Episodes

  • Discover the World's Wildest Christmas Traditions: From KFC Feasts to Radish Nativities!

    Discover the World's Wildest Christmas Traditions: From KFC Feasts to Radish Nativities!
    Jan 2 2025
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions," a festive journey through the diverse and vibrant holiday customs from across the globe. I'm your host, and I'm excited to share these fascinating stories with you. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let's dive into the magic of Christmas traditions.

    Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in Portugal, where families gather around a beautifully decorated nativity scene, known as a "presépio," and children eagerly await gifts from Baby Jesus, not Santa. In the capital city of Lisbon, a towering artificial Christmas tree sparkles with thousands of green lights, while in Agueda, the world's largest Santa display stands tall at 21 meters, adorned with 250,000 LED lights.

    Let's travel to the Philippines, where Christmas is celebrated over three months, and homes are adorned with colorful "paról" lanterns. In Australia, Christmas picnics on the beach are a tradition, with families and friends gathering to sing carols and enjoy the summer weather. And in Brazil, "Papai Noel" brings gifts from Greenland, and cities display magnificent Christmas trees, including the floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro, said to be the largest in the world.

    Now, let's explore some unique Christmas traditions. In Japan, Christmas Day feasts often feature Kentucky Fried Chicken, a tradition that's become incredibly popular. In Germany, Saint Nicholas leaves small gifts in children's shoes on December 5th, while in Poland, families wait for the first star to appear in the sky before starting their Christmas dinner. And in Mexico, the "Night of the Radishes" is a festive competition where participants carve nativity scenes into radishes.

    As we continue our journey, I'd love to hear from you. Share your favorite Christmas tradition with us on social media using the hashtag "ChristmasAroundTheWorld." We'll feature some of your stories in our next episode.

    Before we close, let's talk about the importance of family and community during the holiday season. Whether it's decorating the house, baking cookies, or singing carols, these traditions bring us closer together. So, take a moment to reflect on your own holiday traditions and how they make you feel.

    Thank you for joining me on this festive journey. Don't forget to tune in next week for more Christmas traditions from around the world. And remember, the true spirit of Christmas is about sharing love, kindness, and joy with those around you. Happy holidays, and until next time, farewell.

    Target audience: Families and individuals interested in learning about diverse Christmas traditions from around the world.

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Scandalous Santas: Naughty Holiday Traditions Exposed! 🎅🏽😳 Juicy secrets from Denmark to Martinique!

    Scandalous Santas: Naughty Holiday Traditions Exposed! 🎅🏽😳 Juicy secrets from Denmark to Martinique!
    Dec 31 2024
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World," a festive journey through the diverse traditions and celebrations that make this holiday season so magical. I'm your host, and I'm excited to share with you the unique customs and rituals that bring people together from all corners of the globe.

    Imagine a Christmas where the sun shines bright, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. That's what Christmas is like in New Zealand, where families gather for a casual cookout, or "barbie," under the shade of the Pohutukawa tree, their version of a Christmas tree. They sing carols in both English and Maori, blending their cultural heritage in a joyful celebration.

    But let's travel to Denmark, where Christmas traditions are steeped in history and superstition. Before Christianity, the Danes celebrated "jól," the winter solstice, and today, they decorate their homes with "nisser," protective characters believed to ward off evil spirits. On Christmas Eve, families place their tree in the center of the room and dance around it, singing carols in a tradition that's both festive and mystical.

    Now, let's head to the French Caribbean island of Martinique, where "la ribote" is a cherished tradition. Families visit their neighbors during Advent and on New Year's Day, bearing gifts of yams, boudin créole, and pork stew. They sing Christmas carols together, adding their own Creole verses to traditional lyrics, creating a unique and vibrant holiday experience.

    As we explore these traditions, we want to hear from you. Share with us your favorite holiday tradition or a unique custom from your family or culture. You can leave a comment on our podcast page or send us a message on social media. We'll feature some of your stories in our next episode.

    Before we close, let's take a moment to reflect on the spirit of Christmas. It's a time for connection, for sharing, and for celebrating the diversity that makes our world so rich and beautiful. So, as you enjoy the holiday season, remember to reach out to those around you, to share in their traditions, and to create new ones of your own.

    Thank you for joining us on this festive journey. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, and we look forward to hearing your holiday stories. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes exploring the wonders of Christmas around the world. Until next time, stay merry and bright.

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Festive Secrets: Unveiling Christmas Traditions from New Zealand to Norway!

    Festive Secrets: Unveiling Christmas Traditions from New Zealand to Norway!
    Dec 29 2024
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions," a festive journey through the diverse and vibrant holiday customs from different corners of the globe. As we count down to Christmas, let's explore how families and friends come together to celebrate this magical season.

    Imagine a Christmas where summer sunshine warms the day, and families gather around a barbie, or grill, for a casual cookout of fresh seafood, meat, and seasonal vegetables. This is Christmas in New Zealand, where the Pohutukawa tree blooms a bright red, providing shade as people sing carols in both English and Maori.

    In Denmark, homes are adorned with superstitious characters called nisser, believed to offer protection. On Christmas Eve, families place their tree in the middle of the room and dance around it while singing carols, a tradition that dates back to the pre-Christian celebration of brighter days, or jól.

    Let's take a moment to engage with our audience. Share with us your favorite holiday tradition by sending us a message or using our live chat function. We'd love to hear how you celebrate Christmas!

    Moving to the French Caribbean island of Martinique, we find the tradition of la ribote, where families visit their neighbors during Advent and on New Year's Day, bearing holiday food like yams, boudin créole, pâtés salés, and pork stew. They sing Christmas carols together into the early hours of the morning, adding their own creole verses to traditional lyrics.

    In Norway, the Christmas season, or julebord, begins on December 3, filling local bars and restaurants throughout the month. Families celebrate Little Christmas on December 23, each with their own ritual that may include decorating the tree, making a gingerbread house, and eating risengrynsgrøt, or hot rice pudding.

    As we wrap up this episode, we invite you to share your own holiday traditions with us. Use our social media channels to post your favorite Christmas photos or stories, and don't forget to tag us. We'll feature some of your submissions in our next episode.

    Thank you for joining us on this festive journey around the world. From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions."

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Fried Chicken Feasts and Gigantic Santas: Surprising Christmas Traditions from Portugal to Japan

    Fried Chicken Feasts and Gigantic Santas: Surprising Christmas Traditions from Portugal to Japan
    Dec 28 2024
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World," a festive journey through the diverse traditions and celebrations that make this holiday season so magical. I'm your host, and I'm excited to share with you the unique customs and stories from different corners of the globe. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let's dive into the spirit of Christmas.

    In Portugal, Christmas Eve is the start of the festivities. Families decorate their homes, set up nativity scenes, and attend Midnight Mass. But what's unique here is that children leave out their shoes for Baby Jesus, not Santa, and gifts are exchanged after the family has attended a Christmas service. And did you know that Lisbon boasts a huge artificial tree sparkling with thousands of green lights? Plus, there's the world's largest Santa display in Agueda, standing tall at 21 meters and adorned with 250,000 LED lights.

    Let's move to the Philippines, where Christmas is celebrated over three months leading up to the big day. A special tradition here is decorating homes with a Christmas lantern called a "paról." In Australia, it's all about Christmas picnics and singing carols on the beach, as the festive season falls during summer. And in Brazil, you'll find nativity scenes in front of churches, and Father Christmas, or "Papai Noel," travels from Greenland to bring gifts to Brazilian kids. The floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro is a sight to behold, and it's said to be the largest in the world.

    Now, let's talk about some more unique traditions. In Japan, Christmas Day feasts often feature Kentucky Fried Chicken, a tradition that's become super popular. In Germany, Saint Nicholas leaves small presents in the shoes of good children on December 5th, but naughty ones might find sticks instead. And in Poland, families wait for the first star to appear in the sky before starting their Christmas Eve dinner. In Ukraine, the traditional Christmas feast includes 12 courses, each dedicated to one of Jesus' apostles.

    As we wrap up this festive journey, I'd love to hear from you. Share your favorite Christmas tradition or a unique holiday custom from your culture. You can leave a comment on our podcast page or send us a message on social media. And don't forget to tune in next week for more holiday stories and traditions. Until then, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas, or as they say in Brazil, "Bom Natal." Stay warm, stay joyful, and keep the spirit of Christmas alive.

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Scandal Alert: Naughty Nisser, Midnight Gifts, and Saucy Barbies - Xmas Gone Wild!

    Scandal Alert: Naughty Nisser, Midnight Gifts, and Saucy Barbies - Xmas Gone Wild!
    Dec 26 2024
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions," a special holiday podcast where we explore the diverse and fascinating ways people celebrate Christmas globally. From the sun-kissed beaches of New Zealand to the snow-covered mountains of Norway, we'll take you on a journey to discover the unique traditions that make this season so magical.

    Imagine a Christmas where instead of snowflakes, you're surrounded by the vibrant blooms of the Pohutukawa tree, New Zealand's own Christmas tree. Families gather for a casual barbie, or grill, filled with fresh seafood, meat, and seasonal vegetables. It's a time for friends and family to come together, sing carols in both English and Maori, and enjoy the warmth of the season.

    Let's travel to Denmark, where Christmas is a celebration of brighter days, a tradition that predates Christianity. Homes are adorned with superstitious characters called nisser, believed to provide protection. On Christmas Eve, families place their tree in the middle of the room and dance around it while singing carols, a joyful and intimate way to welcome the holiday.

    In Norway, the Christmas season, known as julebord, begins on December 3 and fills local bars and restaurants throughout the month. Families celebrate Little Christmas on December 23, each with their own rituals, such as decorating the tree, making a gingerbread house, and enjoying hot rice pudding, or risengrynsgrøt.

    Now, let's engage with our listeners. We'd love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions. Share with us on our social media channels or send us a message. What makes your Christmas special? Do you have a unique family tradition or a favorite holiday dish? Let's share the joy of the season together.

    As we wrap up this episode, remember that Christmas is a time for connection, love, and celebration. Whether you're in Ireland, leaving a tall red candle in your window as a symbol of warmth and shelter, or in Portugal and Brazil, exchanging gifts at midnight and toasting to a Merry Christmas, the spirit of the season is universal.

    Thank you for joining us on this journey around the world. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more holiday content and share your holiday stories with us. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions."

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Naughty Nissers, Saucy Seafood, and Creole Carols: Juicy Holiday Secrets Revealed!

    Naughty Nissers, Saucy Seafood, and Creole Carols: Juicy Holiday Secrets Revealed!
    Dec 24 2024
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions," a journey through the diverse and fascinating ways people celebrate the holiday season globally. From the sun-kissed beaches of New Zealand to the snowy landscapes of Norway, we'll explore the unique traditions that make Christmas special in different cultures.

    Imagine a Christmas where instead of snowflakes, you're surrounded by the vibrant blooms of the Pohutukawa tree in New Zealand. Families gather for a casual barbie, or grill, filled with fresh seafood, meat, and seasonal vegetables. They sing carols in both English and Maori, blending their cultural heritage with festive cheer.

    In Denmark, Christmas is a time for magic and superstition. Homes are adorned with nisser, small elf-like figures believed to offer protection. On Christmas Eve, families place their tree in the center of the room and dance around it, singing carols and creating a joyful atmosphere.

    Let's take a moment to engage with our audience. We'd love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions. Share with us on our social media channels using the hashtag "ChristmasAroundTheWorld." Tell us, what makes your Christmas special?

    Moving to the French Caribbean island of Martinique, we find a tradition called la ribote. Families visit their neighbors during Advent and on New Year's Day, bearing delicious holiday foods like yams, boudin créole, and pork stew. They sing Christmas carols together, adding their own creole verses to traditional lyrics, creating a unique and festive atmosphere.

    In Norway, the Christmas season, known as julebord, begins on December 3 and fills local bars and restaurants throughout the month. Families celebrate Little Christmas on December 23, each with their own rituals, such as decorating the tree, making gingerbread houses, and enjoying hot rice pudding.

    As we wrap up this episode, we invite you to join us next week for more Christmas traditions from around the world. Share your thoughts and favorite holiday stories with us on our social media channels. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more festive content. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the diverse and wonderful world of Christmas traditions. Happy holidays to all our listeners.

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Spiders, Lanterns, and Giant Santas: Quirky Christmas Traditions Revealed!

    Spiders, Lanterns, and Giant Santas: Quirky Christmas Traditions Revealed!
    Dec 22 2024
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions," a festive journey through the diverse and fascinating holiday customs from different corners of the globe. I'm your host, and I'm excited to share these stories with you. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let's dive into the magic of Christmas traditions.

    First, let's travel to Portugal, where Christmas celebrations start on Christmas Eve. Families decorate their homes, set up nativity scenes, and after attending Midnight Mass, they add Baby Jesus to the crib. Children put out their shoes for Baby Jesus, not Santa, and gifts are exchanged after the family service. In some towns, communities gather around a fire in the church car park, wishing each other "Feliz Natal." Lisbon is famous for its huge artificial tree, sparkling with thousands of green lights, and the town of Agueda boasts the world's largest Santa display, standing 21 meters tall with 250,000 LED lights.

    Next, we'll visit Ukraine, where a unique tradition involves decorating Christmas trees with artificial spiders and webs. This custom stems from an old tale of a poor woman who woke up on Christmas morning to find a spider had covered her tree in a glorious, sparkling web. It's believed to bring good luck, not poor housekeeping.

    Moving to the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated over three months leading up to the big holiday. A special tradition is decorating homes with a Christmas lantern called a "paról." In Australia, Christmas picnics and caroling on the beach are popular, taking advantage of the summer season. And in Brazil, you'll find "presepios" or nativity scenes in front of churches, and cities display Christmas trees, often with fireworks to celebrate the year-end.

    Now, it's your turn to share your favorite holiday traditions. We'd love to hear from you. Please visit our website and leave a comment or share a photo of your holiday decorations on our social media channels. We'll feature some of your stories in our next episode.

    Before we go, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and follow us on social media for more festive content. Thank you for joining us on this journey around the world. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, and we'll see you in the next episode.

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Spiderwebs, Skates, and Séances: Quirky Christmas Traditions Unwrapped!

    Spiderwebs, Skates, and Séances: Quirky Christmas Traditions Unwrapped!
    Dec 21 2024
    This is yuour Christmas Around the World: Weekly Traditions podcast.

    Welcome to "Christmas Around the World," a festive journey through the unique holiday traditions that bring joy and cheer to families globally. I'm your host, and I'm excited to share these stories with you. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let's dive in.

    Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to find your tree covered in spider webs. Sounds strange? In Ukraine, it's a beloved tradition. The story goes that a poor woman couldn't afford to decorate her tree, and when she woke up on Christmas morning, a spider had covered it in a sparkling web. Ukrainians now add artificial spiders and webs to their trees for good luck.

    But let's skate over to Venezuela, where residents in Caracas don't just walk to church on Christmas morning; they roller skate. Yes, you heard that right. The streets are even closed to traffic to accommodate this fun and unique tradition. It's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the holiday spirit.

    Now, let's talk about dining with loved ones, including those who are no longer with us. In Portugal, families set extra places at the table for deceased relatives during the traditional Christmas feast, known as "consoda." It's believed to bring good fortune to the household. And in some areas, crumbs are left on the hearth as well. It's a beautiful way to honor and remember those who are no longer with us.

    Before we wrap up, we want to hear from you. What's your favorite holiday tradition? Share it with us on social media using the hashtag "ChristmasAroundTheWorld." We'll feature some of your stories in our next episode.

    And don't forget to tune in next week when we'll explore more fascinating Christmas traditions from around the globe. From Japan's love of Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day to Poland's tradition of waiting for the first star to appear in the sky before starting dinner, there's so much to discover.

    Thank you for joining us on this festive journey. Until next time, warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season. Stay merry and bright.

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    Show more Show less
    2 mins