Have Yourself a Very European Christmas
A few years ago, I had the immense pleasure of attending a traditional Irish Christmas with my roommate and her family. It was, by far, the most memorable holiday experience of my life. If you're hosting a Christmas gathering this year, why not give it a multicultural kick by incorporating one – or both – of these delightful European traditions?
Christmas Crackers
One of the more easily accessible staples of holiday fun made popular in the UK and Ireland, Christmas Crackers aren't the kind of crackers you eat, but the kind you play with. Someone grabs one end of the cracker while someone else grabs the opposite. You both give a mighty tug and whomever is left holding the largest half gets the prize inside. You can find these favors either online (there are a lot of wonderful handmade crackers available at Etsy) or at stores like Pier 1.
Wassailing
Most Americans are familiar with this line from one of our beloved Christmas carols: “Here we come a'wassailing among the leaves so green.” In that context, wassailing means caroling, but throughout Europe, the word also describes drinking from a Wassail Bowl. Whether filled with spiced wine for friends to share or warm punch for weary carolers, this is a lovely custom with an interesting history that brings a little extra cheer to any seasonal celebration.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org.