Attending mass, watching movies, putting up and decorating Christmas trees, candy canes and Christmas cards are also popular traditions.
"A Christmas tree decorating party is always a great idea for holiday fun," says Robin Bickerstaff Glover, a writer for About.com Etiquette. "Invite each guest to bring along a unique ornament and have fun with music and a light fare as you trim the Christmas evergreen."
And let's not forget about those mouth-watering Christmas dishes. Here are a few Christmas recipes from
livewellnetwork.com:
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. Jews celebrate by lighting a candle each night on the nine-branched menorah. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts. It is customary to give Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) as small gifts.
Classic Hanukkah dishes include cripsy potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream called latkes, sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) topped with powdered sugar and donuts called bunuelos (or bimuelos), which are traditionally dipped in honey.
Kwanzaa, an African-American and Pan-African seven night holiday, celebrates family, community and culture. Each night a candle-lighting ceremony is held to gather and discuss the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Celebrations include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading and a large traditional meal.
A Karamu or African Feast is held on the last day of Kwanzaa.Traditional African dishes include:
It's no wonder why people look forward to the holidays. A variety of traditions is a beautiful thing!
