Long before Christianity lured ancient cultures into December celebrations, there was the winter solstice, a time to mark the end of long, long nights. In order to boost church enrollment, early Christians just incorporated some of the pagan practices,...
Fun–and Funny–Holiday Traditions Around the World
Holiday traditions around the world make me smile. After all, every country and culture does something that, well, we wonder how they could ever have become a real thing. And that’s the beauty of them. You already know the...
Holiday Foods From Around The World
Holiday foods are possibly the best part of the season. Okay, family and friends are important, too…but over the years, we come to look forward to our favorite things to eat. Long after the gifts are opened and the...
Luminarias: New Mexico’s Holiday Lights…Easy to Do!
Luminarias are an important part of New Mexico’s holiday season. For over 300 years–long before it became a state–the rich Spanish/Mexican heritage included luminarias a part of the local culture. Also called “farolitos,” or little lanterns, they are worth...
Mulled Wine: The World’s “Warm-You-Up” Drink
Cold weather means warm drinks. What’s better than coming in from outside and wrapping your hands around a cup of something aromatic, ready to warm you up inside? Hello, mulled wine! Warm, spicy mulled wine makes an annual appearance...
Christkindlmarket in Chicago: An Old World Tradition
Christkindlemarket in Chicago is only 23 years old…an infant, compared to the market in Nuremberg, Germany. Nuremberg’s was established in 1545 and still serves as the inspiration for Christmas markets around the world. Christkindlmarket translates from German as “baby...
Holidays Elsewhere: The Pros & Cons
What happens when you think about spending the holidays elsewhere? Do you wish you could escape to someplace warm…or different? Or do you feel guilty, because you “should” stay home, drink cheap eggnog, and find a new spot for...
Favorite Travel Magazines to Give…or Get for Yourself!
“What are your favorite travel magazines?” When you write a travel blog, people are curious to know what you read for enjoyment and inspiration. Sometimes they ask for gift recommendations for the travelers in their lives…or what they should...