A typical Venezuelan Christmas recipe is the hallaca, which is their luxurious dinner. It is a mixture of beef, pork, capers, raisins and olives that is wrapped in maize, wrapped up in plantain leaves with string and steamed afterwards. This is the meal that is traditionally served in Venezuela during the Christmas holiday.

There is a popular myth which holds that it was common practice for the plantation owners to donate their leftover Christmas food scraps-usually bits of pork and beef to their slaves, who would then wrap them in cornmeal and plantain leaves for subsequent preparation and cooking.

There are, of course, other Venezuelan Christmas recipes but the hallaca is one of the most traditional and its preparation is practically limited to that time of the year. It is still prepared in a very similar fashion to colonial times with some modern refinements-the hallaca is also considered one of the most representative icons of Venezuelan multicultural heritage. The reason for this is because its preparation includes European ingredients such as raisins, nuts and olives-this is in addition to indigenous ingredients such as corn meal colored with annatto seeds; and also African ingredients such as smoked banana or plantain leaves that are used for wrapping. More on Is hallaca a traditional recipe from Venezuela?

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Like many other countries all over the world; at Christmas time, Argentinians get together and celebrate. Their celebrations may be rather different from some other countries because of the climate. In America, for example, we are used to winter snow and wrapping up warm at Christmas time-in Argentina, Christmas occurs in the summer, when the hot, dry winds called ‘zonda’ blow from the equatorial north. Yet the Argentinians still like to celebrate in their own particular style-and using traditional Argentinian Christmas recipes. Because of the heat, the Christmas dinner is usually served outside in the shade under a tree or trellis; or on a veranda, and the table is decorated with rosebuds and jasmine instead of candles. More on Christmas recipes from Argentina

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Christmas carols are playing on the radio, delicious scents waft out of the kitchen, and everywhere you look, you see evergreen, red, and gold.  It’s that time of year again.  And every year brings the desire to make this the best holiday season ever.  Every family has a set of traditions they religiously follow, but it can be a lot of fun to shake things up a bit.  There are a huge variety of Christmas activities that can make your holidays brighter.

One good way to find new and exciting Christmas activities is to check your local newspaper.  Most communities plan special Christmas events.  Your city’s chamber of commerce or community website can provide a calendar of events as well.  You are likely to find things like choir performances, live nativity scenes, and maybe Christmas themed socials.  Taking part in events like this help to put the participants in a holiday mood, break up the monotony of shopping, and make some wonderful memories.  Another option to get in the spirit of things is to attend a holiday show.  Many community organizations, such as the ballet or symphony, have productions of holiday shows, like The Nutcracker or a selection of holiday music.  Attending a show and enjoying an elegant dinner after is an excellent way to start a new tradition with your friends or spouse.

Staying in can inspire some fun and creative Christmas activities too.  Many people enjoy making the same holiday goodies from year to year.  These treats could be used as gifts or added to the menu at a Christmas party.  An added bonus is the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg that is sure to infuse your kitchen.  Cooking and baking can be a great way to unwind alone or have a more rambunctious event with family or friends.  Decorating the tree and house are other ways people get in the Christmas mood.  Warm up some apple cider, set out a plate of cookies, and go to work creating a magical holiday look in your home.  It’s a lot of fun to reminisce about holidays past while preparing for the new.  After all, that’s what Christmas activities are all about.

Whether done alone or with a group of loved ones, Christmas activities enrich the holiday season and make beautiful memories for years to come.  The important thing is to do what you enjoy in your preparation and celebration of Christmas.  Each family is unique and observes the holiday in their own way.  Just remember to include Christmas activities in the holiday festivities.

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Christmas is that magical time of year when we slow down and spend quality time with our loved ones.  It is a time to share with our family, friends, co-workers, even people that we have never met, and probably never will.  A Christmas gift is our way of telling someone we love them, others that we appreciate him or her, or letting the less fortunate know that we do care. 

A wonderful Christmas gift to ourselves is doing something special for a person or family less fortunate than we are.  Here are just a few of many ideas for a special Christmas gift: More on Original Gifts for the Whole Family

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Christmas is a magical time when you stroll outside, the air is cold and crisp and often the sky looks a little grey but you still feel happy and walk with an added bounce in your step.  It makes you smile seeing the great job Jack Frost did on your windowpanes and you do not mind scraping the car windows before you can drive to go Christmas shopping.  You travel slowly down the street looking at all the fabulous light shows displayed on the houses and lawns of friends, neighbors and even strangers.  Fighting the crowds while shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts for loved ones, friends and co-workers, just adds to the excitement of Christmas.  This is all part of the joy of Christmas. 

If you have children, you hide their gifts because you know that just like you when you were a child, they will be hunting for them.  Sometimes you keep them at a friend’s house so the children do not find their Christmas gifts and you get a chance to visit while you wrap them.  If you have younger children, there are often bikes and doll carriages to be constructed or toys that need batteries put in them.  Do not forget to mail the children’s letters to Santa at the North Pole.  No matter how old your children are, even ones living away from home, they love Christmas stockings so stocking stuffers are necessary.  A great family tradition is to take your children to buy a few Christmas gifts and food items to donate to those less fortunate.  Christmas is a time for giving and enjoying the company of all people, not just those that you already know.         

Christmas morning finally arrives, gifts are opened and the turkey is stuffed and in the oven.  The Christmas tree glows and sparkles with tiny lights and beautiful Christmas ornaments.  Opened gifts sit under the tree; the children are playing while the adults sit and talk.  After all the hard work of preparing for Christmas, it has been worth every second.  Other family members and friends stop by to wish you Merry Christmas and to celebrate this wonderful holiday.  Everyone sits down to a lovely Christmas dinner of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.  Desert is often plum pudding or Christmas cookies, if you have any room left.  After tidying up and tucking the children into bed, you finally get to sit down and put your feet up.

At Christmas, many people celebrate Christ’s birth while others celebrate life and pray for peace and harmony.  We remember loved ones we have lost and reminisce about years gone by.  No matter how old we are, what race, heritage or upbringing, Christmas is a time to love, rejoice and live. 

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