances, a well-placed bow or ribbon can go a long way towards making a Christmas present wrapped in newspaper look classy. READ MORE: Green Global Travel’s Amazon Shop ![]() 21. Christmas Wine Cork CraftsAs the holiday season progresses, many of us will have gone through several bottles of wine. With each cork popped, we get a crafty little morsel we can work with. Wine corks are great craft material for recycled Christmas decorations. Corks are easy to transform into all sorts of things. They’ve been used to make cutting boards, pot rests, bulletin boards, bathmats, stamps and, of course, holiday decorations. The easiest way to create wine cork Reindeer is to use two corks– one for the head and another for the body. Then use two multi-pronged twigs to work as antlers, four single-pronged twigs to work as legs, one to be the neck, and another short one for the tail. Some folks also like to add a tuft of red at the nose or a jingle bell collar. Other wine cork Christmas crafts include painting the cork like Santa, then adding colorful accoutrements— cotton buds, buttons, etc.— to complete the festive look. Also, try gluing a big collection of corks together into three circles to make a snowman. READ MORE: Winter Adventures (& Reindeer!) in Finnish Lapland ![]() 22. Recycled CD Craft Ideas for ChristmasMany of us Gen X and Gen Y folks have steadfastly held on to our CDs and DVDs. We worked so hard to amass a collection, only to see technology breeze by us with on-demand movies, tv, and music. It’s a difficult step to bid those discs goodbye once and for all. However, when the time is right, they can be used for recycled Christmas décor. One easy way is to simply cut them up into festive shapes (oh, the agony!) and hang them as shimmery Christmas tree ornaments. For those more inclined to get into a craft project, CD letter chains are easy-to-make Christmas decorations. Either paint the CDs or cover them with glued-on bits of leftover wrapping paper, and either paint or craft some letters to go on them. Spell out seasonal words and phrases to hang on the wall, along banisters, beneath door jambs, or wherever else might need some sprucing up. For those with massive collections, recycling CDS (and cases) is a thing, so please go that route if and when you do choose to throw them out. READ MORE: Top 5 Irish Folk Music Artists for St Patrick’s Day 23. Recycled Paper Beads for ChristmasPhysical magazines seem to still be hanging around, despite the fact that most publications these days are available via internet. For some of us, the feel of an actual magazine or newspaper is just too alluring to give up in favor of comparatively tiny digital screens. Luckily, we know how to make Christmas decorations out of paper, so those periodicals can get extra play. Newspapers have a multitude of uses, such as starting that open fire for roasting chestnuts. But magazines, with their glossy pages, are a bit more troublesome. That being said, magazines can be snipped to use the images or text to create collages, cards, and so on. Magazine pages also make really nice recycled paper beads. Here’s how:
These beads can be strung together to wind around a Christmas tree or hung over a figurine. A string of beads– particularly beads painted in appropriate colors– can become a first-rate recycled Christmas decoration. READ MORE: How I Became a Professional Freelance Writer 24. DIY Christmas Stockings From SweatersEveryone loves a good Christmas sweater competition. But let’s be honest, most of the time these sweaters are one-hit wonders, which means they’re getting tossed (whether in the trash or the Goodwill bin) with a lot of life left in them. Instead of throwing them out, they could be repurposed into awesome rustic Christmas stockings. For those not particularly skilled at sewing, fear not. This only requires rudimentary stitching, and very little of it at that. Simply take an old sweater and press it flat on the table. With some paper or cardboard, create a template for the size and shape of stocking you’d like. Cut around the template, making sure to get both sides of the sweater. Stitch around the edges with some ribbon or thread, but be sure to leave the top open. Once the basic stocking shape is there, add some jingles, sparkles, lettering, or whatever extras make it feel right before hanging it on the mantle. This is a cool Christmas decoration to make for loved ones, especially if the sweater has special memories! READ MORE: How to Save Money for Travel by Buying Secondhand Gear ![]() 25. DIY Tomato Cage Christmas TreeFor those who love gardening, Christmas can be a trying time. After all, the weather isn’t really right at this time of year for getting out and growing tomatoes. So why not learn how to make Christmas decorations from garden implements? The silver (bell) lining is that those tomato cages can still come in handy during the wintertime. Nothing works quite so well as those conical tomato cages for holding our tomato plants proud and tall all summer. Then, in the winter, they can be turned the other way around—pointy end on top—to make outdoor Christmas tree displays! With the large circle as a base on the ground, pin together the three spikes that normally go in the ground with a star or angel made from tie wire. Then, assorted homemade ornaments can be hung from the wire cage. They look pretty cool, and they can turn the garden festive while times a-wasting. READ MORE: An Intro to Permaculture Gardening ![]() 26. DIY Christmas Garland IdeasGarland is perhaps one of the most overlooked but effective DIY Christmas decorations at our disposal. It’s literally strewn with festivity and, for those of us doing it ourselves with recycled or natural materials, options abound. Some of the materials for making homemade garland– paper chains, painted CDs, handmade paper beads, paper snowflakes– have already been discussed. But there are other options, too. Natural items like sprigs of holly, pine cones, and evergreen boughs provide a lovely Christmas feel. Most Christmas tree vendors will even give you their extra clippings for free! Of course, stringing popcorn is a classic Christmas craft idea. We like to alternate ours with popcorn and cranberries, which look lovely even as they dry out during the holiday season. And if properly stored, they can last several years. For recycled garlands using thin cardboard boxes (such as from cereal or pasta), crafty people might like to cut out various Christmas symbols—bells, trees, angels, snowflakes, candy canes, gifts, etc.—and fasten them together. Old clothes pins can also be painted to look like Santas, snowmen, and various other Christmas characters, then clipped onto lines as normal. READ MORE: 25 Awesome Plastic Free Products ![]() 27. Homemade Gingerbread Playdough MenWhile not exactly recycled, it’s easy to make natural, compostable playdough from ingredients that most of us already have in the kitchen. All it takes is a cup of flour, a cup of water, ¼ cup of salt, a tablespoon of cooking oil, and two teaspoons of cream of tartar. Adding a bit of cocoa powder or food coloring to this can make it a light brown hue. Making playdough at home is a cinch. First, stir up all the ingredients in a pot and heat the mixture on medium until it forms a playdough-like solid. Then spread it out to cool and knead it a little when it’s mild enough to touch. Now it’s playdough, and ready for all sorts of Christmas crafts. The playdough can be rolled out and cut into gingerbread men (assuming there’s a gingerbread man cookie cutter around). For that matter, why not utilize whatever Christmas cookie cutters you have? Obviously, this is a really fun project to do with kids. Once the shapes are made, perhaps decorated with gum drops or what-have-you, just leave them out to harden. READ MORE: Lebkuchen Recipe (German Christmas Cookies aka German Gingerbread) ![]() 28. Christmas Crafts Made From Old GamesIf your family home is like mine was, you undoubtedly have a trunk, closet, or attic full of forgotten board games and puzzles boxes with missing pieces. The beauty of these things when you start Christmas crafting is that they provide an essence of play, which is the perfect feeling to harness for holiday décor and gifts. Puzzle pieces can be painted red and white, then glued together in the shape of a candy cane. Old Scrabble letters can be linked together to spell out holiday-related words. Lots of board games have little tidbits that can make cool ornaments for the tree, or fodder for garlands or wreaths, or figures for quirky Nativity scenes. The key is to tap into your inner child and let the creativity flow. Better yet, for those with literal children in the house, let them have some fun! Heck, it might even result in a family night of board games, with no smartphones or iPads necessary. After the games are over, the bits and pieces can later be transformed into homemade Xmas decorations. READ MORE: 45 Pieces of Advice I Would Include in a Letter To My Younger Self ![]() 29. DIY Christmas CrackerMy wife Emma is from the United Kingdom, and Christmas is not Christmas in the UK if there isn’t a Christmas cracker. For those unfamiliar, this is not some sort of appetizer though it is usually part of Christmas dinner and enjoyed before the actual feasting. Christmas crackers look a bit like an enormous piece of candy, tubular and wrapped in paper like a Tootsie Roll. However, when pulled apart, they pop, and they’re filled with a few select items (none of which are actually edible). They usually have a cheesy Christmas joke, a paper hat (more like a crown), and a trinket. It’s easy to make your own DIY Christmas cracker at home with recycled toilet paper rolls and repurposed wrapping paper. The internet can supply a plethora of cheesy Christmas jokes. Paper hats can be made out of newspapers. The trinkets can be something as simple as a small Christmas ornament or an old board game piece. The prizes generally seem like something you’d get from a Cracker Jack box. Though it is possible to buy little inserts to make the bang when homemade Christmas crackers are pulled apart, Emma and I prefer to make funny noises with our mouths instead. It provides some laughs, without creating unnecessary trash. READ MORE: Top 10 Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland ![]() 30. DIY Gingerbread HouseThough it’s easy to go to the store and buy a kit to make gingerbread houses at home, skipping the steps seems to take a lot of the fun out of the tradition. Making a DIY Gingerbread house from scratch is much more fun. Not only are they the ultimate homemade Christmas decoration, but they provide delicious aromas (and sneaky treats) in the process. Many of the ingredients are things most people have around anyway, and it doesn’t create a bunch of extra packaging when made at home. The house itself could be composted if it isn’t eaten. And let us not forget that the whole process is fun, and fairly easy. Here’s how:
READ MORE: The 25 Most Unusual & Unique Hotels in the World ![]() 31. Tin Can Christmas LanternsDuring the holiday season, when it feels like the cooking never really stops, you’ll probably find yourself with a bunch of leftover tin cans lying around. If you clean them up, there are a ton of different crafts you can upcycle them into, including tin can Christmas lanterns. First, tear off any outside paper until the cans are bare, then paint them. Just make sure to use paint that’s safe for use with fire if you plan on putting a candle inside. Next, decide what design you want the light to shine through and use a sharpie or pen to mark out the pattern. Then carefully poke holes through the dots, using either a hammer and nail or drill. If you want to hang your lanterns, make two holes on opposing sides of the top, then poke some sort of wire through them. Lastly, add either a votive candle or fairy lights and enjoy your festive lanterns! READ MORE: The Best Food Gifts From Around the World (The Ultimate Gourmet Guide) ![]() 32. Snowman Lightbulb OrnamentIf one of your lightbulbs burns out, don’t throw it away! It can easily be transformed into a cute snowman ornament for your Christmas tree. Even after Santa has come and gone, you can keep these adorable little snowmen on display around the house until Spring rolls around. The first step is to paint the entire bulb white. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even paint a layer of glue over the white and cover it in iridescent glitter. Now it’s time to bring your snowman to life. Grab a black sharpie or paint pen and draw on two eyes, a smile, and buttons. If you have orange paint, you can even add a classic carrot-shaped nose! After the paint has dried, cut out a strip of felt or scraps of fabric to glue on to for his scarf. You can also add mittens if you’d like. Once your snowman looks just right, glue a piece of string or wire to the top and you’ve got yourself a homemade ornament! READ MORE: The Best Gifts for Campers, Hikers & Nature Lovers ![]() 33. Christmas Clothespin CraftsIf you have old clothespins lying around, there are endless crafts you can transform them into with just some paint, glue, and a little creativity. Dreaming of a white Christmas? Paint a few clothespins white and glue them together in the shape of a snowflake. Then you can hang them around your home or on a Christmas tree for some winter wonderland décor. Got some green paint? Paint three clothespins green and glue them together in a triangular shape to make a Christmas tree. From there you can cut out yellow paper to make a star tree topper, and add colorful ornaments as well. Or you could paint a couple more clothespins green and glue them onto a circular piece of cardboard to make a wreath. You can also bring them to life by turning individual clothespins into reindeer, snowmen, nutcrackers, and Santas by painting them their respective colors and adding the individual features of each one. READ MORE: The Best Fair Trade Clothing & Ethical Clothing Brands ![]() 34. 3D Cardboard Christmas TreesSince online shopping has dominated the Christmas gift-buying game in recent years, most of us are sure to have a cardboard box or two in the house when the holidays roll around. Instead of trashing them, you might want to keep some around for a fun craft that’s easy for the whole family. Start by drawing a simple Christmas tree shape on your cardboard panel, however large you’d like your tree to be. For each 3D Christmas Tree, you’ll need to draw one full tree and two half trees. Next, cut out the shapes and glue the pieces together, attaching the half trees to the each side of the full cardboard tree. Now it’s time to decorate! You can paint the tree green or white (for a snow-covered look), then glue on craft materials for ornaments. If you need some ideas, try buttons, pipe cleaners, glitter, pom poms, tinsel, sequins, craft gems, or stickers. READ MORE: 25 Biggest Forests inthe World (For Your World Travel Bucket List) ![]() 35. DIY Christmas Card WreathChristmas cards are such a special part of the holiday season, they can be hard to throw away. But there are better ways to savor the memories, rather than stuffing them into a drawer to never be seen again. When you use old cards to make this DIY Christmas wreath, you get a fun memory of making the DIY Christmas craft itself! Start by gathering all the Christmas cards you want to use, and then get creative with it. You can cut out all different shapes for a more homemade look, or use a stencil to make each card look like holly leaves or any other holiday shape. Then find some old cardboard and cut it into a circle, with the center cut out. Glue all of the cards on, add a ribbon for hanging, and you’ve got yourself a sweet and sentimental wreath to display during the holiday season. READ MORE: The 20 Best Cultural Festivals Around the World In the end, using recycled things to make DIY Christmas crafts and homemade Christmas gifts might be the perfect thing to help us regain our youthful enthusiasm for the holidays. It doesn’t cost as much as buying new (Charlie Brown would be so proud!). It isn’t damaging the planet (Mother Earth will be so relieved!). And it pushes us into the thoughtful, rather than capitalist, spirit of the season (Dr. Seuss will be delighted!). Most of us in the western world are fortunate to be able to celebrate the Christmas holidays however we like. And these easy Christmas craft projects offer a fun, yet meaningful way to show our appreciation for that blessing. –Jonathon Engels, with additional reporting by Christina Maggitas, Lead Image by Andrew Storms courtesy Flickr via CC 2.0 The post 35 Recycled Christmas Decorations & DIY Christmas Crafts to Make appeared first on Green Global Travel. 35 Recycled Christmas Decorations & DIY Christmas Crafts to Make published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr 35 Recycled Christmas Decorations & DIY Christmas Crafts to Make Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel. [Updated 10/25/21] Christmas has been celebrated as a Christian holiday dating back to A.D. 336.But it has also become an international phenomenon whose widespread popularity supersedes both its religious and pagan origins. Did you know that, while 70% of the planet’s population is not Christian, nearly 80% of the world’s countries observe Christmas traditions in one form or another? Many of the traditional symbols of Christmas transcend cultures and continents, including Christmas trees, gifts, ornaments, Santa (who’s known by many names), and, strangely, pickles. Yet Christmas legends and Christmas traditions around the world vary drastically, with each culture adopting their own customs, their own holiday folklore, and their own Christmas dishes. This in no way diminishes the religious implications for those who observe the holiday for those reasons. It’s more a testament to the power of these ancient Christmas customs– evidence that we all want to commune, commemorate, and care for one another. Each of those traditional Christmas symbols—evergreens, candy canes, wreaths, stockings— has a fascinating history that explains how it worked its way into the hearts of millions of people. So read on for a deep dive into the symbols of Christmas and learn the meaning of traditional Christmas Decorations- such as mistletoe, twinkling Christmas lights, and more! READ MORE: 80 Christmas Traditions Around the World Symbols of Christmas Guide
![]() 1. Advent CalendarAdvent calendars are special calendars used to count down the days until Christmas. Each day (starting on December 1st and running until the 25th) coincides with a small door that can be opened to reveal a Christmas picture, and sometimes even a piece of chocolate or small candy. The Advent calendar tradition is of German origin. It dates back to the mid-19th century, when German Protestants made chalk marks on doors or lit candles to count the days leading up to Christmas. Gerhard Lang is credited as the creator of the first printed Advent calendar, after being inspired by a homemade calendar his mother had made for him. He modified the original to include little doors, which have now become a staple of Advent calendars. Lang later co-founded the Reichhold & Lang printing company, which printed cardboard Advent Calendars. While this type is still around today, versions made out of different materials and designs are widely used in homes all across the world. READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA ![]() 2. Advent CandlesAdvent candles were originally part of the holiday wreath tradition, and the two combined as part of a long-standing Catholic tradition. That being said, there is historic evidence that Germanic people used wreaths and candles in the time before Christianity to provide hope during the dark days of winter. In fact, the Catholic Church didn’t actually adopt the tradition until some time in the Middle Ages! The four candles symbolize the number of weeks for Advent. Traditionally, three of these candles are purple, standing for prayer, penance, and preparation. The other candle, which is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, is rose-colored. It signals a time of rejoicing. New religious practices sometimes change the color of the candles to uniformly white. Regardless, the light of the Advent candles symbolize Jesus Christ as “the light of the world.” READ MORE: The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe ![]() 3. Angel Tree ToppersWith Christmas being primarily known as a Christian holiday, it’s no wonder that one of the most recognized Christmas tree decorations is the Christmas angel tree topper. The angel represents the role of angels in the birth of Jesus. As recounted in the most famous Bible story of all, angels appeared in the sky over Bethlehem to announce the savior’s birth. For many faithful Christians today, the Christmas tree angel is the culmination and highlight of their most meaningful holiday décor. READ MORE: 30 Recycled Christmas Decorations & DIY Christmas Crafts to Make ![]() 4. Boughs of HollyBoughs of holly were made famous by the opening line of the Christmas carol, “Deck the Halls.” The song was written by Scottish composer Thomas Oliphant in 1862, using a Welsh melody that dates back to the 16th century. But the red-berried greenery was an important wintertime accoutrement long before it earned a place of honor amongst our quintessential Christmas decorations. Ancient druids admired holly’s resilience, and regarded the plant as an emblem of eternal life. So while it was bad luck to chop down a holly tree, hanging boughs of holly in the home brought good luck. Romans connected holly with Saturn (their god of agriculture and harvest) and hung boughs of it for Saturnalia, the Pagan festival that many historians say ultimately became Christmas. Christians adopted the symbol many years later, assigning it a new meaning. For them, the red berries represented the blood of Christ, and the pointy leaves the crown of thorns placed upon his head as he was crucified. READ MORE: The Best Gifts for Campers, Hikers & Nature Lovers ![]() 5. Christmas BellsBells were a part of significant events and celebrations long before Christianity, and the noise they made was originally used to ward off evil spirits. Later, the bells were used to announce any big moment, good or bad, which is why they were used for the birth of Christ. As Christian churches expanded across Eurasia, bells became a standard feature of them because they announced the start of church services to the community. So Christmas bells were rooted in the ringing to announce church services on the holiday. Christmas bells later branched out into being used as musical instruments for children and carolers. As a result, they became one of the most common of all Christmas ornaments. READ MORE: Atlanta Christmas Events: 50+ Things To Do for Christmas in Georgia ![]() 6. Christmas Candy CanesWhen the Christmas tree was adopted in Germany in the 1600s, along with it came the tradition of hanging sweets on the tree. Included in the original sweets was a popular candy called a sugar stick. This traditional Christmas candy was straight and completely white. According to folklore, the curved crook was introduced to the sugar stick back in 1670, when a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral altered the shape to resemble a shepherd’s staff. Stripes weren’t added to the candy cane until the 20th century, some 200-plus years later. But no one is really certain how or why the stripes came to be. During the early 1900s, the peppermint and wintergreen flavors were added. The Christian legend of the candy cane has a different take. Some claim that the shape of the candy is actually a “J” for Jesus, and that the red and white stripes represent blood and purity. However, there is no historical evidence for this particular candy cane story. READ MORE: NYC Christmas Window Displays: A Free Walking Tour in New York ![]() 7. Christmas DoveYou can often find a white dove ornament perched between the branches of Christmas trees. But why? White doves have been a popular Christmas tree decoration and Christmastime symbol in general for centuries. The idea of associating doves with Christmas originated in the Bible. Following the Three Wise Men (who brought gold, myrrh, and frankincense as gifts to the baby Jesus), shepherds bore more modest gifts such as fruits, honey, and doves. The dove, which is referenced a number of other times in the Bible, represented peace on Earth, and has become a traditional symbol of peace during the holiday season. READ MORE: Countries That Do Not Celebrate Christmas ![]() 8. Christmas ElvesOriginating in Scandinavian, Germanic, and British folklore, elves were described as tiny, immortal creatures that possessed magical powers. They were believed to protect homes against evil and would reward good behavior, but play tricks on people if they misbehaved. These mischievous creatures made their way into Christmas folklore in the 19th century, when Christmas celebrations were gaining in popularity. Scandinavian writers created the elves’ role as Santa’s helpers, who would keep Santa’s naughty and nice list in order and help design and make toys for children. From there, elves became synonymous with Santa and the North Pole. They’ve made their way into many modern households through the “Elf on the Shelf” tradition. This involves a special elf being sent to a family’s home from the North Pole to keep an eye on the kids and see if they’re going to make the naughty or nice list. READ MORE: 15 Simple Recycled Christmas Cards Crafts for Kids ![]() 9. Christmas GarlandEvergreen boughs have been a part of winter celebrations for countless centuries, and the Winter Solstice has long had evergreen holiday garland among its many traditions. The evergreen originally provided inspirational persistence to help people get through the cold, dark days of winter. When Christianity came along, the Christmas celebration simply adapted this custom. But as the years have passed, most Xmas garland has morphed into something completely different. Artificial Christmas decorations now rule the day, and so we have garland made of everything from strings of lights and paper snowflakes to shiny tinsel. READ MORE: 5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate for Christmas ![]() 10. Christmas LightsChristmas lights were the brainchild of Edward Hibberd Johnson, who was Thomas Edison’s boss and a promoter of his inventions. Before Christmas lights were hung on real Christmas trees, people used candles, which obviously brought huge risks. With Edison’s light bulb invention and the holiday-related fire hazard, Johnson saw an opportunity. Johnson, who was part owner of the Edison Lamp Company, set up a window display that wowed the newspaper reporters of his day. People would visit just to admire the bulbs, just as we do with outdoor Christmas lights displays today. Astoundingly, the entrepreneur created an appetite for Xmas lights before electricity was even commonly available! Nowadays, some 150 million lights a year are sold in the US alone. READ MORE: 20+ Best Christmas Lights Displays in Georgia ![]() 11. Christmas OrnamentsAs mentioned above, the use of evergreen trees to observe winter holidays dates back long before Christmas was created. But the Christmas ornaments we use to decorate them are a mere 500 years old! In the 16th century, Germans began decorating their trees with real apples, candles, nuts, and berries. At that time, these trees were known as “paradise trees” (perhaps a reference to the Garden of Eden?). The puritanical early Americans were initially less inclined to adopt the Christmas tradition. That is until a depiction of Queen Victoria (who was married to German Prince Albert) included a decorated Xmas tree. Wealthy Americans soon followed suit, and businesses caught on to a profitable marketing scheme. By the late 1800s, the Woolworth department store was selling millions of dollars’ worth of German-imported Christmas ornaments every year. READ MORE: Eco Lessons We Can Learn in Quotes From The Lorax ![]() 12. Christmas PickleWhile many of us did not grow up with the Christmas pickle as a symbol of Christmas in our homes, these unique ornaments have become increasingly commonplace. And yet the origins of the pickle as a Christmas tree ornament remain up for debate. The Christmas pickle tradition holds that, once the children are asleep, parents will hang a glass pickle on the tree. The first child to spot the pickle on Christmas morning gets to open a special present. Some people think this odd tradition was passed down from Germany. Some believe a story about a Civil War soldier who was saved from starvation by a pickle. Others believe St. Nicholas once saved two boys from drowning in a pickle barrel. But Martha Stewart suggests that the Christmas pickle was most likely just a gimmick to sell more ornaments. Ultimately, who knows how this weird Christmas decoration came to be a common thing? READ MORE: The Best Food Gifts From Around the World (The Ultimate Gourmet Guide) ![]() 13. Red and Green Christmas ColorsWhen you think of Christmas colors, red and green immediately come to mind. And while nobody knows for certain how they became the unofficial colors of Christmas, there are a few theories… Many Christians see the colors as being inspired by the life of Jesus, with green representing the everlasting life of Christ (much like evergreen trees, which stay green all winter long) and red representing the blood shed during his crucifixion. Historians argue that the colors originated during the ancient celebration of Saturnalia, where Romans would hang boughs of Holly in their homes. The tradition of hanging red and green holly evolved into hanging other red and green decorations. But what really solidified red and green as Christmas colors was actually Coca-Cola! In 1931, they created magazine ads that featured Santa dressed in red (the brand’s trademark color) surrounded by a green border and writing. The ads became so popular that they defined the American image of Santa, and red and green were solidified as the colors of Christmas in most people’s minds. READ MORE: Homemade Christmas Gifts ![]() 14. Christmas Tree TinselOnce more, we return to German Christmas traditions to find the origins of tinsel. The original Christmas tinsel strands were not just colored silver: They actually were silver! Silver tinsel was actually made of silver that had been hammered out super thin and cut into strips. Unfortunately the smoke from candles on the Christmas tree turned the silver tinsel black, so tree tinsel evolved. Nowadays, it is found in many shapes and colors. There’s gold tinsel, multicolored tinsel, tinsel garlands, and Christmas trees made entirely of tinsel. Fortunately for our holiday budgets, there are no precious metals involved. READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate New Year Traditions Around the World ![]() 15. Christmas WreathAnother nod to the pagan (a.k.a. polytheistic) influence on Christmas, holiday wreaths are another variation on boughs of evergreen historically brought in to brighten homes during the bleak wintertime. However, the wreath actually made its first big stir in ancient Greece, where wreaths of laurel were worn somewhat like crowns. These laurel wreaths were donned by athletes who had won competitions, as well as by priests, brides, and guests of honor. Christmas wreaths, on the other hand, started off as ornaments rather stand-alone décor. Since then, lots of symbolic meaning has been given to the wreath. The wreath’s circular shape and evergreen material are said to represent eternal life. A German pastor converted it into a symbol of Advent by adding candles, with one for each week leading up to the holiday. READ MORE: The 20 Best Festivals in the World ![]() 16. Evergreen Christmas TreesAs we know by this point in our story, the history of Christmas trees started long before Christmas became the most important Christian holiday. Evergreen plants have long held symbolic significance during the wintertime. Among the ancient Egyptians, Celts, Druids, Romans, and Vikings, they were believed to keep evil and illness away. Germany is credited with the first legit Christmas tree, with a tradition that kicked off in the 16th century. This was when the triangular shape became a common thing, which added more Christmas tree meaning. Now, the three corners of the triangle represented the Holy Trinity of Christianity- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Americans were slow to adapt to this as one of the Symbols of Christmas, waiting until the mid-1800s. But now Christmas tree farms are in all 50 states, and tens of millions of artificial Christmas trees are sold here every year. READ MORE: Real Christmas Trees vs Fake Christmas Trees: Which is Better? ![]() 17. Giving Christmas GiftsChristmas gift giving is yet another continuation of pagan traditions, in particular the Roman festival of Saturnalia. Saturnalia began on December 17 and culminated a week later on December 24. During this celebration (which included a feast, drinking, gambling, and other makings of merry), presents such as pottery, fruit, nuts, and candles were exchanged. Though early Christians wanted to completely do away with the pagan traditions, church leaders feared a significant backlash in the case of Saturnalia. So instead we got Christmas gifts– an homage to the three wise men bringing the baby Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since then, Christmas presents have transformed into the fulcrum of the festivity. Of course these days the custom centers around children, with long lists of Christmas gift ideas sent to Santa so his elves will have time to make the toys. READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers (125+Travel Gift Ideas) ![]() 18. Hanging Christmas StockingsStockings hanging along the fireplace mantle is arguably one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas. Historians believe this tradition got its start before Christmas was widely celebrated, and that the real St. Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa Claus, Father Christmas, etc) was the catalyst. After his parents died in an epidemic, the Greek Christian bishop spent his life sharing the family fortune to help the poor and needy. He was known to drop gold coins into the socks of girls who couldn’t afford dowries. He would drop the riches down the chimney or through the window, and it would land in stockings that were hung to dry. The Christmas sock tradition in the US and Europe dates back to at least the 1700s. It even appears in the famous 1822 poem, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas”, also known as “Twas the Night before Christmas.” READ MORE: Best Environmental Charities & Animal Charities for Holiday Donations ![]() 19. Hanging MistletoeMistletoe was often part of ancient Druid and Celtic wintertime rituals. Back then the mistletoe plant was considered a cure-all with preternatural powers. However, the kissing under the mistletoe at Christmas tradition began with Norse mythology. Baldur, who was born to the Norse goddess Frigga, was supposed to be protected from every plant. But unfortunately Frigga forgot to have mistletoe agree to this edict. Consequently, the trickster god Loki fooled another god into killing Baldur with a mistletoe spear. After a failed attempt to revive Baldur, it became tradition that any two people passing under mistletoe would kiss in his memory. One last interesting mistletoe fact: The word is of Anglo-Saxon origin, with “mistle” meaning dung and “toe” meaning twig. So, linguistically, mistletoe translates to “dung on a twig.” Happy kissing! READ MORE: The Norse Gods: An Into to Viking Mythology & Key Sites in Norway ![]() 20. Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread)Gingerbread is among the most common go-to Christmas treats, providing the makings of both (gingerbread) men and (gingerbread) houses. But this holiday tradition actually began with German Christmas cookies, aka Lebkuchen cookies. Amazingly, 13th century monks are credited with creating these German gingerbread cookies. Well-baked German gingerbread is quite different from the dry, rigid gingerbread many of us have grown accustomed to. Instead, an authentic Lebkuchen recipe produces a much more cake-like (and very sweet) cookie. Lebkuchenherzen are heart-shaped and typically as big as dinner plates, and they are still a favorite Christmastime staple in Germany today. READ MORE: German Christmas Cookies- Lebkuchen Recipe (aka German Gingerbread) ![]() 21. Poinsettia PlantHow did the tropical poinsettia flower, which is native to Central America, become a part of one of the Symbols of Christmas? Legend has it that a young girl named Pepita was upset because she had no gift for the baby Jesus. When she was told that Jesus would love any present she had to offer, she picked weeds that she put near a nativity scene. The weeds transformed into the lovely red flowers we now know as red poinsettia. Pink and white poinsettia plants are a thing, too. In reality, the “flower” of the poinsettia is actually the plant’s leaves. The poinsettia plant was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first-ever U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who brought them home in the early 1800s. But displaying poinsettias for Christmas didn’t become a U.S. tradition until over 100 years later. Entrepreneur Paul Ecke Jr. sent them to TV studios across the country to promote the idea, and they are now one of the most popular plants sold in the United States. READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Christmas Traditions in Mexico ![]() 22. Santa ClausSanta Claus as we now know him is an amalgamation of international influences. His original persona dates back to the 3rd century in Turkey, where a monk named Nicholas was beloved for sharing his inherited family wealth to help the poor, sick children (and, oddly enough, sailors). He eventually became the most popular saint in all of Europe. After the Protestant Reformation, St. Nicholas remained especially revered in Holland, where he was nickname Sinter Klaas (a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas). Sinter Klaas made it to the US in the late 1700s, brought over by Dutch immigrants. Holding a feast on the anniversary of his death, December 6, was and remains a Dutch tradition. Santa’s popularity in the States escalated in the early 1800s, when he became a figure in New York history, This was partly due to John Pintard (of the New York Historical Society) and Washington Irving, who included him in a book, The History of New York. But jolly old St. Nick really made it big with the publication of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem, “An Account of a Visit from Saint Nicholas”. By 1820, American retail stores were using Sinter Klaas’s likeness to advertise at Christmas. And by 1840, Santa Claus himself was popping up in shops for children to visit. READ MORE: The History & Names for Santa Claus Around the World ![]() 23. Santa’s ReindeerOddly, the actual Saint Nicholas has no ties to reindeer whatsoever. He was from what is now Turkey, not anywhere near the animal’s natural domain. In fact, early versions of Saint Nick attached him to a ground-bound white horse. The first recorded account of Santa’s reindeer came in 1821, from a 16-page booklet with a poem titled, “A New Year’s Present: To the Little Ones from Five to Twelve. Part III”. The writer remained anonymous, but publisher William Gilley relayed that the author knew of a such animals from his mother’s account of the Arctic. In terms of his legend, Santa did not yet live in the North Pole at this time! A couple of years later, A Visit from Saint Nicholas upped the ante by not only having Xmas reindeer, but giving them a headcount (eight) and individual names. “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” didn’t appear until 1939. That’s when the most famous reindeer of all was introduced in a story by Robert L. May, a copywriter for Montgomery Ward. READ MORE: Alaskan Animals: 40 Species You Can See During an Alaskan Vacation ![]() 25. Yule LogBurning a Yule log is an incredibly old tradition that predates Christianity. It was originally used as part of Ancient Norse winter solstice celebrations, which eventually merged with Christmas holiday traditions in the early Middle Ages. Christians adopted many secular traditions from winter solstice festivals, which is why the word “Yule” and “Yuletide” (which are related to the Old Norse word jól, the name of the Pagan winter feast) are now associated with Christmastime. The Yule log tradition originally involved bringing an entire Yule log into a home, placing the larger end in the fireplace, and lighting a fire that would burn throughout the 12 days of Christmas. Today the tradition is less common, but the symbol of Christmas remains. Many families will burn a smaller Yule log during the holidays, or enjoy an edible Yule log (La Bûche de Noël) as dessert after their Christmas dinner. READ MORE: Traditional Food Around the World: 30 Famous Dishes You Can Make at Home ![]() 25. Star Tree TopperThe Christmas tree star topper comes from similar origins as the Christmas tree angel. According to the Bible, a star rose with the birth of Christ. It helped to guide people to his birthplace in Bethlehem so that they could worship him. So we put a star atop the Christmas tree to pay homage to the guiding light on that night. With the Christmas holiday gradually becoming more and more secular, star tree toppers might be a bit more commonly appreciated now simply for their shape. These days, trendy Christmas tree decoration designers are increasingly offering an array of unique Christmas tree toppers, including snowflakes, gingerbread houses, bows, and poinsettias. -–Jonathon Engels; with additional reporting by Christina Maggitas, lead photo by Jill Wellington via Pixabay ![]() ![]() The post 25 Symbols of Christmas: The History & Meaning of Traditional Christmas Decorations appeared first on Green Global Travel. 25 Symbols of Christmas: The History & Meaning of Traditional Christmas Decorations published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr 25 Symbols of Christmas: The History & Meaning of Traditional Christmas Decorations Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel. [Updated 10/25/21] It’s no secret among friends and family that we’re nuts for Christmas traditions, decorating our house from wall to wall and immersing ourselves in local holiday celebrations.In fact, it’s the one time of year that we simply refuse to travel. But even we didn’t know much about how Christmas traditions around the world is celebrated until we began researching this story. Hope you’ll find these 80 fun Christmas facts as fascinating as we did! Christmas Traditions Around the World TOC
READ MORE: 40 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving Around The World ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS1. The origins of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations such as Deus Sol Invictus (observed Dec 25), the Kalends (Jan 1-5), and Saturnalia (Dec 17-23). The Christian Church disapproved of these festivals and co-opted the holidays by declaring Dec 25 as Jesus’ birthday. 2. Mistletoe was held sacred by the Norse, the Celtic Druids, and Native American Indians, because it remains green and bears fruit during the winter when other plants seem to die. Druids thought the plant had the power to cure infertility and nervous diseases, and to ward off evil. 3. Long before there were traditional Christmas trees, the pagans revered evergreens as symbols of eternal life and rebirth. Because of their pagan associations, holly, ivy, and other evergreen boughs conventionally used for holiday home decoration were banned by the sixth-century Christian Council of Braga. READ MORE: 20 Symbols of Christmas: The History & Meaning of Traditional Christmas Decorations ![]() 4. Pope Julius I, the bishop of Rome, originally proclaimed December 25 the official celebration day for Jesus’ birthday back in 350 AD. 5. The city of Riga, Latvia holds the claim as home to history’s first decorated Christmas tree, back in 1510. 6. The midwinter festival of Yule has been celebrated by the Germanic peoples since at least the 4th century. Yule, which is also called Winter Solstice, is the longest night of the year and the time of greatest darkness. Some scholars believe the word yule means “revolution” or “wheel,” symbolizing the cyclical return of the sun. King Haakon I of Norway rescheduled the date of Yule to coincide with Christian celebrations held at the time. 7. According to old English folk tales, the Devil died when Jesus was born. So some towns developed a Christmas Eve tradition of ringing the church bells near midnight to announce the Devil’s demise. In England this custom was called tolling or ringing “the Devil’s knell.” 8. Scotland has historically made a much bigger deal of celebrating Hogmanay (the last day of the year, a.k.a. New Year’s Eve) than Christmas. In fact, the latter holiday was banned by the country’s Parliament for more than 300 years, and was only made legal again in 1958. The Grinch who Scrooged Scotland out of Christmas was 16th century minister John Knox, leader of the Reformation and founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. He believed Christians should only celebrate holidays mentioned in the Bible. So Christmas was strongly discouraged starting in 1583, and officially prohibited by law in 1640. READ MORE: The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe FUN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS9. “Find the pickle”– a pickle-shaped ornament hidden somewhere on the Xmas tree, with the person who finds it getting an extra present– is a common American Christmas tradition. But, though it’s mistakenly believed to be an old German tradition, nobody seems to know how the Christmas Pickle tradition started. One myth involves a Civil War soldier of Bavarian origin who’d been imprisoned by the enemy: He begged the guard for one last pickle before he died, and it gave him the will to carry on. Another myth involves St. Nicholas rescuing two boys from a pickle barrel. But the truth is that the legend was most likely started by retailers selling glass ornaments imported from Germany. The town of Berrien Springs, Michigan holds a pickle festival every year in December. 10. As you might imagine, Christmas traditions in Hawaii is a decidedly tropical affair. Many locals import their traditional firs and pines from the U.S. mainland, arriving long before the holiday starts on the Xmas Tree Ship. Others get creative, decorating palm trees with lights and ornaments and using outrigger canoes and dolphins to resemble Santa’s sleigh and reindeer. Jolly old St. Nick and his eyes wear aloha shirts instead of fur-trimmed suits. And of course the most popular traditional Christmas dinner is a community or family luau, complete with roast pig and colorful Christmas leis. 11. In the Marshall Islands, people prepare for Christmas months in advance, stockpiling gifts and dividing into jeptas, or teams, that hold song-and-dance competitions on Christmas Day. They also build a piñata-like wojke containing little presents (matches, money, soap) for God. 12. In Argentina, Christmas customs are a blend of American, European, and Hispanic traditions. Their celebrations typically include the boots of Father Christmas, red and white flowers, and putting cotton on Xmas trees to simulate snow. But most family gatherings in Argentina take place on Christmas Eve, with huge feasts, gifts exchanged at midnight, and children going to sleep to the sound of fireworks. 13. In Peru, December 24th, which is known as La Noche Buena (“the Good Night”), is the main day for celebrations. After mass, families go home to feast, open gifts, and toast each other at midnight. The most important decorations are pesebre– Nativity scenes intricately carved from wood or stone. Gifts are spread around the manger rather than a tree, and it’s considered lucky to be the one chosen to put the figurine of baby Jesus into the manger on Christmas Eve. 14. In spite of Ethiopia’s Christian heritage, Christmas is not an important holiday there. Most people actually call the holiday Ganna or Genna after a hockey-like ball game played only once a year, on Christmas afternoon. 15. People in Iceland will often exchange books on Christmas Eve, then spend the rest of the night reading them and eating chocolate. The tradition is part of a season called Jolabokaflod, or “The Christmas Book Flood.” As a result, Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country selling most of them between September and November. READ MORE: 15 Simple Recycled Christmas Cards Crafts for Kids 16. Early illustrations of Santa Claus pictured him as a stern, commanding disciplinarian holding a birch rod. The jolly old elf we know and love today was created by artist Haddon Sundblom for a Coca-Cola ad. 17. Tom Smith invented Christmas Crackers around 1846. He was inspired by the French habit of wrapping sugared almonds in twists of paper as food gifts. 18. On Christmas Day, tradition allows Lebanese children to go up to any adult and say, “Editi ‘aleik!” (“You have a gift for me!”). If the adult has a present to spare, the kids add this to their traditional Christmas morning haul. 19. Syrian children receive gifts from one of the wise men’s camels, purported to be the youngest and smallest in the caravan, who fell down exhausted at the end of the long journey to Bethlehem. 20. New clothes might not rank high on many kids’ Christmas wish lists, but Icelandic tradition suggests it should be their top priority! This is because anyone who has not received new clothes by Christmas will be eaten by the gigantic Jólakötturinn, or Yule Cat. The tale (which likely dates back to the Dark Ages) goes along with the Icelandic tradition of parents rewarding kids who finish their chores before Christmas with new clothes. On the other hand, if kids were lazy and didn’t get their work done, they would be visited by the terrifying Jólakötturinn. The monstrous feline is said to be bigger than the tallest house! READ MORE: 30 Recycled Christmas Decorations & DIY Christmas Crafts to Make TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNERS21. Have you ever heard of King Cake, the popular dessert served in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season? The Spanish have a similar tradition of serving a sweet bread ring known as Roscón de Reyes on January 6, during celebrations of Día de reyes (Kings’ Day), to commemorate the arrival of the 3 Wise Men. This traditional Christmas cake is usually topped with crushed almonds, candied fruits, and powdered sugar, and sometimes stuffed with whipped or almond cream. There’s usually a baby Jesus figurine (or a dry fava bean to represent him) stuffed inside the cake, and the lucky person who finds it gets to buy the following year’s roscón. 22. Fruitcake originated in ancient Egypt, where it was considered essential for the afterlife. 23. Roast turkey didn’t appear consistently on Christmas Day menus until 1851, when it replaced roast swan as the favorite dish of Royal courts. 24. Winning the award for longest preparation time, Greenland’s traditional Christmas dish, kiviak, takes a full seven months to prepare. It begins with hollowing out a seal skin and stuffing it with 500 auks– a sea bird (feathers and all)– to ferment. When the holiday rolls around, it’s served straight from the seal. 25. Christmas pudding was originally more than just a tasty treat. Small items such as coins (wealth) and buttons (bachelorhood) were put inside, and supposedly foretold what the New Year would bring. 26. On Christmas Eve in Poland, dinner cannot begin until the first star appears in the night sky, symbolizing the sight of the star of Bethlehem. But tradition dictates that the breaking of the oplatek– a Polish Christmas wafer– also has to happen before everyone can eat. An oplatek is a thin, tasteless wafer that is typically rectangular in shape and is often embossed with a traditonal Christmas symbol, such as the Nativity or the Star of Bethlehem. Once everyone is gathered around the table, each person will break off a piece of the wafer as they wish each other Merry Christmas, along with wishes for peace and prosperity. READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA 27. The candy cane’s origins can be traced back to Europe circa 1670, but it didn’t appear in the U.S. until the 1800s. They were generally all white until the 1900s, when they took on a shape representing Jesus’ hook for shepherding his lambs and colors representing purity (white) and Christ’s sacrifice (red). 28. There are 12 courses in the traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper, each of them dedicated to one of Christ’s apostles. 29. In Ghana many people observe a traditional folk libation ritual at Christmastime. In it, people drink from a cup and then pour some of its contents on the ground as a symbolic offering to their ancestors. READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate New Year Traditions Around the World ![]() 30. Christmas rituals in East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda are much more religious and less commercial than our western holiday. The most common gift is a new outfit to wear to church, and many people collect stones, leaves, and other natural items as a birthday present for Jesus. Roasted goats are often the center of the Christmas feast. 31. How’s this for a weird Christmas food? South Africa is home to some of the world’s most unusual holiday food fare. Every December locals feast on a seasonal delicacy– the deep-fried caterpillars of Emperor Moths! 32. Most people think of Japanese cuisine, which largely centers around seafood and rice, as being relatively healthy. So it may come as a surprise to know that family Christmas traditions in Japan include eating their big holiday meal at fast food giant KFC! 33. One of the more weird Christmas traditions occurs in Norway, where people hide all brooms in the house on Christmas Eve. This holiday tradition is dates back centuries, to a time when people believed mischievous witches and evil spirits would come out on Christmas Eve searching for brooms to ride on. Once Norwegian families had finished their Christmas Eve feast, they would hide their brooms to keep them from being stolen. While the belief in spirits roaming about isn’t as widespread today, the tradition of broom hiding continues in many households across Norway. READ MORE: Lebkuchen Recipe (German Christmas Cookies aka German Gingerbread) TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS SONGS34. “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” is one of the world’s oldest traditional Christmas songs, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages. Originally known as “In dulci jubilo” (“In sweet rejoicing”), the Medieval German and Latin text is believed to have been written by Dominican friar Heinrich Seuse around 1328. The music dates back to at least 1400, but historians believe it may have existed in Europe even earlier. J.S. Bach’s choral prelude and Robert Pearsall’s 1837 translation helped to popularize the tune. 35. The English version of “Good Christian Men, Rejoice,” arranged by Anglican priest John Mason Neale, is by far the most popular version of the song today. Interestingly enough, though Neale founded the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association, he’s most famous for composing lyrics for classic Christmas songs. His other famous works include “Good King Wenceslas” (which was set to the melody of a 13th century spring carol) and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (which was translated from an ancient advent hymn). 36. Some of the most beloved traditional Christmas carols came from countries where English was not the primary language. “Fum, Fum, Fum” originated in the Spanish region of Catalonia sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century. 37. “Il est né, le divin enfant,” which has been recorded by everyone from Plácido Domingo and The Chieftains to Annie Lennox, is a classic French carol. 38. “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” originally written in Latin in the 17th century, has been attributed to King John IV of Portugal. 39. “O Christmas Tree,” also known as “O Tannenbaum,” is based on a traditional German folk song. READ MORE: The 20 Best Environmental Charities & Animal Charities for Holiday Donations 40. These aren’t the only Christmas classics that originated in other cultures. “Deck the Halls” was originally a pagan Yuletide drinking song. The melody was taken from a 16th century Welsh song (“Nos Galan”) and the “fa la la” repetition possibly dating back to medieval ballads. The English lyrics (by Scottish composer Thomas Oliphant) didn’t come along until 1862. 41. Our favorite Christmas song, “Carol of the Bells,” was based on a Ukrainian folk chant, “Shchedryk” (known in English as “Little Swallow”). Composed by Mykola Leontovych, it was originally sung on New Year’s Eve and tells the story of a swallow flying into a house to sing of prosperity to come in the Spring. The song was performed at Carnegie Hall by the Ukrainian National Chorus in 1921, ultimately inspiring American composer Peter J. Wilhousky to rewrite it as an English Christmas carol in 1936. 42. One of the most popular American songs in the world, “Jingle Bells” wasn’t intended to be a traditional Christmas carol at all. Composed in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, the tune was actually written for Thanksgiving, and was originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh.” Although Pierpont was the organist and music director at a Unitarian Church in Savannah (where his brother was the minister), the song is decidedly secular. It was often used as a drinking song, with revelers jingling the ice in their glasses as they sang. READ MORE: Best Gifts for Travelers (125+ Travel Gift Ideas) THE ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS TREES43. According to legend, the first person to decorate a Christmas tree was Protestant reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546). He was so moved by the beauty of stars shining between branches of a fir tree, he brought one home and decorated it with candles for his children. 44. Germans made the very first artificial Christmas trees, using dyed goose feathers to look like needles of a pine or fir tree. 45. Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the U.S., became the first President to put a Christmas tree in the White House. Teddy Roosevelt banned the practice during his presidency, for environmental reasons. 46. The General Grant Tree in California’s King’s Canyon National Park was proclaimed “the Nation’s Christmas Tree” by U.S President Calvin Coolidge in 1926. The giant sequoia, which stands over 300 feet tall and estimated to be over 1,600 years old, is the third largest tree in the world. 47. Native to Mexico, the poinsettia was originally cultivated by the Aztecs, who called it Cuetlaxochitl (“flower which wilts”). The plant’s brilliant red color symbolizes purity for the Aztecs, and they often used the plant to reduce fever. READ MORE: Real Xmas Trees Vs. Artificial: Which Is Better? TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS48. The Christmas tradition of hanging stockings allegedly began with three poor sisters who couldn’t afford a marriage dowry. The wealthy Bishop Saint Nicholas of Smyrna (modern-day Turkey) saved them from a life of prostitution by sneaking down their chimney and filling their stockings with gold coins. 49. The tradition of tinsel, which was invented in Germany in 1610, is based on a legend about spiders whose web turned into silver when they were spun in a Christmas tree. 50. Spider webs are common Christmas tree decorations in Poland because, according to legend, a spider wove a blanket for Baby Jesus. Many Polish people consider spiders to be symbols of goodness and prosperity. 51. The Advent wreath began in Germany as a Lutheran tradition, but eventually spread to other Christian denominations, including the Catholic and Episcopalian Churches. The evergreen wreath traditionally has four candles around its perimeter (designed to mark the four weeks before Christmas) and a white candle in the center (to be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). It may also be adorned with berries or pinecones. The weekly lighting of each candle may be accompanied by prayer, Christmas carols, and/or snacks such as stollen or mulled wine. READ MORE: Countries that Don’t Celebrate Christmas 52. Round glass Christmas ornaments were inspired by the shape of apples. Apples were the original Christmas ornaments, put on the tree to symbolize the Garden of Eden. 53. In Greek culture, kissing under the mistletoe was considered an unspoken promise to marry your mate. 54. Though only 2% of the nation’s population is Christian, Christmas is a national holiday in India. Even non-Christians observe Christmas traditions such as lighting oil lamps along the perimeter of the home’s courtyard or roof. 55. The idea for electric Christmas light displays was first introduced by Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, in 1882. But it was American Ralph Morris who invented the type of lights we use today, adapting the from lights used in telephone switchboards in 1895. 56. One of Sweden’s more unique Christmas traditions is a Yule goat made of straw, who is believed to help guard the Xmas tree. Straw is commonly used for holiday decorations in Scandinavian homes, because it reminds them that Jesus was born in a manger. But the Yule goat’s origins likely date back to Germanic pagan traditions. In the Swedish city of Gävle, the community has come together to build a 43-foot tall straw goat at the start of advent every year since 1966. Unfortunately, pranksters burning the goat down has also become a tradition: In 50+ years, the Gävle goat has only lasted through the New Year a dozen times. 57. In the Philippines, one of the most iconic decorations for the holiday season is a Christmas lantern (or, as it is locally known, a paról). These lanterns are shaped like a star in remembrance of the star of Bethlehem, and symbolize hope and goodwill during the Christmas season. They’re traditionally made from bamboo and paper, and range from simple to incredibly intricate designs. During the holidays, they can be found hanging outside of people’s houses, across towns and villages, and even down the busy streets of bustling cities. 58. Día de las Velitas (Little Candles Day) is a holiday tradition that signifies the unofficial start of the Christmas season all across the country of Colombia. On the eve of the Immaculate Conception public holiday (December 7), the Colombian people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies, porches, and front yards in honor of the Virgin Mary. Lit candles can even be found in parks and along sidewalks and roads in celebration of the holiday. In addition to the candles, it is customary for houses in Colombia to fly a white flag emblazoned with the image of the Virgin Mary on the following day. READ MORE: NYC Christmas Window Displays WEIRD CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS59. The undisputed award for creepiest Christmas custom goes to Krampus, which was popularized in the US by a 2015 horror-comedy film. In the folklore of Central Europe, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon creature with a hideous face, horns, fangs, and a long, pointed tongue. Where St. Nick rewards good little girls and boys with gifts, legend in the Alpine countries holds that Krampus comes to punish the naughty. Some versions suggest he’ll swat them with birch branches, while others involve a sack for taking them to Hell. He traditionally appears during festivals on Krampusnacht (December 5), the night before the feast of St. Nicholas. 60. Bolivians celebrate Misa del Gallo (“Mass of the Rooster”) on Christmas Eve, with people bringing roosters to midnight mass to symbolize the belief that a rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. 61. In Guatemala’s villages, local men in devil costumes appear on the streets and chase children during the first week of Advent. The Devil’s reign ends on December 7 with a folk ritual known as La Quema del Diablo (“The Burning of the Devil”), where people pile objects they no longer want or need in front of their houses, scatter firecrackers on top of the heap, and set fire to it. 62. In Catalonia, Spain, they have a uniquely bizarre holiday tradition known as the Caga Tió, or pooping log. Kids will decorate a small log by adding wooden legs, a face, clothing, and a Catalan hat. They’ll keep the log in their home or school, feeding it small pieces of bread or fruit every day. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, they hit the Caga Tió with a stick while singing a special song encouraging him to poop out plenty of sweets, such as turrón (a popular nougat), for them. 63. In Estonia, people believed that the first visitor on Christmas, called the “first-footer,” would determine the household’s luck. Dark-haired men were seen as desirable first-footers, but women and fair-haired or red-headed men were often deemed unlucky READ MORE: 70 Cool & Weird Animals Around the World ![]() 64. “The Night of the Radishes” is one of the most fascinating Christmas Traditions in Mexico. On December 23rd, in Oaxaca, Mexico, competitors carve nativity scenes into large radishes, which are proudly displayed at the Christmas market. Oaxaca unique Christmas customs require land to be set aside for cultivating special vegetables just for this event. 65. The Norwegian tradition of Julbukk, or “Christmas goat,” finds groups of costumed people walking through their neighborhood on Christmas Day, entertaining people with songs in exchange for treats. These groups will bring a goat along or have someone impersonate a goat’s typically unruly behavior. If two costumed goats meet, they’ll often engage in a play fight to entertain the crowd. 66. According to Italian legend, a kind witch called “La Befana” flies around on her broomstick on the night of January 5th, bringing gifts to worthy children and lumps of coal to the naughty ones. 67. According to Greek legend, malicious goblins called “Kallikantzari” would come up from their underground homes on December 25th, and would play tricks on humans until the 6th of January. You could get rid of them by burning logs or old shoes, or hanging sausages or sweetmeats in the chimney. READ MORE: Atlanta Christmas Events: 50+ Things To Do for Christmas in Georgia FUN CHRISTMAS FACTS68. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was invented by Montgomery Ward copywriter Robert L. May in 1939, as a way to lure customers into the store. 69. Children in Brazil often receive gifts from the Magi on Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, as well as from Papai Noel on Christmas Eve. With no use for chimneys in the tropical climate, they believe Papai Noel enters via the front door, and travels via helicopter rather than a reindeer-drawn sleigh. 70. Puritan Oliver Cromwell made Christmas illegal in England from 1647-1660, claiming it was immoral to hold a celebration on one of the year’s holiest days. 71. In the Czech Republic, Santa doesn’t come on Christmas but on St. Nicholas Eve, which is December 5. That night, Czech children are excited to watch for Svatý Mikuláš (as he’s known in the local language) to show up. He normally arrives accompanied by one or more angels and one or more devils. He asks the kids if they’ve been good all year and also asks them to sing a song or recite a poem, then gives them a basket of presents, often containing chocolate and fruit. If they’ve been naughty, the devil might give them a lump of coal. As in the Netherlands and other European countries, St Nicholas’ Day is a separate holiday from Christmas. READ MORE: The 20 Best Christmas Light Displays in Georgia ![]() 72. Christmas cards, which originated in England, were first sent in the 1840s. 73. It takes Christmas trees around 15 years to grow to 6-8 feet. There are approximately 30-35 million Christmas trees grown annually. 74. In Costa Rica, the Christmas flower is the orchid. 75. Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas an official holiday, in 1836. It wasn’t declare a national holiday in the United States until 1870. 76. In Austria, farmers traditionally chalk the initials of the Three Wise Men on the archway above stable doors. 77. George Frederick Handel’s timeless Christmas classic, “The Messiah”, was first performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742. 78. The Canadian province of Nova Scotia leads the world in exporting three things: lobster, wild blueberries, and Christmas trees. READ MORE: The History & Names for Santa Claus Around the World (with 50 Fun Facts) ![]() 79. In January of 2003, after a decree of authorization by President Hosni Mubarak, Christmas was observed as a national holiday in Egypt. This marked the first time in the nation’s modern history that a Christian holy day was formally recognized by the Egyptian government. 80. Russia was never really big on Christmas customs during the Soviet era. Nowadays, their version of Santa Claus is known as Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost). He delivers presents to children a midnight on New Year’s Eve with the help of his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden.–Bret Love READ MORE: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Photo Gallery) ![]() ![]() Traveling for Christmas?Check out the following services we use! DollarFlightClub or Airfarewatchdog to find a cheap plane tickets. Omio for affordable European Train Tickets. Booking.com or Agoda to find a hotel deals. Viator for a stellar day tour. Lonely Planet for Travel Guides. World Nomads for Travel Insurance. AutoEurope for European Car Rentals TrustedHousesitters we’ve found great pet sitters to watch our house and love on our two dogs! Looking for essential Travel Gear?Check out these great options! The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men The Best Vegan Boots for Women & Men The Best Backpacks for Travelers Plastic Free Products for Travelers Best Camping Tents for Families Best Gifts for Travelers (125+ Travel Gift Ideas) The post 80 Christmas Traditions Around the World (with Fun Christmas Facts) appeared first on Green Global Travel. 80 Christmas Traditions Around the World (with Fun Christmas Facts) published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr 80 Christmas Traditions Around the World (with Fun Christmas Facts) Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel. [Updated 10/22/21] Although many of our blogging friends enjoy traveling to Christmas destinations around the world, we personally prefer a classic Christmas at home with our families. We really get into the Christmas holidays in the USA, embracing American Christmas traditions ranging from decorating our house (both inside and outside) with lights, wreaths, and garland to making homemade Christmas gifts. But now that my daughter is in college, we’ve begun to discuss other places to visit during Christmas (including seeing Mary’s dad’s family in New Jersey and Connecticut). So this year we decided to chat with some of our blogging friends to get their opinions on the best places to spend Christmas in the USA. They contributed tips on spending the holidays in big cities like Atlanta, NYC, and San Diego, and introduced us to tiny towns like Grapevine, TX and Leavenworth, WA. We even learned where to go for a white Christmas in North Pole, Alaska and Stowe, Vermont. So if you’re planning to spend your Christmas in America this year and love to travel, we hope you’ll enjoy these mini-guides on 25 best places to spend Christmas in the US! READ MORE: The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA Guide
![]() 1. Christmas in North Pole, AlaskaIf you’re looking for the best places to visit for Christmas in the USA, not many can measure up to spending Christmas in North Pole, Alaska. Located a 20-minute drive from Fairbanks International Airport, the beautiful town of North Pole is home to the permanent residence of Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Santa Claus House. The building’s candy cane-colored structure, combined with a ginormous statue of St. Nick (which was shipped in pieces and assembled on site), makes the Santa Claus House the focal point of the charming town. Even the roundabouts here mirror the candy cane theme. The attraction is open 365 days a year, and you’ll quickly forget what time of the year it is with just a few steps into Santa’s abode. There’s even a mini lounge/restaurant if you need a break to take it all in or grab a bite to ear while resting your legs. You can grab a souvenir photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and buy a few Christmas decorations for your family and friends. Then make your way to the “Antler Academy” next door to see the live reindeer there. If you’re spending a few days in North Pole/Fairbanks (which is highly recommended), the Pioneer Park and Chena Hot Springs/Northern Lights tour are a must. Spending a few days in the area definitely increases your chances of seeing the magical Aurora Borealis. The weather here in December is fairly tolerable, but be aware that weather in Alaska is always fairly cold. Make sure to layer your travel clothes and bring an insulated jacket to keep you warm. Winter boots are also a plus because of the snow we often receive. If you can’t stand the cold, a rental car with auto-start and insulated seats will be your best friend. For safety, we recommend getting an all-wheel-drive vehicle, or you can opt for a guided Fairbanks City tour from Get Your Guide. -Louisa Moje of La Passion Voutee READ MORE: History & Names for Santa Claus Around the World ![]() 2. Christmas in Phoenix, ArizonaSpending the US Christmas holidays in Phoenix is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the USA because you can celebrate, but with warm desert weather and outdoor fun (and no need for bundling up). For Christmas light displays and light shows, there are a bunch of options. Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo is a holiday staple. Tempe’s Fantasy of Lights Parade kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving, with a free parade that sees about 35,000 people (so get there early!), followed by a boat parade in December. Tlaquepaque’s annual Festival of Lights has over 6000 luminarias in the beautifully decorated Sedona arts village, and World of Illumination claims to be the largest Christmas light show in the world. But it’s best to do what the locals do and check out the incredible light displays individual homeowners put up. Valley residents go so over the top that news channels usually put together a map of the best in the area. Visitors are very welcome, but do be aware that you’re driving through private neighborhoods and be respectful in terms of volume. The best part of planning Phoenix as one of your Christmas trips isn’t the events, it’s the weather. You can expect warm, sunny days with crisp nights. Take advantage of it by exploring downtown (don’t miss the artsy Roosevelt Row area, especially for First Fridays) or head out on hikes. Try Camelback Mountain if you want tough hiking trails, or South Mountain or Papago for something more casual, but still scenic. -Jessica Elliott of How Dare She READ MORE: 75 Christmas Traditions Around The World ![]() 3. Christmas in Palm Springs, CaliforniaLooking for a great Christmas destination? Consider Palm Springs, California! Daytime temperatures are in the balmy 70s here, and snow is a rarity on the desert floor. But that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best places to go in the US for Christmas. The city kicks off its California Christmas season with the annual Festival of Lights parade, complete with Santa Claus, marching bands, and floats decorated with holiday lights. Held in downtown Palm Springs in early December, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. There are many fabulous light displays in and around Palm Springs, and you’ll want to drive around to view all of them. RoboLights is the biggest show of them all, with more than 8 million lights in a one-acre plot that features all kinds of sci-fi exhibits year round. In nearby Cathedral City, an entire street gets bedecked in so many lights and Christmas decorations that it’s called Candy Cane Lane! If you’re really missing snow, don’t fret. Just get tickets for the aerial tramway to the upper station on Mount San Jacinto. There, you are very likely to see snow, along with a lit Christmas tree. -Dhara of It’s Not About the Miles READ MORE: 30 DIY Recycled Christmas Decorations to Make at Home ![]() 4. Christmas in San Diego, CaliforniaVisiting San Diego, California for the holidays is arguably one of the best Christmas vacations in the US, especially if you’re looking to escape the cold. December temperatures here are usually in the mid 50s to low 60s and sunny. But they’re also known to reach the mid 70s, which is the perfect temperature to go out and explore. San Diego will offer you a seemingly paradoxical US Christmas. Did you get a surfboard and snow skis as presents? No problem! In San Diego, you can try them both out in one day. Maybe that explains why we celebrate the start of the Christmas season in San Diego with the arrival of “Surfin’ Santa,” rather than Christmas Carols. What better way to celebrate the American Christmas holidays than with an ice skating rink right on the beach? There’s perhaps no cooler Christmas experience than hitting the ice while looking at palm trees and hearing ocean waves crash in the background. Another fun Christmas event that’s usually held the first weekend in December is December Nights in Balboa Park, which is our biggest San Diego Christmas Market. Here you will find beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, booths selling treats and gifts, and traditional Glühwein as well as American Christmas food. Parking is a nightmare, so I would highly recommend taking either public transportation or Uber/Lyft. Did you know that Theodore Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) lived most of his life in San Diego? Each year, the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park puts Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on its schedule, and I highly recommend it. –Maria Haase of Maria Abroad READ MORE: 20 Symbols of Christmas: The History & Meaning of Traditional Christmas Decorations ![]() 5. Christmas in San Francisco, CaliforniaSpending a festive Christmas in San Francisco, California is amazing. Not only are the temperatures here fairly mild during the holidays, but the “City by the Bay” is one of the best Christmas cities in the US thanks to its excellent array of winter attractions. Macy’s is responsible for much of the city’s festive decorations. Every year on the day after Thanksgiving (a.k.a. Black Friday), the retailer sponsors the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Union Square. The entire area becomes lit up with Christmas decor, from the palm trees surrounding the square to Christmas wreaths hanging from the windows at Macy’s. Union Square basically becomes a magical Christmas wonderland. You can also get festive by ice skating at the Union Square rink, or adopting a puppy or kitten from Macy’s ground floor windows. But please adopt responsibly, and remember that these new family members will be with you, not just for a season, but for a lifetime. So why not explore San Francisco for a quick weekend this holiday season? -Constance of The Adventures of Panda Bear READ MORE: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Photo Gallery) ![]() 6. Christmas in Boulder, ColoradoBoulder is one of the best places to go for Christmas in the USA. Why, you may ask? Because there are so many things to do in Boulder in winter, especially around the holidays! The city lighting is impressive, with more 275,000 colorful LED lights and lighted ornaments illuminating Boulder’s Central Park. Since 1947, the giant star on Flagstaff mountain has shone throughout the holiday season, until just after the New Year. It’s worth visiting downtown Boulder just to see the Christmas lights and walk around Pearl Street Mall, where the Lights of December Parade is held every December. If you’re traveling with kids, the mall is also where children can visit Santa during St. Nick on the Bricks. Skiing at the Eldora Mountain is one of the most typical things to do in Boulder around Christmas and New Year. It’s so special going down the slopes skiing at that time of year, and having a hot chocolate at the Eldora Mountain Resort to warm up afterwards. There’s also special Afternoon Tea at different hotels (with special holiday beverages), and a huge Christmas tree at the Boulderado Hotel. If you have a sweet tooth, try the chocolate truffles made from Boulder microbrewery beer at Piece, Love, & Chocolate. If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate Christmas in the USA, Boulder, Colorado is a delightful winter wonderland. -Sara Rodríguez of Mindful Travel by Sara READ MORE: Real Christmas Trees vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Which is Better? ![]() 7. Christmas in Washington, DCIf you ask me, Washington, DC is one of the best places to visit for Christmas in the USA! The nation’s capital goes all out for the holidays, celebrating in a way only DC can. This includes decking the halls of the White House. During Christmas time, visitors can tour the Presidential residence and see the annual White House gingerbread cake, dozens of lavishly decorated Christmas trees, and an 18th-century nativity scene. Tip: make tour reservations through your Congressman’s office at least 3 months in advance, as these tours fill to capacity early. There’s also the National Christmas Tree and its surrounding 56 mini trees (one for each US state and territory). The U.S. Capitol building also has its own decorated Christmas tree, which is located just below the east steps. Other must-dos for Christmas in DC include attending The Messiah at the National Cathedral, “Enchant DC” (the world’s largest light maze, hosted at Nationals Park), and Zoolights at the Smithsonian Zoo. Weather in DC can be unpredictable in December. It can be 80º on Christmas Day, or it can be in the 20s and snowing. Highs are usually in the 40s and 50s, but check the forecast before going on a sightseeing tour! -Maggie McKneely of Pink Caddy Travelogue READ MORE: Countries that Don’t Celebrate Christmas ![]() 8. Christmas in Key West, FloridaIf you’re looking for a tropical Christmas in the USA, the Conch Republic of Key West, Florida is truly the place to be. Imagine swimming, snorkeling, and taking a Champagne sunset cruise on a schooner in the warm waters. You’ll be pinching yourself to believe that it’s really Christmastime, because the average temperature here in December is a comfortable and sunny 76ºF. The holiday season kicks off with the traditional Key West Christmas Parade down Duval Street in early December, and continues straight through the New Year. If you love the charming Key West architecture, check out a private walking tour, a trolley tour, or the Historic Inns Holiday Tour. The Nutcracker Key West at the Tennessee Williams Theater is also popular: It sells out quickly, so it’s best to buy your tickets early. But our absolute favorite way to get into the holiday spirit is at the Key West Bight Before Christmas. This is the traditional Lighted Boat Parade, with their festive bright lights glowing as they pass the judges in Key West Bight. Key West is truly unique, and one of the most memorable and best places to spend Christmas in the USA. -Lori Sorrentino of Travlinmad READ MORE: The Best Food Gifts From Around the World (The Ultimate Gourmet Guide) ![]() 9. Christmas in Orlando, FloridaA white Christmas may be the norm for many Americans, but Christmas in Orlando always means the possibility of shorts and flip flops. Even without the snow, Orlando is one of the best places to visit during Christmas, and goes all out in terms of decorations, from the myriad theme parks to local neighborhoods. The theme parks all have special holiday events and decorations, such as Grinchmas at Universal Studios and massive gingerbread creations at many of the Disney hotels. Many of the local communities also host special events and cover their houses, yards, and streets with festive Christmas decorations. There are also several outdoor skating rinks that pop up around the area. For something a little more unusual, check out the Winter Park Boat Parade. Boat owners deck their boats in Christmas lights and other Christmas decorations to show off once the sun sets. Jolly ol’ St. Nick usually makes an appearance on one of the boats. Orlando’s winter is considerably milder than the rest of the country, with highs reaching the 70s most days. There are occasionally waves of cold fronts, but in Orlando the cold doesn’t usually last more than a day or two in December. Most days are sunny, clear and beautiful. Even if you tend to prefer a white Christmas, give Orlando a try for the holidays one year. You may find that a green Christmas isn’t so bad after all! -Christine Wheeler of Live Love Run Travel READ MORE: Lebkuchen Recipe (a.k.a. German Christmas Cookies) ![]() 10. Christmas in Atlanta, Georgia
As a rare ATL native, I’ve been celebrating Christmas in Atlanta for 50+ years. And some of my favorite local holiday events date back to my childhood in the 1970s and early ’80s.
If you love twinkling lights, you’ll find plenty of Christmas light displays in Georgia. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens’ Garden Nights, Holiday Lights is a perennial favorite, as is Lake Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights. There’s also Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights, which NatGeo listed in the Top 10 Christmas Light Displays in the World.
Christmas in the South means you’re unlikely to get any snow (which is one reason many people consider Georgia and Florida the best places for Christmas in the USA)!
But for a taste of a deep south winter wonderland, visit Stone Mountain Christmas‘ Snow Mountain. You can also head downtown to Centennial Park to see the Chinese Lantern Festival and explore the city’s authentic German Christkindl Market, which features traditional singing and dancing, food, drink, and seasonal items in open-air booths.
Families with kids will enjoy riding the iconic Pink Pig at Macy’s Lenox Square, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center of Puppetry Arts, Celebrations in Lights at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium’s Festival of the SEAson, and much more.
You could go to a different attraction every day from November 15 to Xmas Eve, and you still wouldn’t experience half of the awesome things to do in Atlanta for Christmas. But that just makes this our family’s favorite time of year to explore our hometown. –Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel
READ MORE: Atlanta Christmas Events: 50+ Things to Do ![]() 11. Christmas in Savannah, GeorgiaIf you want to feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie, Savannah makes for one of the most enchanting destinations for Christmas holidays. The Historic District looks extra magical when its Southern-style mansions are all aglow with twinkle lights and draped in holiday greenery. Some of the most popular seasonal events include the Savannah Christmas Market, the Gingerbread Trail, and the Holiday Boat Parade. The Tour of Homes is a popular fundraising event that grants ticket-holders entry into mansions decorated like a Southern Living magazine cover. The most cheerful areas of Savannah during the holiday season include River Street, Broughton Street, and City Market. Plant Riverside is considered the Entertainment District, so expect colorful LED lights and live shows in that area. For a more traditional ambiance, stroll through Savannah’s Historic District and stop in Cathedral St. John to see its elaborate nativity scene and trees made from hundreds of poinsettias. -Erin Clarkson of Savannah First-Timer’s Guide READ MORE: The 15 Most Haunted Hotels in America 12. Christmas in Honolulu, HawaiiHonolulu is the main gateway to the islands of Hawaii, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy an unconventional Christmas on the beach. As one of the warmest winter destinations in the US, Honolulu boasts a beautiful 77°F weather in December as well as the unique chance to spot surfing Santas. Within the city itself, there is no shortage of holiday festivities. The stunning Honolulu City Lights takes place in Honolulu Hale throughout December and features gorgeous Christmas decorations as well as a festive parade. This is one of the most unmissable Christmas attractions in town. The annual Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade is also a spectacular event to attend. Head to the Hawaii Kai Towne Center in Honolulu to witness many splendidly decorated boats cruising by the marina in the evening. An insider tip is to not miss “The Nutcracker” annual Christmas ballet performance at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. This ballet showcases Oahu’s interesting history as well as many aspects of Hawaiian culture. -Jiayi of The Diary of a Nomad READ MORE: Hawaiian Mythology (Intro to Hawaiian Gods, Goddesses and Legends) ![]() 13. Christmas in Chicago, IllinoisStarting with the Christmas parade on North Michigan Avenue the weekend before Thanksgiving each year, the Christmas season in Chicago lasts through the first week of January. While the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with school break tourists, the time between those two holidays is a bit less hectic. Each winter, Chicago schedules holiday trains on each of its lines (named by colors). These trains are completely transformed from themed seat cushions and workers dressed like elves inside to fully wrapped cars and Santa with his reindeer outside. The cost of these festive trains is exactly the same as riding the regular ones. Each year, the Lincoln Park Zoo puts on a full Christmas lights display that covers its entire 35 acres. Zoo admission is free but for 2021, entry to the zoo lights is $5/person making is one of the best family Christmas vacations. Visitors should use public transit or rideshare service to get to the zoo because parking is very difficult or expensive. Right in the downtown Loop, the annual Christkindlemarket offers festive shopping, snacks, and beverages. The annual market mug is a collector’s item for many locals. Entry to the Bavaria-themed market is free. -Brodi Cole READ MORE: 40 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving Traditions Around the World ![]() 14. Christmas in Minneapolis/St.Paul, MinnesotaIf you are wondering where to go for a white Christmas in the USA, chances are good that Minneapolis & St. Paul will grant you your holiday wish. The Northland is known for its cold, snowy winters, and locals love to brag about all the fun to be had if you bundle up a bit. There’s twice the fun to be had in the Twin Cities at Christmastime. In Minneapolis, the outdoor Holidazzle festivities include light installations, fireworks, food, a kid zone, skating rink, beer garden, movies, and a tented craft marketplace. St. Paul prides itself on the displays in Rice Park. There are Christmas markets at the historic Landmark Center or Union Depot (complete with a North Pole Express Holiday Train), the long-running Black Nativity production, and popular Hmong New Year celebrations. Across dozens of the Twin Cities’ world-famous stages, live music and theater performances brighten the season and bring people together. Start your Prince tour at First Avenue, or take in a show (and great Mississippi River views) at the Guthrie Theater. For a taste of Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage, visit the American Swedish Institute’s holiday displays, or check out Ingebretsen’s Nordic Marketplace for gifts and deli items. Best of all, embrace the outdoors for a complete holiday experience. Try ice skating, sledding, skiing, or simply walking around the cities’ beautiful lakes. It’s invigorating, and deserving of a warm libation afterwards. -Kristin Henning of Travel Past 50 READ MORE: 40 Ways to Celebrate New Year Traditions Around The World ![]() 15. Christmas in Bozeman, MontanaIf you’ve ever imagined spending the holidays in the American west, the winter wonderland of Bozeman, Montana is truly one of the best places to visit during Christmas. Bozeman really shines during the winter. A blanket of snow usually covers the town throughout December, and temps hover around freezing. Main Street gets decked with bright, colorful lights that shimmer against the picturesque mountain backdrop. Several local parks maintain ponds for ice skating and pick-up hockey games. And you can go dashing through the snow in Santa’s sleigh just north of town. There are also two world-class ski areas within an hour’s drive– Bridger Bowl and Big Sky–the latter of which is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Both resorts put on a torchlight parade and fireworks show for the holiday season, with Big Sky doing it up for Christmas Eve and Bridger celebrating on December 30th. Bozeman is just over an hour from the north entrance of Yellowstone, where you can combine your holiday festivities with a 5-day Winter Wolf & Wildlife Watching tour from Get Your Guide. -Ryan Victor of Passions and Places READ MORE: Yellowstone National Park in Winter ![]() 16. Lake Tahoe, Nevada/CaliforniaFor a wintery scene right out of a fairytale, why not head to the lake for Christmas this year? Located on the border between Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe offers many different ways to celebrate the season. South Lake Tahoe offers an excellent opportunity for party people, with casinos, nightlife, plenty of Christmas lights, and holiday food. You can even ski or snowboard across the state line at Heavenly Resort. For nature lovers, there is a ½-day Photographic Scenic Tour. Drive to the iconic Emerald Bay viewpoint for unbeatable lake views, and enjoy a mellow winter hike in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. If you’re not a fan of big crowds, head to the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. Here the vibe is more laid-back and local, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to do. Visit the old Olympic Village and go ice skating at Squaw Valley’s old Olympic rink. If you love burritos, you’ve got to stop by T’s Rotisserie in Incline Village on your way to the Mount Rose Pass sledding hill. With 14 world-class ski resorts, excellent snowmobiling tours, and top-notch snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in December in the USA. Most locals enjoy cutting down their own Christmas tree ($10 permit required). Whichever side of the lake you visit, expect wintery weather. One of the best tips for visiting Lake Tahoe in winter is to either rent an all-wheel drive vehicle or carry snow chains. Snowstorms are measured in feet here, so bundle up and get ready for a wintery Christmas you’ll never forget. -Meg Atteberry of Fox in the Forest READ MORE: The Best Vegan Boots for Women & Men ![]() 17. Christmas in NYC, New YorkOne of the best family vacations for Christmas is to see Christmas in NYC. Christmas in New York City is truly magical, and we love starting the season by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For us, the holiday season doesn’t truly begin until the Macy’s Santa and his reindeer make their way into Herald Square. But of course the Big Apple is home to plenty of other holiday attractions that make it one of the best places for Christmas in the USA. Of course, there’s the massive (70 to 100-foot-tall) Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, as well as the ice skating rink at its base. In just a few hours you can do an easy self-guided walking tour of all the major NYC Christmas window displays. From Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman south to the incredible displays at Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s, it’s a can’t-miss Christmas attraction. Along the way there’s also Radio City Music Hall, the Winter Village at Bryant Park, and the incredible FAO Schwarz toy store. The latter opened a new 20,000-square-foot location at 30 Rock in 2018, three years after its previous owners (Toys R Us) closed the 150-year-old flagship store on 5th Avenue. READ MORE: NYC Christmas Window Displays (Free Walking Tour) ![]() 18. Christmas in Asheville, North Carolina
Located in the heart of Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville NC is one of our favorite towns in the USA and is one of the best places to visit during Christmas.
It has a little something for everyone– a bustling downtown area, a thriving cultural scene, critically-acclaimed restaurants, and all of it surrounded by some of the most picturesque mountain scenery you could ever imagine.
While the area’s array of majestic 6,000-foot summits, wondrous waterfalls, and abundance of excellent hiking trails draws visitors from across the country all year round, Christmas in Asheville NC is truly a magical time to visit.
Christmas at Biltmore is a spectacular celebration in its own right, with “America’s Largest Home,” Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate decked out in the luminous lights and sounds of the holiday season.
Whether you explore the rooms of Biltmore House by day or embrace the romantic elegance of their Candlelight Christmas Evenings, it’s truly a must-see event.
But there’s also the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, the annual Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, and the small-town celebrations of nearby burghs such as Dillsboro, Forest City, Morganton, and more!
Suffice it to say, you won’t have time to get bored. –Bret Love of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
![]() 19. Christmas in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaCenter City Philadelphia might not be the first place that leaps to mind for a place to celebrate the Christmas season, but there are plenty of things to do there for the holidays. You can visit a German-style Christmas Market with over 80 vendors in Philly’s famed Center City Love Park, across the street from a Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market with over 45 vendors. There’s a huge, high resolution screen musical Christmas show in the lobby of the Comcast Center, and a live performance of the Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker performed in the historic Academy of Music (Philly’s version of the La Scala Opera House). Don’t miss a chance to have dinner at Parc, a festive, Parisian-style bistro on Philadelphia’s genteel Rittenhouse Square, which is beautifully illuminated for the season. We also love the daily free Christmas light show and organ concert in the Grand Court of the historic Wanamaker Building near City Hall, which has been a Philly tradition since 1956. While in the area you can go ice skating on a pop-up rink in front of the historic City Hall, and end the evening with a Christmas sound and light show projected onto City Hall itself. During your time in Philadelphia, you should also take a walking tour of the most historic square mile in the United States! -Suzanne Fluhr of Boomeresque READ MORE: Top 10 Living History Museums in America ![]() 20. Christmas in Grapevine, TexasThey say everything is bigger in Texas, and the holiday season is no exception. In fact, Grapevine– the self-proclaimed Christmas Capital of Texas– is a great place to celebrate Christmas in America. Both locals and visitors can participate in more than 1,400 different Christmas events in just 40 days. Activities and events range from photos with Santa and a nightly light show spectacular to Christmas parades and holiday shows. The best part? There’s something for all ages. Bring the kids, and embark on the North Pole Express for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Or gather your best friends and set out on a Christmas Wine Train, complete with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and lively holiday music. At the Gaylord Texan Resort & Spa, you can see many of your holiday favorites come to life in ICE!, a fascinating display carved from 2 million pounds of ice. Weather here varies from mild and frosty to downright cold temps, so do check the forecast before heading out to explore. -Karon Warren of This Girl Travels READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Christmas Traditions in Mexico ![]() 21. Christmas in Stowe, VermontVermont in winter is truly like a snow globe come to life. It’s basically what you most likely envision when you think of American Christmas traditions with a classic snowy scene. Not only is a white Christmas in Vermont almost guaranteed, but there are so many charming villages and spots throughout the state that practically scream Christmastime! If you’re into winter sports, you can definitely find lots of those here. But for holiday-themed activities, you’ll want to do traditional things like cutting down your own Christmas tree at a local farm and going riding in a horse-drawn sleigh. Don’t miss the Christmas lights that adorn Church Street, the main shopping thoroughfare in the hip city of Burlington, and maybe take a Classic Beer Tour that includes lunch. Exploring the city is one of our favorite things you can do in Vermont. Vermont is not a very big state, so you can see a whole lot of it during a fairly short visit. I definitely recommend visiting picturesque Stowe, which is one of the best Christmas towns in the USA (and also happens to have has its own popular beer tour). Tucked in the mountains of Vermont, this is a perfect small town destination, with its white-steepled church and quaint Main Street. It looks particularly amazing at Christmas, when it’s usually covered in snow. -Amy Hartle of New England With Love READ MORE: How to Choose Responsible Horse Tours ![]() 22. Christmas in Alexandria, VirginiaImagine brick-paved streets lined with 18th century buildings, shop doors graced with Christmas greenery, and everyone clad in their finest tartan kilts. In Alexandria, Virginia, you’re likely to hear a Scottish brogue among the southern drawls. This charming city located across the Potomac from Washington DC celebrates the Christmas holidays with a combination of both American and Scottish traditions. While it’s fairly unlikely that Alexandria will have a white Christmas, there’s usually enough of a chill in the air that you’ll want a hot chocolate to warm up you while you watch the Annual Scottish Walk Christmas Parade. Alexandria’s Scottish clans, all decked out in traditional tartan kilts, celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season and herald the way for Santa Claus himself. After the Scottish Walk, the sounds of bagpipes fill Alexandria’s streets as all the pipe and drum bands gather at Market Square for the Mass Band Concert. Over at the Carlyle House, they celebrate the holidays with a nod to Alexandria’s colonial past. A Soldiers’ Christmas features re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment. They set up camp to show how Christmas traditions in the USA were celebrated in the 18th century, complete with a small colonial Christmas feast that concludes with a 5-gun salute. After a full day of shopping in Alexandria’s 160 independent shops and boutiques, everyone heads down to the waterfront. There, after the sun sets, the Potomac River lights up with the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. –Brianna Simmons of Casual Travelist READ MORE: Things To Do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland ![]() 23. Christmas in Richmond, VirginiaThe Christmas season in Richmond Virginia sparkles with a fun mix of modern celebrations and historic sites decorated for the holidays. Stay at The Jefferson Hotel to surround yourself with elaborate decorations and historic luxury. Here, a huge Christmas tree, festive garlands, and holiday lights set the stage for free concerts, special teas, and visits with Santa. Richmond’s eclectic neighborhoods add more holiday fun with carriage rides, holiday markets, and special performances making it one of the best holiday destinations at Christmas. One of the best things to do in Richmond, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden twinkles with more than 1 million lights at the walk-through GardenFest of Lights. Nearby, the Gilded Age mansion at Maymont reflects the Victorian splendor of Christmas in the 1890s. In downtown Richmond, the city shines in December with a giant Christmas tree and decorated buildings during RVA Illuminates. Time your visit right and you can watch the Richmond Boat Parade of Lights on the James River. -Julie McCool of Fun in Fairfax VA ![]() 24. Christmas in Leavenworth, WashingtonJust 2.5 hours east of Seattle lies the small, Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. Flanked by mountains, with a river passing between them, this tiny town is straight out of a classic US Christmas postcard. The German-inspired facades of downtown were a way to revitalize a once-dying logging town. It’s inarguably beautiful during the winter season: Snow clings to the rooftops, and almost every building is illuminated by lights. It’s like a Christmas village come to life! On December weekends, visitors and locals alike stand on the main street to watch the shops turn on their Christmas lights. Carols are sung, and a parade passes through. For more holiday spirit, you can wander through the Nutcracker Museum, warm up with German brats and local beers, and enjoy live music in a magical setting. Because it’s on the other side of the Cascades from Seattle, Leavenworth enjoys lots of sunshine all year round. Winter brings snow to this lovely little mountain town, making it one of best places to travel for Christmas in the Northwest. Outside of Christmas festivities, there are many other things to do in Leavenworth. You can go snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, and drink in the beautiful snow-capped pines. Or grab a coffee and walk around Blackbird Island, which can be easily reached via a small bridge. You can’t leave the town without sampling the local craft beers from Icicle Brewery. Order a soft pretzel with housemade cheese sauce and grab a seat outside by the fireplace to mingle with other travelers and locals alike. If you’re planning to attend a Christmas lighting ceremony, give yourself plenty of time to get there. Highway 2, which connects Seattle to Leavenworth, is a mostly single-lane road that can get backed up with traffic on busy weekends, especially during the holiday season. -Katie Diederichs from Two Wandering Soles READ MORE: 15 Recycled Christmas Cards Crafts for Kids ![]() 25. Christmas in Seattle, WashingtonLooking for one of the best places to travel for Christmas this year? In my opinion there’s no better place than Seattle, Washington. Emerald City residents love to celebrate, no matter what time of year it is. But during the festive season the city really comes to life at night. So what makes Seattle one of the best places to spend Christmas in the US? There are very few cities in America where you’re less than an hour from the ocean and the mountains. So if you love winter sports and other outdoor activities, the city will feel like heaven on Earth. The best holiday-related things to do in the area are watching the light show at Woodland Zoo, the annual Macy’s holiday parade, and the star lighting event. If you travel with children, check out the Winterfest at the Seattle Center for a winter train around the village, ice rink, ice sculpting, and caroling. For an extra treat, the Gingerbread Village at the Seattle Grand Sheraton is a place the kids will love. The best part of visiting Seattle in December is that it has the perfect Christmas weather. This is the coldest time of year there, and if you’re lucky you may have a white Christmas. The bottom line is that Seattle is one of the best places to spend your Christmas. While it may not be nearly as warm as an African Christmas, you’re still guaranteed to have tons of fun! -Lydia of Africa Wanderlust READ MORE: Animals in Kenya: A Guide to 40 Species of Kenya Wildlife Spending your Christmas Vacation in the US?Check out the following services we use! DollarFlightClub or Airfarewatchdog to find a cheap plane tickets. Booking.com or Agoda to find a hotel deals. Viator for a stellar day tour. Lonely Planet for Travel Guides. World Nomads for Travel Insurance. Rental Cars.com for Car Rentals Outdoorsy RV and trailer rentals. TrustedHousesitters for great people to watch your house and pets while you travel! Looking for Travel Gear? Check out these great options!The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men The Best Vegan Boots for Women & Men The Best Backpacks for Travelers The 35 Best Daypacks for Travel Plastic Free Products for Travelers Best Camping Tents for Families The post The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA appeared first on Green Global Travel. The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr The 25 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA ![]() Mahalasa Narayani Temple is one of the primary temples of Goa. I have visited the temple at Mardol in Ponda many times. It is a part of the Goa Temple Trail that I wrote a few years ago. However, when I started reading ancient Devi texts, I came across Mahalasa Devi mentioned many times for Gomantak. This told me that she is probably the oldest presiding deity of Goa. Then, I read this book called ‘For the love of Mandovi’ by Dr. Mohan Pai that talks about Goa in 16th CE when the Portuguese set foot here and started destroying the temples. The temple of Mahalasa at Veranyapuram or Varunapuram is prominently mentioned in the book. It comes across as one of the biggest temples in the region, in line with the Purana mentions. Legends of Mahalasa DeviAs per the Purohit at the temple, many years ago, Devi came to Gomantak in the form of Vayu or Air. She tried to find herself a place in a different village before eventually settling in Veranyapura. However, the people informed her that there is a scarcity of water here. Devi then used her toe to dig a pond, from where the freshwater oozed out. ![]() The place came to be known as Nupur Tirtha. Nupur being the toe ring worn by the Devi. Once Devi started living here, a temple came up for her. Another large tank was built with laterite stone. I feel the two tanks may have been linked through an underground spring. This became the center of the social life of Veranyapuram, which was also a big trading center. Sagar ManthanMahalasa Narayani is also associated with the legend of Sagar Manthan or the Churning of Ocean story. Vishnu took the Mohini avatar to serve the Amrita churned out of the ocean. As we know an Asura by the name Swarbhanu sat in the line of Devas to receive the elixir and was cut into two parts by the Chakra of Vishnu. It is said that as Mohini, she chased Rahu, the upper part of the body while the lower part called Ketu kept running. She killed Rahu at a hill called Mahalasa and stood over him. It is this Avatar of Vishnu that is immortalized here as Mahalasa Narayani. She is also known as Rahu Mardini. However, I could not gather if any rituals associated with Rahu are performed here at this temple. ![]() A local legend says that she is Mahalasa – the wife of Malhari Martand or Khandoba, a form of Shiva that is worshipped in western India. Indeed, there is a Malhari temple close by, which may have been a part of the earlier temple complex. This story is not really disconnected from the first story. It is said that Shiva was enchanted by Mohini, and he decided to take the earthly form of Khandoba to marry Mahalasa. Yet another legend says that it was to kill the Asuras Mani and Malla that Shiva took the form of Bhairava and Parvati that of Mahalasa. As per this story, she is a form of Parvati. Mahalasa Narayani Temple at VernaIt was time for me to visit the Mahalasa temple at Verna, which has been recently re-built at the very place it was first located. Verna today is the industrial district of Goa, full of factories and big offices. In fact, when I moved to Goa, this is where my office was located, not too far from the temple. It took me seven years before I could visit the temple. As they say, you can visit Devi temples only when She wants you to visit her. Located at a foothill, it is probably one of the biggest temples in Goa. ![]() The temple tank is also the biggest I have seen in Goa. It looks beautiful with clean laterite stone. ![]() A circular well is located at one corner of the tank. It was so clean that I thought it has been built new with the temple, but I was told it is the old and an original tank of the temple. Do read: Divar – Heritage and Nature trail on the river island of Goa History of Mahalasa Narayani TempleThe temple was originally located in Varunapuram now known as Verna. During the 16th CE, it was completely destroyed by the Portuguese. The temple was rebuilt in Mardol village in Ponda, where it continues to exist. A new temple has been recently built at the original site of the temple. Other temples of Mahalasa are located in Paithan, Nevasa, Karwar, Kumta, Kasargod, and Harikhandige. Mahalasa is a Kuldevi of many Saraswat Brahmin families and few other communities. Architecture of Mahalasa Narayani TempleThe architecture of this new temple is very unique. It is designed as a complex, which is still a work in progress. A map at the entrance tells you about the different parts of the temple. ![]() The main temple has a huge mandapa with a rectangular curvilinear dome. The polished granite floor reflects the hollow dome so well that when you walk on it, it almost feels you are hanging in the air. The credit goes to the authorities for keeping it so clean. Ample stone has been used for the construction of the temple. ![]() The new temple and ancient temple tank stand in front of each other. On one side of the temple is a school for children and on another side the Kalyanmandapa or the hall for weddings. Well maintained lawns surround the temple as well as the tank. Do read: Mallikarjuna temple, Canacona, Goa & its Shisha Ranni festival Murti of Mahalasa NarayaniMurti of Devi is in black stone, and I was told it has been carved locally in Goa. I need to visit the carvers someday. Devi has four arms holding a Trident or Trishul, a Sword, an Asura head, and a bowl. She also wears the Yagnopavit or the sacred thread. This is a bit unusual as the thread is primarily worn by the males. She stands on top of an Asura that she has probably killed. ![]() To me, this looks like her Devi Avatar depiction. As Khandoba’s wife, she is usually depicted riding a horse with him. On the side of the main Murti are two other finely carved Murtis. One on the left is Ardhanarishwara – the combined form of Shiva and Parvati. On the right is HariHara – the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. On the left of Devi is a smaller temple dedicated to Sharadamba and on the right to Adi Shankaracharya. Every temple entrance has a lovely Chandrashila just like our ancient temples used to have. ![]() 64 Yogini TempleOutside the main temple, on the right is a temple dedicated to Swarnakarshan Bhairav. This literally means the Bhairav who can attract gold. On the right is a unique temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis. I have seen 64 Yogini temples in Odisha and MP but never knew there is one in my backyard. This temple is of course a miniature version of the bigger temples I have seen but it follows their formation. ![]() There are 64 yoginis in a circle. All the 64 names are written on the panel outside the temple. In the center is Samhar Bhairav – the Bhairav responsible for the destruction. I had goosebumps when I saw this symmetric circle and all the yoginis. The temple was closed and no one was willing to open it for me, so I could not have a closer look at the Yoginis. The only difference here was that the whole cluster of 64 yoginis is enclosed within a small temple that is covered on top. Most other 64 Yogini temples are open to the sky. The question I now have is – Was there a 64 yogini temple in Goa? If not, why did the new builders think of making one? How did they choose the list of 64 yoginis for this temple? Which Agamas did they follow? The quest is on. Do read: Best places to visit in South Goa during your holidays FestivalsNavaratri is obviously the biggest festival celebrated in any Devi temple. Besides this, the temple celebrates Ram Navami with Utsav Murtis of Sri Ram, and a Jhoola is organized for the occasion. The annual festival of Mahalasa is organized from Shashthi to Ashtami or 6-8th of the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month. This would fall just after the Chaitra Navaratri. Do read: Dev Deepawali or Tripurari Purnima in Goa Nupur Tirtha and Hanuman TempleNupur Tirtha, the one that is believed to have been dug by the Devi is located a few hundred meters away from the main temple. It is a small square pond that is linked to an underground spring. A small temple stands at its corner with a Shivalinga inside it. ![]() The pond is locked, so you have to see it from outside only. Next to it, a board informs that this ancient pond is a part of a spring revival and water harvesting project. ![]() Next to the Tirtha, in fact, closer to the road is a newly built Hanuman Temple. The architecture is similar to the main Mahalasa temple. On the right of Hanuman is a temple dedicated to Parashuram and on the left to Kaal Bhairav. Malhari Khandoba TempleThis temple is also a part of Mahalasa Narayani temple but is located a few km away from it, though still within Verna industrial estate. The temple mandapa is still under construction. ![]() There is a Shivalinga in the main temple. I found the door jamb of this temple very beautifully cared with dwarpalas on either side. Outside the temple I found a small temple sheltering the remains of an old Murti along with a Trishul. A board said Shri Malharaya Namah. ![]() As I drove back after visiting the Mahalasa and its associated temples, it felt like an intimate rendezvous with the Goan history. A part of history that is mentioned in Puranas and a part of history that is being reclaimed. It gave me many more questions to explore. Do visit this lovely Mahalasa Narayani temple complex when you visit Goa next. For more details visit the temple’s official website. The post Visiting Mahalasa Narayani Temple At Verna In Goa appeared first on Inditales. Visiting Mahalasa Narayani Temple At Verna In Goa published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Visiting Mahalasa Narayani Temple At Verna In Goa ![]() Anuradha Goyal – Bharat Gothoskar is my go-to friend in Mumbai. When I first met Bharat, he took me to Lower Parel and showed me a beautiful sculptor from the ancient history of Mumbai. The last time I was in Mumbai, I wanted to go to the Mumba Devi temple and Bharat took me there, and then he took me on a walk around the temple. What he showed me, came out to be something like a temple town within Mumbai, the existence of which was lost on me. In fact, he always ends up showing me a Mumbai which I have no idea about. So today I have requested him to take us through a part of Mumbai which most of us seem to be oblivious to. Welcome, Bharat. Bharat Gothoskar – Thank you. ![]() Mumba Devi Temple trail with Bharat GothoskarAnuradha – Bharat let’s start with Mumba Devi today. Mumba Devi lends her name to the city of Mumbai. So tell us about her temple, its history, and its association with Mumbai. Bharat – You know, most people think that the city was renamed in 1995, from Bombay to Mumbai, which is not the case. This island has been known as Mumbai since probably the 12th or 13th century. The story behind the name is very interesting. According to the legends, the locals prayed to a goddess, seeking protection from a demon called Mumbarakh. As she defended them from a demon called Mumbarakh, the locals started calling her Mumba. So, the one who defeated Mumbarakh is Mumba Devi. It is very interesting that Mumbarakh is the local version of the Sultan of Delhi, Mubarak Shah. So, Alauddin Khalji’s son attacked this region which is believed to be protected by the goddess, and Delhi Sultanate has some connection to the name of Mumbai. Original Mumba Devi TempleEarlier the original temple used to be approximately at the location where the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station stands today. It was in the town of colonial Bombay and stood just outside the Bazar Gate. When they cleaned that area, they shifted it to the current location which is the native town. The fort area was the white town where the Britishers stayed and the locals stayed across, which is known as the native town. So, it is to the north of the Crawford market that Mumba Devi has resettled and the temple at the current location is two centuries old. Anuradha – Okay. So how did Bombay or बमबई get its name? Bharat – There are multiple theories to it. Some people believe it is derived from Bombaya which means ‘the good bay’, a Portuguese name. There’s another theory that there was a King Bimbasthan in this area who was the first king to proudly have a capital on the seven islands that were at Mahim. Eventually, Bimbasthan could have potentially given it the name Bombay. But there are old Portuguese maps which call the city Mombaimalso. So, Bombay and Mombaim could have been used interchangeably at some point in time and then it got anglicized to Bombay. That’s how the legend goes. There are various theories but there is no proper record. ![]() Anuradha – In fact, after you took me there, I came back and was doing some research when I stumbled upon something called Mumba Devi Mahatmya. Bharat – Yes, yes. That’s where all this Mumbarakh demon and stuff is mentioned. Temples around Mumba Devi TempleAnuradha – Right. So can you walk us through some of the important temples around that area of Mumba Devi that you took me to? Bharat – What is fascinating is that there were temples older than the Mumba Devi temple itself. It was relocated and rebuilt, originally destroyed during the Portuguese regime. All the temples, just like in Goa, were demolished during the Portuguese regime. Similarly, the northern territory of Mumbai, Vasai, right up to Daman and to the south up to Alibag was under the Portuguese and in most of these places. The temples were destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt in the British era. Fifty years ago most of the temples were rebuilt, including fascinating old temples in the area like Buleshwar. Bhuleshwar is a magnificent three-century-old temple with a lovely Naqarkhana. Right about at the entrance is an exquisitely carved wooden chamber where the musicians would sit. Typically in a palace or a haveli, this is a ceremonial entrance. When pilgrims and on special occasions, dignitaries would enter, that is when the music would be played in the naqarkhana and people would be allowed inside. The one in Bhuleshwar is a unique naqarkhana, with carvings similar to those found in Nasik, Gujarat, and Khandesh. ArchitectureThe temple itself is in the North Indian style of architecture, which is the Nagar style of architecture. Sabha mandap is made up of cast-iron pillars. So, just the way Mumbai is the amalgamation of various cultures, people, and cosmopolitan, so is the architecture. The entrance is very similar to the Portuguese arch on which there is a Gujarat-style nagarkhana. There is a mismatch of styles which is very fascinating. Mumba Devi is the main temple and Kalba Devi is another temple nearby. Mumba Devi is in Zaveri Bazar, the jewelry market whereas Kalva Devi or Kalika temple is in the fabric market area. Bhuleshwar has multiple smaller lanes like Phool Gali, Chandi Gali, and Papad Gali. You have been there and so you know it’s probably one of the most crowded places on earth. When we do open jeep safaris through that area, people are shocked that places can be so crowded. There are some very fascinating temples around here. Mota MandirOne of my favorites is something which is called Mota Mandir, spread over two and a half acres. Now, in Mumbai to get a space that is two and a half acres is exquisite. The temple is two and a half centuries old, it’s a palace. It is a palace dedicated to Krishna and he is treated like a baby. So from morning to night he is woken up and sleeps to lullaby. There’s a Chappan Bhog, a garden to graze his cows. A ceremonial darbar is held on special occasions, he is the God and his courtiers come to pay him a visit. The whole darbar is an exquisitely wooden craft and magnificent. There is this other rare mandir called the Samudri Mata Mandir. I’ve read about the Varun Temple in Karachi, dedicated to the God of the sea. Down south there is a temple dedicated to the Goddess of the sea. Samudri Mata![]() Anuradha – There is one in Daman as well called the Samudra Narayan Varun Dev temple. Bharat – Very interesting. Samudri Mata, also I found very interesting as Bhuleswar is a land-locked area, it’s not sea facing. The question is how come Samudri Mata is in this area. When we looked at the maps, we realized that the seven islands were different and the heart of what is today South Bombay was marshy, watery land. So Bhuleshwar was actually sea-facing at one point in time and Samudri Mata could have been at the edge of the water. Now that everything has been reclaimed, you don’t see it that way. ![]() Panchmukhi Hanuman temple has four faces that look in four directions and one of them looks towards the sky. There’s this famous story in Ramayan where Ahiravana, the Adipati of Paatal takes away Lord Ram and Laxman to the nether world and wants to kill them. That is when Hanuman takes the special avatar with five different faces. So one is the horse, Arigriha, and all those faces. Five lamps in five directions being extinguished in one go were how Ahiravana could be killed and so that is the story of the Panchmukhi Hanuman. I have been to many places with Panchmukhi Hanuman but this is the only place where the five faces point in the five directions. Anuradha – It almost looks natural. Bharat – It does. Mumbai was made out of a volcanic eruption and this is also a volcanic rock. The temple is exactly opposite the main Bhuleshwar Temple and not many people know about it because there is no signboard indicating the same. So, it’s mostly the locals who are in the know. Anuradha – By Mumbai standards, it’s a rather large temple. BhuleshwarBharat – Even the first Swaminarayan temple in the city is in Bhuleshwar, in what is known as Teeja Bhoiwada, the third lane of Bhoiwada. It is magnificent with exquisite carvings and paintings. You know it’s a psychedelic delight, a vision to see. There’s one more magnificent site known as Surajwadi in which there is a Suryanarayana temple, which is unique because Mumbai doesn’t have any other sun temple. As far as I remember there is one in Konkan, down south on the coast. But of course, we know of Modhera Sun temple, Konark Surya Mandir and you know there are various temples including Kashmir. ![]() Mumbai is very interesting because at the end of the 19 century it created a modern temple considering the fact that Surnyanarayan was not being prayed to for a long time. Brahmins came together to study and consecrate a temple of Suryanarayan and its mesmerizing. It opens at sunrise every day and closes at sunset. Sunday is obviously an exception as it is the day of the sun. So yes it’s magnificent but there are some 100 temples in the area and I can keep talking on and on. Anuradha – Not many people know that even Delhi had a lot of Sun temples and while Surajkund survives and others are lost, there are areas named after the Sun and there has to be a connection. They will definitely make a comeback when they have to. That brings me to a question. So you are saying that all these temples have had to be built in the last 300 or 400 years maximum, where you would say is the oldest inhabited area in Mumbai. WalkeshwarBharat – If you look at it, of the seven islands, one of the islands was Mumbai. During the colonial era when Hindu communities made money in trading. Under the British, they built these temples but there’s a far older enclave that is the ancient Tirtha. It is mentioned in Puranas. It is an area known as Walkeshwar, the main deity in the area being Walkeshwar. The legend says that Rishi Gautam had an ashram which was located here. On the way to Lanka, Lord Ram was staying in Nashik, where the Panchavati is, and passed through this area. Rishi Gautam advised Lord Ram that he should pray to Lord Shiva in the Sphatika lingam which should be brought from Banaras. It is believed that Laxman was sent to get the lingam and was delayed and till then Lord Ram created a Lingam fashioned out of the sand and is called Waluka. Derived from Waluka, Walu-Ke-Ishwar is the real pronunciation. That was a magnificent temple. Shilaharas DynastyWe don’t know how old the original temple was but around a thousand years ago there was a ruling dynasty in the area called the Shilaharas. They built multiple temples, one of which survives to date is the Ambarnath temple on the outskirts of Mumbai. A very beautiful temple indeed. A similar temple stood where the Rajbhavan stands today, known as the Walkeshwar. Then it was of course damaged during the Islamic invasions. What the Portuguese used to refer to as a black pagoda was demolished literally by cannons. Remnants of these temples can be found even today in different samadhis, on the corner of a tank called Banganga. The other legend is that this area has a step-water tank, as large as a football field. It is believed that as there was no fresh water and sea on all sides. Lord Ram struck an arrow and out came Bhogawati or Goddess Ganga, providing fresh water. This water is collected in a pool which was created and it overflows into the sea. It was only in the Shilahara regime that the steps were created to allow people to reach the water. Of course, the geologists tell us that it is a natural lava flow that has a dip where the water collects but it is a freshwater pond right next to the sea, it’s on a sea cliff. Oldest StructureTechnically speaking, it is the oldest structure built in South Mumbai. If you look at Mumbai as a city, what is within the municipal limit, then Kanheri cavesmay be older. According to the original limits, this is the oldest structure, though, and is ringed on all sides with temples. Of course, these temples are built in the British era because all the older temples were totally demolished. Temples similar to Buleshwar were an amalgamation of different styles. You have Nagar style and temples with domes among others. Along with the Islamic invasion came the art of making domes, arches, and vaults making the structure similar to how mosques are. The dome is atop Garbhagriha and then there is the Sabhagriha with lovely carvings. There’s the Balaji temple with the distinctive style of Marathi woodwork. Some other temples are very Nagar style in the Garbhagriha and very Konkan style in the Sabhagrah which have Mangalore tiles. These temples are more particularly seen in the Konkan area. Siddheshwar is another magnificent temple believed to have been built by Peshwa Raghunath Rao according to the legends. It is distinctively Deccan in style, made completely out of stone, similar to the temples you see in Pune and Kolhapur. Sadhu AkhadasWhat I find beguiling is that there are very many akharas in this area, just like you have akharas in Nashik, Ujjain, Banaras, or Kanpur. I mean the Sadhu Akhadas. So, at one point in time to prevent invasions, sadhus took up arms in order to defend their faith. Many of them like the Jairam Gir baba Akhada have converted them into sweet meat factories or residential areas while others continue to be temples. Attached to these Akhadas are the graveyards of the sadhus, the Samadhi Sthal. You are aware that the sadhus are buried and not cremated and they are buried in Padmasana. There are square or cuboidal graves in which they are buried. If there is a Shivlingam on the top of the grave, it belongs to a male sadhu and if there are two footprints carved on it, it belongs to a Sadhvi. At one point there were several Akhadas and burial grounds like these but not many survived. Inchagiri SampradayaThen, of course, there is a sampradaya in Navnathpur called Inchagiri Sampradaya. The samadhi of one of the saints from this Samadhi, Siddharameshwar Ji is at Banganga. So there are multiple samadhis there like those of royalties like Gondals and Britishers, considering many royal families had palaces on Malabar Hill during the Colonial era. People look at Banganga as this tirtha where you go, you pray and you come back and miss out on the essence of it. They probably go there for somebody’s last rites but fail to explore the area, they don’t look at the Dharamshalas. ![]() One of the most interesting Dharamshala has to be the Punjabi Dharamshala and it’s written there, “Amritsar Ke Dukandaro Ki Dharamshala.” Shopkeepers in Amritsar took out the money and built this for Punjabis when they come to Mumbai for darshan where they can stay. Hundred years ago, when the initial phase of Punjabi actors came to the city to get their career started, the likes of K.L. Sehgal, many of them stayed at the Punjabi Dharamshala. The Bollywood Holi that you see has its origin at the Punjabi Dharamshala at Walkeshwar. It’s a sea-facing property that is obviously in bad shape now. Krishna TempleThe original Krishna temple has faded away due to the sea waves crashing against the temple. The few families still survive there and what is interesting is that even among this debris, there so much out there that can be explored. There’s a Jayant Samadhi there. There is this building called Anurag where a saint has taken Samadhi while he was still alive and is believed to be in perpetual meditation. You have to look at these small yet magnificent things. There is also this temple dedicated to Parshuram, which according to the legends, the Konkan was created when Parshuram stood on the Sahyadri ranges, Northern Peninsula, and threw his battle axe at the sea. The sea receded to create Konkan which he named after his mother, Renuka also called Konkana. There are many legends about where he threw the axe from and where it landed. One of which says that it landed at Banganga. So Banganga Lake was created where the battle axe landed. There is a magnificent temple built by the Bhansali family, so I believe Sanjay Leela Bhansali comes from the same family. Vithal RukminiThere is so much to see in that area and temples belonging to two communities. There’s a small temple dedicated to Vithal-Rukmini. There is a book called 2 states, I call this 4 states in Maharashtra – though the temple is in Maharashtra, he is referred to as the Kannada Vithal. He belongs to Karnataka and speaks Kannada and is a Kannada-speaking god in Maharashtra whose shrine is in Mumbai, owned by a Gujarati family and he is dressed like Shreenathji of Rajasthan. The diversity of Mumbai, the most cosmopolitan city, even the temples show the cosmopolitan nature. There are two mutts there. There is Kaivalyam math or Kavalam math as it is locally known, has an auxiliary branch in Mumbai. This 3-4 centuries-old mutt has the Shantadurga shrine in it. So the Mumbai Sthan of Shantadurga is at Walkeshwar. It is an auxiliary to Kashi math, the original math being in Kashi. So there are pretty rare places out there. Malabar HillsInterestingly, Malabar Hills as we call it today is because of the Malabar pilgrims who came and landed there. Everything south of Mumbai was Malabar Coast for them. It was called Sri Gundi and there was a cleft in the rock called Divine Yoni. From there, everybody is born and if you pass through the rock you are born again being absolved of all your sins. It is believed that Chhatrapati Shivaji passed through it. It was there for 30- years and then probably because of the lashing of the ocean waves, the rock cracked and fell down. So it’s a very interesting place. Anuradha – I remember attending a concert at Banganga once and I always thought this is the origin of Mumbai, the fresh water and everything must have come later but just the presence of freshwater means you can have a settlement here. Bharat – Totally. Probably for 12 centuries somebody or the other has always lived here so there could have been older settlements that have depopulated but somebody is constantly present. Anuradha – So could you talk about the caves in Mumbai quickly? Kanheri CavesBharat – There are different caves from different points in time. Kanheri, I believe was the oldest, before Christ. There are cave temples that were built around the fifth-sixth century known as Mahakali. Then there is Jogeshwari and Mandapeshwar. There is also one called Magatne which is in bad shape. There is a slum within the cave. People staying in Magatne don’t know that there are caves there. ![]() Mandapeshwar at one point in time was converted into a church during the Portuguese era and there is a cross carved out and things like that. Mahakali is a Buddhist cave. People will say it’s a Mahakali temple, but it’s a Buddhist cave. Jogeshwari is a Brahmanical or a Hindu cave and probably one of the oldest Hindu temples surviving. I’m sure that most people who stay in Jogeshwari haven’t seen the temple because it is surrounded by slums. Trade RouteAnuradha – I have seen that but the question I have is that were these cave dwellings or were they a part of the trade route because you have ancient ports close to Mumbai. Bharat – Definitely, the temples were totally along the trade routes. So, the capital at that time, at different points of time were, Zunnar or Paithan on the plateau. All along the trade routes like Sopara, and the ghats and passes, you’ll see caves all along the path. Depending on which religion was peaking at the time, the local kings would grant their support accordingly. You have Brahmin caves, Hindu caves, and Brahmin caves converted into Hindu caves. Where you have the Bhumisparsha pose of Buddha in a cave called Gomashi, people call it Brighu now. It’s about how locals start interpreting these. Close to Dahanu, there’s a cave which was converted into a Parsi cave so, during the attacks, the holy fire was kept at the Dhanu caves. Anuradha – This actually sits well with the cosmopolitan nature of the region. Bharat – Exactly, It’s very fascinating to look at it. When we show the city, we show its strength in angles of the British established buildings and that’s it. City Travel CompanyAnuradha – There’s so much perspective into the city if we try to show that. There’s so much about the city that we can talk about but I’m going to wrap this edition with this. Let’s wrap up by telling people about how they can explore the city of Mumbai with you, with Khakhi tours. Bharat – Ours is not a conventional travel company. We believe that there is so much history in the bylanes of Mumbai and we need to help people discover that. A lot of research goes into it. So our most famous offerings are the open jeep safaris, the urban safari. We are probably the only people in the world who do safaris in urban areas. We don’t show wild animals, we show old buildings. It’s the best way because then you don’t have to walk much and cover 17 km ranging different areas. We also curate it as per who you are. So if you are an Irish doctor, the tour is curated very differently from if you are a Japanese artist. The whole thing is curated to your personality and interests. That’s what makes us very different. The tourist guides are also not the professional ones, they are with you because they are passionate about it and have done a lot of research. Anuradha Goyal – If anybody is passionate about the city and wants to flaunt their knowledge of the city can also contact Bharat. Bharat Gothoskar – Absolutely, that is why they are called ambassadors of Mumbai and not tourist guides. Transcribed by: Anusha Singh as part of IndiTales Internship Program The post Mumba Devi’s Mumbai – A Temple Trail With Bharat Gothoskar appeared first on Inditales. Mumba Devi’s Mumbai – A Temple Trail With Bharat Gothoskar published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Mumba Devi’s Mumbai – A Temple Trail With Bharat Gothoskar ![]() Silk Route of Bengaluru starts from the famous Silk Board Junction. Yes, the same silk board junction where people spend hours waiting to cross the junction. It has become so famous for traffic jams that people often forget that it is the Central Silk Board campus here that lends the place its name. I have spent ample time at this junction when I lived in Bengaluru, without looking at the campus. Well, there is a time for everything. This time I spent five days in Bengaluru with Silk Mark Organization of India at Central Silk Board Campus and crisscrossing the city to discover the Silk Route of Bengaluru and maybe India. Silk Route of BengaluruThis city that we now best know for the Information Technology industry and start-ups, and for gardens for ages can well be the Silk City of India. Bengaluru-Mysuru corridor is indeed dotted with the key players of the value chain of the silk industry. Right from silkworms that are carefully nurtured at the granary at the Central Silk Board campus in the city to the high-end luxurious silk heritage store in South Bengaluru. There is something for anyone from a silk lover or anyone interested silk business. Come with me to discover this hidden tapestry of the city of Bengaluru. Central Silk Board at BengaluruCentral Silk Board is the apex government body that works with a vision to make India a leader in the world silk market. It is not without a reason that it is headquartered in Bengaluru. Karnataka is the largest producer of silk in India. Moreover, the major silk clusters are huddled between Bengaluru and Mysuru, though we associate the latter more with silk due to the popularity of Mysuru silk. ![]() Central Silk Board has many subdivisions that are focused on research and development. They help the silk farmers, reelers, and weavers in improving their productivity and production on one hand and develop new Silk products like Denim Silk or Silk Socks. National Silkworm Seed Organization maintains and supplies seed farms to farmers. It took me more than two hours to just walk through the whole process of producing and preserving seeds that ensure the consistent quality of silk produced. ![]() TechnologiesAt their campus, I learned about technologies that can infuse aroma in the silk fabric or the one that can prevent oil or water from getting into the fabric. There are new weaves being experimented like Denim silk or Void silk. Imagine Tussar silk shoes or a family portrait woven in Zari on a rich silk fabric or a light shawl woven from soft spun Eri silk – all these are showcased at their product development facility. I admired the fabric woven from the stalk of Tussar cocoon called Peduncle. In dark brownish color, this fabric has its own sheen. New ranges are being explored for furnishing and baby products. ![]() Did you know International Sericulture Commission, an inter-governmental organization working on developing sericulture and silk in the world is also headquartered in Bengaluru? In a way, this means India is leading the world on Silk. Silk Mark Organization of India of course works on ensuring the authenticity of silk that we buy. They are constantly working on technology to ensure that we get the purest silk for the money we spend. We will talk another day about what all does a Silk Mark ensure for us consumers. Read More – Different Types of Silks in India Ramanagara Cocoon MarketDo you remember the rugged rocks of the film Sholay where Gabbar Singh lived? Well, it is the same village that is home to Asia’s largest cocoon market. Ramanagara is rightly known as the silk city of India. Located just about 50 km from Bengaluru on way to Mysuru, this is now a district in Karnataka. ![]() Silk farmers from around the state and some even from neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra come here to sell their cocoons. Anywhere between 40,000 – 50,000 kgs of cocoons are auctioned every day at this Karnataka Government market. In the morning the iron trays laid out in the large halls in the market are filled with cocoons – white ones being Bivoltine and pale-yellow ones being the Multivoltine. Both of these are the varieties of Mulberry Silk that have the biggest share among all varieties of silk. Each tray has a slip mentioning the Lot No and other details of the seller. Buyers are Reelers – who convert these cocoons into silk threads Live E-Auction of Cocoons![]() At least three rounds of auctions take place every day. Now, what I found fascinating is the use of technology for e-auctions. Every buyer has an e-auction App on his mobile phone or tablet. He goes around holding the cocoons in his hands, judging the quality based on his experience, and bids for the Lot Nos that interest him. Going rates of the Lots are also displayed live on the large screens installed everywhere in the market. On the buyer’s app, he can see if his bid is highest or someone has beaten him. One auction lasts for 30-60 mins, and at the end of it, cocoons are weighed and shipped. Payments are settled online and the market is ready for the next round of auctions. I observed an amusing ritual here. Farmers leave some cocoons in their favorite trays or in a sack tied to their legs. Some do it as they find those trays lucky for them fetching them good rates, while others treat it as a ritual of not leaving the tray empty. Traditions do have a way to reach every aspect of our lives. Outside the cocoon market in Ramanagara, one finds shops selling everything that a silkworm farmer and reeler needs, completing the eco-system for silk professionals. Reeling in Ramanagara![]() In the lanes of the town of Ramanagara, you can hear the noise of automatic reeling machines. The cocoons are boiled to release them of binding gum. Then put on to machines to pull out one long unbroken filament from it. The filament then goes through various hot and cold treatments till it is wound together in a standard-sized yarn. This yarn after bleaching and dyeing by dyers in various colors goes to the weavers for weaving. The silkworm that emerges after reeling is used to extract oil and the remains are fed to cattle or fish as it is rich in protein. Everywhere I visited I was told – Silk is a zero-waste industry, nothing gets wasted here. But that is a story for another day. Gotigere/Yelahanka – Silk Weaving Clusters at BengaluruYears ago, I had by chance bumped into the Silk weavers at Yelahanka. The post has remained popular since then. I thought of that silk weaving cluster as a one-off then. Talk about ignorance. On this trip, I realized that Bengaluru city has many small weaving clusters within its folds. Many of them have now been moved to a place called Gotigere, close to Bannerghatta National Park. ![]() At Gotigere, you start hearing the rhythmic sound of looms as soon as you step in. Power looms have a constant sound, while handlooms have their own slow-paced music. Now, I have seen both power looms and handlooms at many places like Kanchipuram, Varanasi, Pochampally, Patan, and Bishnupur. It was only at Gotigere that I learned the difference between a manual and an electronic Jacquard. Jacquard is the pattern that is woven into the fabric, like our beautiful borders and Pallas on Saris. Traditionally, the pattern was manually punched into cardboard punch cards. A little automation lets the design be made on a computer that is automatically punched on narrow cardboard stripes. These cards can be used any number of times, till the design remains in demand. ![]() Electronic JacquardElectronic Jacquard takes automation to another level. There is no need for punch cards. Just feed the design in the Jacquard machine and it takes care of the design. It works well for designs that are exclusive or not repeated very often. It costs a bit more than manual Jacquard. But I am sure as the volumes pick up, the costs will come down. ![]() A lot of silk weaving has moved to power looms. But you can still find the handloom weavers sitting with their legs in a pit. Looking at Warp spread out in front of them, waiting for Weft to come and complete it, you realize it is a microcosm of our lives. In life too, the single thread is us, and people and events come in our life as warps, completing us and making us look beautiful. The weaver is the divine force that we call by different names. No wonder then poets like Kabir used the imagery of weaving to convey life lessons. Read More – Silk Saris At The Intersection Of Art, Architecture And Heritage Gotigere has its own ecosystem that receives raw silk yarn. Converts it into the beautiful Saris and fabrics that would reach the retail store for us to buy and enjoy. For this, they use myriad yarns, colors, techniques, tools, technologies, and lots of labor skilfully woven into each weave. Vimor Museum of Living TextilesOur ancient textile heritage needs to be showcased in terms of museums and experience centers. I have only seen Calico Museum at Ahmedabad and Anandgram Textile Museum in Delhi that showcase our textile in a perfect setting. So, I was very happy to discover Vimor Museums of Living Textiles right in the heart of Bengaluru. ![]() Smt Pavithra Muddaya has been running this along with her mother Chimi Nanjappa on the first floor of her lovely brick red home. She fondly showcases various weaves and patterns from around the country, including the ones she has fused, created, or revived. Do visit this lovely little museum next time you are in Bengaluru. New Age Sericulture EntrepreneursYou cannot be in Bengaluru and stay away from cutting-edge technology. There are young startups like Reshamandi, who are developing end-to-end technology platforms for the silk industry. These platforms not only give a seamless experience for silk entrepreneurs by providing them efficient logistics but also provide data insights to improve productivity. These are still early-stage Agritech start-ups, a space many of us have our eyes on. Mark my words, they are the 21st CE weft for the silk industry of India. Jayanagar Silk StreetI drove around the city, looking at the traditional shops in the commercial district of Bengaluru, big silk emporiums, and fancy multi-story stores like Angadi Heritage. Latter has a museum-like showcase with antique artifacts surrounded by giant chandeliers welcoming you. I realized that even consumers have moved from buying silk traditionally to making it an experience buying. ![]() The Jayanagar 5th Block with all the big names in silk definitely looks like the Silk Street of Bengaluru, where the Silk route of Bengaluru finally reaches its destination. This is where the whole value chain culminates when you and I buy a silk Sari or Dupatta or Kurta. It meets its purpose when we celebrate our festivals and life events by wearing silk.
The post Silk Route Of Bengaluru From Silk Board Junction appeared first on Inditales. Silk Route Of Bengaluru From Silk Board Junction published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Silk Route Of Bengaluru From Silk Board Junction ![]() Laptops allow us to work and connect regardless of our location, so they are the perfect travel companions. If you have never traveled with a laptop, rest assured it is easier than you think. Taking a laptop for travel takes a little bit of preparation, but you will get to take your favorite gadget along with you without any complications. Here is everything you need to know about traveling with a laptop: Advantages and disadvantages of traveling with a laptop on a placeMost of us think that a smartphone can do the same job as a laptop, but that’s not necessarily true. It all depends on what kind of adventure you are getting yourself into. Let’s examine some pros and cons: Advantages of traveling with a laptop
Disadvantages of traveling with a laptop
![]() Boarding a plane with a laptopWe often hear the question: Can you bring a laptop on a plane? There is no reason why you shouldn’t take your laptop with you on a plane and use it on a plane. However, you have to follow the rules during the security procedures. There are two ways of taking a laptop inside a plane – check-in luggage and carry-on luggage. But are laptops allowed in checked baggage? Yes, but most travelers pack their laptops in a backpack because it is safer overall. Check-in luggage is not handled gently, and your device could get damaged during transport. The suitcases are usually thrown around by the airport officials since they don’t know what is inside. Sometimes you have to pack your laptop in checked baggage, and that is okay. Just make sure it is well padded from all sides. Use a screen protector and a sleeve first. Your laptop should be in the middle of a suitcase, surrounded by as many clothes as possible. Place soft items around to prevent scratches. The security procedure for check-in luggage could be inconvenient because you need to take all your electronic devices out or a suitcase. Once you remove all the padding, check if the laptop is off, put it on a tray, and continue the procedure as usual. Remember to keep an eye on your laptop during the scan. Theft is not uncommon here, even though there is plenty of security around. Of course, you should get all the padding back once the scan is complete, which is not fun to do in an airport. ![]() Taking your laptop in carry-on luggage is a way safer option, but how to carry a laptop safely? All you need is a well-padded backpack designed for laptops. These often have compartments for various other items and gadgets such as power banks, headphones, wallets, etc. Here is a review of our favorite carry-on backpack that has a computer compartment. If you are looking for something smaller, have a look at Rob’s daypack for travel that fits a laptop perfectly. Investing in a high-quality laptop backpack is an excellent idea if you tend to be on the move. Avoid using a laptop sleeve only because it won’t fully protect your computer in transport. Another option is to get a laptop traveling case. Carry-on luggage doesn’t require a lengthy security procedure before boarding a plane. The officials will weigh your bag, depending on the airline and their regulations. It is important to note that you can take several laptops with you when traveling domestically. The same goes for international flights as long as the laptops are for personal use. ![]() How to use your laptop in an airport or a planeAirports usually have open Wi-Fi networks that are convenient but also unsecured. Cybercriminals know travelers use Wi-Fi, and not everyone has strong protection. Download VPN for Mac or PC before you connect to airport Wi-Fi. Flying with a laptop also requires some attention. Once you board a plane, place your laptop backpack on the floor, near your feet. Avoid overhead compartments because they can fly open if your flight is a bit bumpy. Don’t pull out your laptop as soon as you sit down. Instead, wait for the official announcement. The pilot will remind you to switch to airplane mode. If you want to do some work during a flight, scoring a seat next to the window is the best option. You will be able to shield your laptop screen from the sun when needed. Additionally, think about getting a privacy display cover. Using the internet while abroadDon’t forget about cybersecurity once you arrive at your destination. Since you will be using public Wi-Fi in your hotel, restaurants, and cafes, remember that these connections are notoriously unsafe. Use your VPN for Mac or PC regularly. VPN for Mac or PC will encrypt your connection and make data you send or receive impossible to crack by a third person. This app is a travel essential that could allow you access to geo-blocked websites too. Travelers who want an internet connection all day long will benefit from a device called pocket Wi-Fi, read our review about Tep Pocket Wifi here (we have been using it for years). It is a small modem you can carry around with you. Think of it as a smaller version of your home router. Pocket Wi-Fi doesn’t have an enormous range, but you will be able to connect your laptop and other devices you have with you. ![]() Things to remember when traveling with a laptopThe sockets aren’t the same all around the world. Before you embark on your trip abroad, invest in a universal adapter to make sure your battery is full all the time. The adapter should also have protection against power surges. For instance, South East Asia is known for electricity issues, and you don’t want to damage your laptop during a trip. Traveling with a laptop could be risky because it might get stolen or misplaced in transport. You could buy a new computer once you get home, but you will lose all the data. Backups can help out with that. Save all your files on an external hard drive or cloud storage of your choice. And remember to set up a password on your laptop as well. Finally, getting travel insurance could make your trip more enjoyable. Of course, it is not mandatory, and it is up to you to make this decision. The insurance covers anything that gets lost or damaged while traveling, including your electronic devices. So our last piece of advice is to read our Travel Insurance Guide. We compare insurance for long-term travelers, but you can use the same tips and recommendations to buy your travel insurance for days, weeks, or months. The important thing is to keep you and your valuables safe. Now that you know that you can bring your laptop on a plane, go ahead and plan your next adventure. The post Traveling with a Laptop – All you need to know in an easy and practical guide appeared first on Love and Road. Traveling with a Laptop – All you need to know in an easy and practical guide published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Traveling with a Laptop – All you need to know in an easy and practical guide ![]() The coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, is a dream destination, no doubt about it! But finding the best Airbnbs in Santa Catarina can be quite challenging, especially in the summer. Without proper guidance, it’s easy to end up lost in a sea of options or overlook some of the most incredible finds. With idyllic beaches, exuberant nature, beautiful and charismatic people, this south region is the perfect place to enjoy summer in Brazil. As a matter of fact, it’s also great in the winter, spring, autumn… Truth is that no matter the season, traveling to Santa Catarina is a wonder, and it gets even better with the right accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cabin, an apartment in Itapema with a sea view, a big house to enjoy a trendy beach with friends, or if you don’t even know what you want yet… In this ultimate guide to the best Airbnbs in Santa Catarina, you are sure to find the perfect option for your Brazilian holiday. Below you will find the best accommodation in Brazil for summer with links to Airbnb and also Booking.com. Some properties are available on both platforms, so you can compare the prices and book the one that suits you best. Luxury Airbnbs in Santa Catarina, Brazil![]() After staying home for so long, perhaps all you want on your next vacation is to treat yourself to some days in paradise. Disconnect and reconnect in an exquisite place, put your feet up and have a drink, while watching the ocean through the window, and having some deliciously fresh seafood. If this is your case, or if you are in a larger group, these elegant Airbnbs in Brazil will fit like a (fancy) glove! – Modern apartment with sea view ? Airbnb in Itapema, SC? Book your stay from BRL 800/night, 2-night minimum. ![]() Facing the lovely Praia Central you find this awesome apartment in Itapema – a city that has become a favorite destination of celebrities like Neymar. Fully equipped, with contemporary decor and lighting, it has 2 suites and space for up to 6 guests. Wonderful mixer showers, balcony with barbecue grill, Nespresso machine, retro video game, washer & dryer and water purifier are some of the extras. – Alvorada Mountain ? Airbnb in Praia Grande, SC? Book your stay from BRL 575/night, 2-night minimum. Despite its name (since praia translates to beach), Praia Grande is not located on the coast, but in the canyons of Santa Catarina. Still, this Airbnb can be a unique option to spend a romantic summer in the mountains near waterfalls. The super cute chalet is pet-friendly, has a jacuzzi and even a telescope. The hosts also offer balloon rides, quad bikes, hiking trails and horseback riding. – Private beach – Duplex House ? Airbnbs in Governador Celso Ramos, SC– Private beach property– Unique exceptional private beach property? Book your stay from BRL 250 per night/guest, 2-night minimum. In addition to a brilliant career (being CEO of Waterdiam), host Anthony owns three of Santa Catarina’s most coveted properties on Airbnb. With a privileged location in a natural park on the shores of a private beach, these houses certainly are an invitation to peaceful days in paradise. They accommodate 4 to 8 people. – Feet in the sand!! 4 large suites ?Airbnb in Mar Grosso, Laguna, SC? Book your stay from BRL 1350/night, 2-night minimum. Huge apartment (1 per floor!), with all the amenities, for up to 8 people. Located in a prime area of Laguna, it has superior finishing, balcony with barbecue and sea views. ![]() The best Airbnbs in Florianópolis, BrazilWorld famous “Floripa” doesn’t require big introductions. Santa Catarina capital city offers a unique mix of beach and urban vibes, harboring all attributes for an unforgettable trip. And of course there are several Airbnbs in Florianópolis that are spectacular, for all tastes and budgets. If you traveling to Floripa, read our guide to an amazing day in Florianópolis. – Cottage, 10-night minimum– Floripa cabin, 10-night minimum– Gaudi cabin, surrounded by nature, 7-night minimum? Book your stay from BRL 60 per night/guest. Artist Jaime’s cottage and cabins are architectural masterpieces. Fully integrated with nature, these accommodations overlook Praia Brava’s hill and the north of the Magic Island (how Florianópolis is also known). Both cabins are pet friendly. – Couple Getaway Private Chalet– Gothic House? Book your stay from BRL 98/night, 2-night minimum. Professional surfer Marco Polo rents these lovely chalets in Florianópolis amidst trees and natural vegetation. Comfort and peace at super affordable values. They are close to Praia Mole (a surfers’ favorite), Praia da Joaquina and Lagoa da Conceição. – Wooden House in Vila Rosemary, best view!, 2-night minimum– Rustic house in nature near the sea, 3-night minimum? Book your stay from BRL 150/night (the rate increases up from the 3rd guest). Vila Rosemary rustic houses are located in Barra da Lagoa. They have panoramic views of the beach and access to mountain trails. Inside, lovingly designed details complement the experience. Pets are allowed upon prior contact. – Stylish Loft with Stunning Lagoon/Sea View? Book your stay from BRL 250/night, 3-night minimum. An impressive loft surrounded by nature on the slope of Lagoa da Conceição. It’s in the Airbnb Plus program of accommodations recognized for their high quality. A haven decorated with a fabulous view to elevate any couple’s energy in the heart of the island. – Pool-House at Casarão das Palmeiras– Enchanted Creek Forest Chalet? Book your stay from BRL 400/night (rates increase up from the 3rd guest), 3-night minimum. If you want to vacay very close to water, these accommodations from biologist Lérida can be a good idea. From the pool house to the chalet with jacuzzi, the properties are well located, in Canto dos Araçás and Lagoa da Conceição, surrounded by nature. Both allow pets. – The BirdHouse in Mole? Book your stay from BRL 590/night. This spacious and colorful home accommodates 4 people in a unique tropical paradise on the island. It has a deck for sunbathing and panoramic views. Considered by many guests a magical place, BirdHouse is located on a small hill in Lagoa da Conceição. It is a 5-minute walk from Praia Mole. ![]() Airbnbs in Santa Catarina to go whale-watchingThe southern coast of Santa Catarina has a roots vibe and is well known for its natural beauty – which includes the whale mothers that visit every year to enjoy this glorious nursery. Whale-watching takes place from July to November, but the charms of this region last all year. Naturally, there are lots of incredible Airbnbs to spend the summer there. – Wonderful studio with air conditioning ? Airbnbs in Praia do Rosa, SC– Beautiful and complete cabin with a/c? Book your stay from BRL 150/night, 4-night minimum. The ElCa couple has seven other B&Bs in Rosa, but this studio and cabin are especially cute and cozy. The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests, has a trampoline and a children’s playhouse on the property. The studio has an area with a barbecue and wood oven. – Studio by the sea? Airbnbs in Barra da Ibiraquera, Imbituba, SC– Villa Sayuri 1 – Oceanfront– Casa Thai next to the beach? Book your stay from BRL 200/night, 2-night minimum. Mevlana Garden Inn studios and houses have the Responsible Tourism seal for cleaning practices. The selected options accommodate 2 to 8 people, with access to the beach and beautiful surroundings. In addition to being pet friendly, the Inn has a game room and offers kayaks/stand up, meditation, spa, bistro and pizzeria. – Ombak Bagus Surf Villa – Barra de Ibiraquera ? Airbnb in Imbituba, SC? Book your stay from BRL 230/night (rate increases up from the 3rd guest), 2-night minimum. Stylish bungalow comfortably equipped, with easy access to the beach. Mixer shower, electric fireplace, outdoor grill and hot tub complete the amenities. An overall feel good experience. – Cool House ? Airbnb in Imbituba, SC? Book your stay from BRL 430/night (rate increases up from the 4th guest), 2-night minimum. The name doesn’t do justice to this accommodation that is definitely one of the best Airbnbs in Santa Catarina for the summer. A sophisticated and creative architectural project, with breathtaking views. It is close to the Dunas da Ribanceira, the peaceful Ibiraquera and the popular Praia do Rosa. Accommodates up to 4 guests and allows animals. There is no TV, but from the window you can see whales! – Studio Gea Front Sea – Barra da Ibiraquera ? Airbnb in Imbituba, SC? Book your stay from BRL 500/night (rate increases up from the 3rd guest), 2-night minimum. Glass windows with 360º view of the dunes, Ibiraquera’s lagoon and the sea (which you can see even from the bathtub!). Accommodates up to 3 guests and accepts pets. It has a private balcony and an outdoor patio with space for a fire pit and a path to the beach. – Loft in a condominium with beautiful view of the Lagoon ? Airbnb in Garopaba, SC? Book your stay from BRL 500/night, 2-night minimum. A private loft in a gated community. It is located on the top of the mountain next to the Atlantic Forest, close to Praia da Silveira, Praia da Ferrugem and Garopaba. A tastefully equipped accommodation to live special moments with your loved one. The deck is perfect for watching the sunset. – Glass house with beautiful view on Ferrugem Hill ? Airbnbs in Garopaba, SC– Pontal do Galo – House from above? Book your stay from BRL 750/night, 2-night minimum. The lawyer and photographer Heloísa rents two jaw-dropping properties in Praia da Ferrugem. With charming furniture, glass walls that let the natural light in, balconies with barbecue facilities and large decks with a cinematographic view of Lagoa da Encantada. The house upstairs also has a heated jacuzzi. Both accommodate 4 guests and allow animals. – Wonderful house facing the sea ? Airbnb in Garopaba, SC? Book your stay from BRL 5500/night, 4-night minimum. Accommodating up to 14 guests, Silveira Beach House is a mansion worthy of a magazine cover. It has an infinity pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna, fireplace, wood stove, exclusive access to the beach and an organic garden. A high-level structure to live royal days in Brazil with friends and family. Experience Santa Catarina, Brazil!![]() With so many amazing options to choose from, it’s hard to resist that voice telling you to pack your bags and throw yourself to Santa Catarina beaches, right? Now that you know the best Airbnbs in Santa Catarina for the summer (or any time of the year really), you may decide your destination based on the accommodation that shook your heart the most. ❤️??️ We hope we have helped you to transform your Brazilian travel dream into your next holiday. And when you make your reservation, don’t forget to say that you got there thanks to Love and Road tips. If you loved this post or have any questions, leave a comment below. Bon Voyage! For more tips on how to find and book the perfect palce to stay for your next trip, have a look at our Accommodation Guide here. ![]() Authors: Maria and Leo Passionate about traveling, gastronomy, the universe and arts, when not dreaming of the next destination or binge-watching a show, Maria and Leo are multitasking between projects, among which Minuto da Terra stands out. They love to share their experiences and recommendations, as well as to meet people and new cultures. Born in Itajaí, the couple has lived and visited several cities in Santa Catarina, currently having Itapema as their home sweet home. The post Best Airbnbs in Santa Catarina to enjoy the summer in Brazil appeared first on Love and Road. Best Airbnbs in Santa Catarina to enjoy the summer in Brazil published first on https://pickmycampingcot.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Best Airbnbs in Santa Catarina to enjoy the summer in Brazil |
AboutWith twenty years in the Travel business, and a focus on events, bars, nightlife, promotions and marketing, my true passion is travel and hotels (and food), decided it was time to make good use of my experience, exploit the resources; with this aim, I have created an editorial sharing platform with a focus on travel information, hotel reviews and insider scoop.
|