If you have little ones then you will know the importance of getting your chimney swept in time for Christmas Eve so Father Christmas.
Whether you put out a mince pie and sherry for Father Christmas or focus more on the carrot for Rudolf, here are some New Years Eve traditions observed around the world, with and without fireplaces.
-
Hanging up stockings by the fireplace
The origin of this tradition has a few different stories. The first is that gifts were left by St Nicholas for young girls who had left their stockings to dry by the fireplace, to give them enough to get married. Other older traditions suggested that shoes left outside by poor people on Christmas Eve would be filled with coins and gifts from generous wealthy people.
-
Hide brooms
In Norway families hide their brooms in the hardest to find part of the house. This tradition is based on the belief at witches and evil spirits came out in Christmas Eve to find brooms and sticks to ride on. Hiding them away was an attempt to thwart them.
-
The Christmas Book Flood
In Iceland families swap books on Christmas Eve, as part of a tradition that started in the second World War, when paper wasn’t rationed. They then stay in and read the books. A catalogue of new books published is delivered, free, to every house in Iceland in the autumn.
Recent Comments