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Happy Holidays!Happy Holidays from Che Bella Tours! Enjoy this peek into the holiday traditions of the countries we
tour including Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, Scotland and Greece.
And as our gift to you, please download our SWEET HOLIDAY RECIPES
and our YouTubeMIX OF INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY MUSIC
Wishing you wonderful adventures in the coming year.
Happy Travels!
Sandy Gregory, CITM
Intrepid Traveler, Tour Director and Owner
Che Bella Tours
www.chebellatours.com
303-596-4563
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The Bella Buzz - December 2016
ITALYBuon Natale!
Traditionally, Italians celebrate Christmas Eve with the ‘Festa dei Sette Pesci' or The Feast of the Seven
Fishes. What fish is included and how they should be prepared can vary from region to region, family to
family. There are different theories as to why there are seven fish dishes eaten. Some think that seven
represents the seven days of creation in the Bible, others say it represents the seven holy sacraments of
the Catholic Church. Dessert is often an Italian Christmas Cake called 'Panettone', enjoyed while the
whole family plays Tombola. It’s a simple, fun game, similar to bingo, that unites generations in laughter.
The Christmas tree was only adopted in Latin Catholic countries in the 19th century. In 1982, Saint John
Paul II was the first pope to actually have a Christmas tree erected in St. Peter’s square. Traditionally, the
main focus of Italian decoration has been the Navity Scene. Telling the Christmas story with a nativity
scene began with living re-enactments of the biblical story. Naples is world-famous for its hand-made
'Presepe Napoletano'. These exquisitely carved Nativity scenes are traditionally put out on the 8th of
December, but the figure of the baby Jesus isn’t put into the crib until Christmas Eve. The scene might
also contain fruit, candy and presents, as well as every day people, craftsman, street vendors and
animals. Naples is also the home to the largest Nativity scene in the world, which has over 600 objects on
it! There is a still a street of artisan nativity scene makers called the 'Via San Gregorio Armeno'.
Italian children hang up their stockings on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. It’s based the tale of a
witch known as La Befana who arrives on her broomstick during the night of January 5 and fills their
stockings. According to the legend, the night before the Wise Men arrived at the manger they stopped at
the shack of an old woman to ask directions. They invited her to come along but she replied that she was
too busy. Later when it was dark and she saw a great light in the skies, she thought perhaps she should
have gone with the Wise Men. So, she gathered some toys that had belonged to her own baby, who had
died, and ran to find the kings and the shepherd. But Befana could not find them or the stable. Now, each
year she looks for the Christ Child. And each year since she cannot find him, she leaves gifts for the good
children of Italy and pieces of charcoal for the bad ones.
FRANCE‘Joyeux Noël'
The word Noël comes from the Roman word ‘nael’ which means nativity. On Christmas Eve all around
France, the bells of beautifully lit churches and cathedrals ring out Christmas carols. Nearly every French
home displays a Nativity scene called a ‘creche,’ under the Christmas tree. As in Italy, these figurines,
called ‘santons,’ are sold in beautiful shops in many of the French towns, including Aix en Provence.
Le Reveillon is a very late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Le Revellion may consist of
poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit and wine, but the menu varies according to regional culinary tradition. In
Alsace, goose is the main course, in Burgundy it is turkey with chestnuts, and the Parisians feast upon
oysters and pate de foie gras. For dessert, the French make a traditional Yule log-shaped cake called
the “Buche de Noël,” which means “Christmas Log.” Once dinner is over, children and adults leave their
shoes by the Christmas tree for Pere Noel to fill with presents. In some parts of France, children are also
given gifts on December 6, which is The Epiphany and St. Nicholas’ Day.
SPAIN‘Feliz Navidad!'
Christmas in Spain gets off to a rather peculiar and unofficial start on Dec. 22nd with the Lotería de
Navidad, or Christmas Lottery. An important social phenomenon, even people that do not make a regular
habit of playing the lottery often participate in this special drawing.
This celebration of economic good fortune is then followed by a Christmas Eve feast. The traditional
Spanish Christmas dinner menu includes ‘Pavo Trufado de Navidad’ which includes seafood, most
commonly langostinos or king prawns, turkey stuffed with truffles with a variety of desserts. Papá
Noel brings gifts for children to open on Christmas Eve followed by Midnight Mass or ‘La Misa Del Gallo’
(The Mass of the Rooster). It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that
Jesus was born.
December 28th is 'Día de los Santos Inocentes' or 'Day of the Innocent Saints’ remembering the babies
that were killed on the orders of King Herrod. In Spain it is celebrated like our April Fools Day. People try
to trick each other into believing silly stories and jokes. Newspapers and TV stations also run silly stories.
While Christmas Eve “Nochebuena” is a family celebration, New Year’s Eve “Nochevieja” is a time for
partying with friends. It is a night for throwing fiestas called “cotillones” or for gathering in town squares
under the old clock tower waiting in eager anticipation for it to strike twelve. According to tradition, you
wolf down 12 grapes: one grape for each stroke of the clock at midnight to guarantee good fortune for
the New Year. The festive spirit continues until the wee hours of the early morning and January 1st is a
day of rest for those who have partied away the last night of the old year. Many bars open at 6-7 am to
serve hot chocolate with churros
Like Italy and France, Spain also celebrates the end of the Christmas holiday with Epiphany. Children write
Like Italy and France, Spain also celebrates the end of the Christmas holiday with Epiphany. Children write
letters to the Kings on Boxing Day, December 26th, asking for toys and presents. They leave shoes on
windowsills, balconies or under the Christmas tree to be filled with presents. Gifts are often left by
children for the Kings, usually a glass of cognac and some walnuts, and sometimes a bucket of water for
the camels that bring the Kings! Some big towns and cities have Epiphany Parades with each King having
a big float that is shaped like a camel. That morning, the children wake up to presents and enjoy Roscón
de Reyes, a large, round, donut-shaped cake that is adorned with candied fruit and can be served with
cream in the center. Roscón always has a plastic figurine baked into it and whoever gets the piece with
the figurine inside typically wins, sometimes receiving money or some other prize or privilege. In some
families, however, the person who gets the figurine ‘loses’ and has to pay for the roscón.
IRELAND' Nollaig Shona Duit!'
A number of Christmas traditions, such as Christmas trees and mistletoe, are relatively new to this island,
but embraced nonetheless. Some people give presents to their whole family, others organize a “Kris
Kindle”, where each person is tasked with buying one gift for a family member.
There is an old Irish tradition of putting a tall, thick candle on the sill of the largest window of your home
after sunset on Christmas Eve. In the spirit of welcoming Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for
shelter, it is a symbol to welcome strangers and to remember those who are far away from home.
A unusual tradition of swimming in the sea on Christmas Day has been popular and has grown in
significance in recent decades. At the Forty Foot swimming area near Dun Laoghaire, south county Dublin,
intrepid souls brave the cold weather and form an orderly queue to jump into the very cold Irish Sea.
Many use the swim as a chance to raise money for charity.
On the Irish Christmas table will be roast turkey and stuffing, clove-studded baked ham, crispy goose fat
potatoes, steamed Brussels sprouts, buttery sweet carrots, crispy parsnips, cranberry sauce, bread sauce,
gravy, and of course, Christmas Pudding and mince pies, often eaten with delicious brandy butter. The
pudding is presented in flames, with brandy poured over it and set alight.
The day after Christmas Day is called St. Stephen’s Day, or Boxing Day. The day often includes visits to
church, the neighbors and another large meal. In some villages, groups of ‘wren boys’ dress in costumes
and march through the streets and pubs beating drums, blowing whistles and singing. They are
celebrating a victory over a plot by the English against local Irish soldiers during Penal times: about to be
ambushed, the soldiers were alerted by group of wrens who pecked on their drums, woke them up and
helped thwart the plot.
SCOTLAND'Blithe Yule Nollaig Chridheil!'
Scottish Christmas traditions haven’t been around very long. For nearly 400 years, the celebration of
Christmas as we know it was banned in Scotland during a period known as the Reformation. The Free
Presbyterian of Scotland, or ‘we frees” officially discouraged Christmas holiday festivities until the 1950’s,
but Christmas, or Yule Day, has always been celebrated by everyone else. The Scots do not celebrate a
Catholic mass, nor do they believe the divinity of the Virgin Mary … slightly controversial hence the
Catholic/ Protestant divide. But as many countries do, families embrace many of the today’s popular
Christmas traditions. Yes, there are Christmas trees and presents for all. And on Christmas day, family and
friends sit down to a meal of turkey with neeps [turnips] and roast potatoes. The most popular pudding,
or dessert, is called Cranachan. Pronounced 'cran-och-han', it celebrates the best of Scottish ingredients:
cream, honey, fresh raspberries, oatmeal and a wee bit o’ whisky.
Hogmanay: Four Days of Reverie
The Reformation may have halted the advancement of Scottish Christmas traditions, but Scottish New
Year's always brightens the cold and dark winter. For nearly a week, Scottish revelers celebrate the dawn
of the new year with street festivals, concerts, parties, and large bonfires. Some of the customs include:
Redding the House: This annual cleaning rids the home of bad luck from the previous year and
encourages good luck in the new. Part of this custom may include burning juniper branches within the
house until it fills with smoke, then opening all the windows to cast out spirits. On the stroke of midnight,
all the doors are open to let the New Year in. Dinner is enjoyed, the party goes until the wee hours of the
morn', … and there are very few sober mailmen at this time of year!
First Footing: The Scots open their homes to everyone in the neighborhood, and the first visitor is called
the First Footer. As a gift, coal is given for warmth, shortbread for abundance and whisky to toast each
other's health in the coming year. You then need to return to the First Footer's house sometime over the
next few days to offer them the same wishes. This ritual of goodwill can go on for weeks.
"Auld Lang Syne": Scottish poet Robert Burn crafted the lyrics to this classic tune, which rings through
the neighborhoods as neighbors reminisce over old times and renew friendships.
GREECEKales Diorites!
Even though decorations have become more lavish and the foreign influences are evident, for the Greek
Orthodox, Christmas has traditionally been a quiet, solemn season that is close to the true spirit of the
holiday. While the Greeks enjoy a Christmas tree, it is an imported tradition. Traditionally they decorate a
small boat to celebrate their affiliation with the sea and it’s long marine history. The Christmas boats are
made of paper or wood, decorated with lights and a few simple ornaments. They are usually placed near
the front door or by the fire with the bow pointing to the interior of the house symbolizing a full load of
riches reaching one’s home.
While other cultures have Christmas elves, the Greek’s have the mischievous and even dangerous spirits
called the Kallikantzari, who love to prey upon people and causing a mess during the holidays.
Greek Christmas carols, called 'Kalanda,' are beautiful carols that have been handed down from Byzantine
times and add to the reverent quality of the celebration. On the morning of Christmas Eve, children go
from home to home and sing the Kalanda accompanied by the sounds of triangles, guitars or harmonicas.
In return, they receive sweets and money.
On Christmas Day, after church services, family and friends gather for the big Christmas meal. Every
Christmas table includes loaves of Christopsomo ("Christ's Bread") and either a roast turkey with a
stuffing of rice, minced meat, raisins and chestnuts or the more traditional roast pork. The Greek
Christmas feast wouldn't be complete without traditional Greek Christmas cookies are called
Melomakarona, honey-dipped cookies often stuffed and sprinkled with walnuts.
After Christmas, Greek children impatiently wait for New Year's Day (Protochronia) because it is the
custom to exchange gifts then instead of on Christmas. That's when St. Basil, the Greek Santa
Claus, delivers their gifts.
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