Christmas is the festival of love, family and contemplation. The festival radiates a certain magic and comfort and is one of the most popular holidays of the year. If you are one of the Christmas favorites, you might want to know a little more about it. Then you have undoubtedly come to the right place. We would like to provide you with interesting information, tips and inspiration on the topic of Christmas. These can make planning, decorating and preparing the banquet table a lot easier.
What is Christmas?
Christmas and its history can be briefly summarized. It is a festival of Christians. The birth of Jesus is celebrated. The exact date of his birth was not actually known, so December 25th was simply chosen. However, celebrations often take place on the evening of December 24th, i.e. Christmas Eve. This is the case in Austria, among others. But even before Christmas was set on this date, December 25th was a holiday. Previously, the winter solstice was celebrated by various cultures. This festival was intended to brighten up the dark times. The meaning of Christmas in relation to Christmas is not known to everyone. Actually the word Christmas is the plural. Many people are unaware of this, either because they have never paid attention to it or because the word is rarely used with the article. In the singular the festival is called “Christmas”. The word is made up of the words “consecrate” and “night”. And if you consider that the word “consecrate” can also be explained as “dedicate to something holy,” then Christmas actually means nothing other than Christmas Eve, or rather, Holy Night.
Orthodox Christmas
There is a difference in the date of Christmas among Orthodox Christians. They celebrate Christmas on or around January 7th. But why does the Russian Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas on January 7th? It must be said that she actually celebrates on December 25th as well. If you're completely confused, let's quickly add that the Orthodox Church just follows a different calendar. This is the Julian calendar, which now differs by 13 days from the Gregorian calendar that we usually use today. “Meanwhile” because the number is increasing. This is because the Julian year is eleven minutes longer than the Gregorian year. Although it was revised in 1923 to more closely resemble the Gregorian calendar, the Julian calendar continues to be used in an unedited version by some communities. This means that the date of Christmas falls on January 8th from 2101 onwards.
A celebration for the whole family
As already mentioned, Christmas is a family celebration. Grandparents, parents-in-law and siblings come to visit. Traditionally, people eat dinner together at home on Christmas Eve. The gifts will then be distributed. In many regions this only happens on the morning of December 25th. Christmas can be a little more stressful with a baby. However, you should remember that any stress will also be passed on to the child. Good planning and preparation will also make Christmas with a baby harmonious.
Spending Christmas alone
If you are alone at Christmas, it doesn't have to mean that you can't make yourself comfortable and create a Christmas atmosphere. You won't have the stress like others who have to make final preparations such as shopping and cooking for a large number of people. If you still don't want to be home alone, you can also plan a short vacation for Christmas. There you have the opportunity to meet new and like-minded people. A short vacation is also an option if you are celebrating Christmas as a couple and want to try something new. Hotels are usually decorated for Christmas at this time and guarantee a Christmas atmosphere.
Short vacation ideas
Of course, you decide for yourself where you spend your short holiday during Christmas. If you insist on snow at this time, you can plan a ski holiday for Christmas in the snow. However, some people want to escape the cold weather and prefer to choose a warm place. Sun, beach and sea are popular holiday destinations at Christmas. Spend the festival under the palm trees on Mallorca or travel further away for a longer period of time - to Australia, for example. If you value the Christmas atmosphere despite the warm weather, the destination country should also celebrate Christmas traditionally.
Christmas begins before the festival
Christmas is not just about the festival itself. The preparations and the Christmas spirit begin at least a month in advance. You get excited for Christmas with the first snowflakes or as soon as the weather gets colder. And then you finally want to decorate for Christmas. There are endless Christmas decoration ideas. You can buy decorations or make them yourself, which can be a lot of fun, especially for children. The Advent wreath is an element that should not be missing at any Christmas time. With it you count down the countdownlast four Sundaysbefore Christmas. As the name suggests, a wreath with four candles is used for this purpose. Every Sunday a new candle is gradually lit. The Christmas decorations can be designed in a modern way. There are also more modern versions in which the candles are placed on a board and decorated with Christmas elements such as pine greens or pine cones. Otherwise there are many other variations for decorations. A garland at Christmas adorns the mantel, the banister or walls and tables, while Christmas motifs can decorate the rest of the house. Angels and reindeer at Christmas or snowmen create the perfect atmosphere and can be complemented by snowflakes, Santa Claus and small Christmas trees. Decorate the mantel, side and coffee tables or the windowsill again.
Christmas decorations in different styles
Traditional Christmas decorations are increasingly being replaced by modern designs or combined with them. Scandinavian Christmas decorations are also very trendy. If you like neutral colors, lots of natural materials and a simple look, you can't go wrong with a Danish, Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish Christmas decoration. If you want to create a particularly cozy atmosphere at Christmas, you can choose a nostalgic Christmas decoration in a country house style or in a rustic style. These represent the traditional elements that we still know from grandma's time.
Window decorations for Christmas
The window is another element in the house that is perfect for decorating at Christmas time. The window pictures for Christmas are a great idea and can decorate any window. Whether homemade or purchased, they quickly become eye-catchers both inside and out. Window decorations for Christmas can't just consist of window pictures. Christmas figures, candles and other elements also perfectly decorate the window and can also be seen from outside. With candles but also fairy lights and other glowing decorations you can create the perfect decoration in the form of window lighting for Christmas.
Christmas decorations for outside
Anyone who loves the Christmas atmosphere created by the decorations indoors will definitely want to transfer it outside. A classic for this are door wreaths for Christmas. The Christmas decorations for the front door welcome guests in a particularly charming way and can be made yourself or bought ready-made. You decide for yourself which materials you choose. Christmas decorations made of wood are particularly popular, but can also be replaced or supplemented by other, more modern materials such as metal. However, it is important that you put up or hang natural Christmas decorations at least here and there. Christmas decorations from nature have a special charm. If possible, the Christmas decorations outside should also be present in the garden. Outdoor lighting for Christmas, which you can get from a variety of fairy lights, is well suited for Christmas decorations in the garden. An LED Christmas decoration can be chosen for trees and bushes in the garden, but can also decorate fences, gates or even windows. Illuminated trees create the perfect atmosphere and glowing Christmas decorations are a must to create a cozy atmosphere in the dark season. You can save energy with a solar light decoration.
The Christmas tree
The chain of lights at Christmas is of course also present on the Christmas tree and, like the tree decorations, is simply part of it. Traditionally, the Christmas tree is a real tree. Artificial Christmas trees are also often chosen in order to save money because the tree can be used for new ones every year. Another reason is that more and more people are being environmentally conscious and do not want to contribute to the felling of countless trees every year. If an artificial Christmas tree is not enough for you and if you insist on a real Christmas tree and still don't want to harm the environment, you can choose the tree in two ways: Trees are no longer cut down illegally. You can check this when purchasing, as the trees should have a seal. For every tree cut down, at least one new one is planted. Therefore, choose native trees. Fir trees in pots are also very popular. These not only last longer, but can also be planted in the garden or forest after Christmas.
Decorate the Christmas tree
In addition to the fairy lights, the Christmas tree baubles and all other Christmas tree decorations should not be missing at Christmas. They make the Christmas tree really festive. The Christmas decorations for the Christmas tree can be very versatile. Traditionally, glass balls are used as Christmas decorations and can have any shape. Nowadays, plastic tree decoration options are also available. They are traditionally combined with natural materials such as pine cones, orange slices, cinnamon sticks and other things. Tinsel placed over some Christmas tree branches provides sparkling accents.
The colors at Christmas time
There are no longer any specific rules regarding the colors for Christmas decorations. While gold, green, red and sometimes silver are among the traditional colors, today's Christmas decorations can also be chosen in pink, white, turquoise or purple. Everyone chooses the mood that they like best. If you want to stay true to tradition, choose traditional colors and elements. If you want to celebrate an unusual Christmas, you can use modern motifs, figures and colors.
Decorate the festive table
A particularly important element at Christmas time is the festive table. The dining table needs to be decorated appropriately for Christmas, that's for sure. However, this doesn't just apply to Christmas Eve or the Christmas holidays. Dinner can be made more festive with pretty decorations throughout Advent. The table decoration for Christmas is determined first and foremost by a matching tablecloth or table runner. These form the basis and also the basic color for the rest of the Christmas decorations on the table. Various figures, the Advent wreath, candles and fir greenery are suitable elements. Christmas decorations in jars are very popular. This doesn't just mean snow globes but also arrangements that can be made under a glass dome. One advantage is that the decorations don't catch dust. These decorations can grace the table throughout the holiday season and throughout the day. For dinner, don't forget the napkins! Folding napkins at Christmas is a great idea because they make the table look more elegant. Fresh or artificial flowers at Christmas also create a pleasant atmosphere.
Crafts for Christmas
Christmas is a special time not only for adults but also for children. The magic is automatically transferred to the little ones through the many decorations, the scent of the cookies and the pleasant lighting. You can increase the positive influence of Christmas through craft afternoons. There are countless craft ideas for Christmas. Make various things out of paper, natural materials, felt or, traditionally, salt dough, alone or with the children.
Craft nature-consciously
If you want to protect the environment, you can also do this when doing crafts at Christmas. There are upcycling ideas using popsicle sticks, toilet rolls, plastic spoons, clothespins, corks and buttons. It's best to start collecting in advance. Then you'll have all the materials you need to get started, just in time for Christmas. Use various craft templates, craft instructions and craft tips for Christmas and create pleasant afternoons throughout the entire Christmas season.
Make your own Christmas decorations
As already mentioned, you can also make your own Christmas decorations. When you make Christmas decorations, you can make a variety of things according to your ideas. How about, for example, making origami for Christmas or a snow globe? If you make stars for Christmas, you can also use them to decorate the interior. If you want, you can also sew a variety of Christmas decorations. Fabrics, including felt, can be processed into wonderful decorations. Even tree decorations can be easily made from fabrics. If you want, you can also sew curtains or tablecloths yourself for Christmas and use them to decorate your house or apartment festively.
Christmas crafts with children
As parents, you can best assess the extent to which your children can participate in crafting. For the younger children, there are great Christmas coloring pictures that the little ones can keep busy with. Such Christmas coloring pages should also be best suited to the Christmas season so that the children can also get into the Christmas spirit. Motifs such as Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, angels, stars or elves are particularly suitable. Coloring is also a fun activity for adults. The so-called mandalas are suitable for this. Choose mandalas for Christmas that consist of lots of stars or other Christmas elements. Also, get mandalas that are suitable for children and color together.
Make and send your own greeting cards
Make not only relatives but also friends a special treat by making your own cards at Christmas and then traditionally sending them by post. Homemade greeting cards are much more personal and unique. Especially if you make 3D cards for Christmas, you can leave a special impression. The greeting cards can be made from any material and have suitable sayings for Christmas. Children can also write on these cards themselves depending on their age. Add pleasant Christmas wishes to the cards. The congratulations can then also include ones for the New Year.
The big banquet
One of the highlights is of course the dinner on Christmas Eve, where, as I said, the whole family gets together. Nowadays, what you cook for Christmas is a question of taste. Traditionally, roast pork or goose is served on the table. In Austria, carp is part of the traditional Christmas menu. These originally only appeared on the festive table on December 25th after Lent. There were also twelve apples that symbolized the apostles, while the spices three by three gave the dishes the finishing touch and were intended to remind us of the Trinity. The 3 to 4-course menu for Christmas is completely sufficient. After all, you don't want to overspend on cooking and the stress that comes with it, but rather you want to be able to enjoy the entire day. Use traditional recipes this Christmas or try something new. Both salads and soups are suitable as Christmas starters. Delicious vegetable soups for Christmas stimulate your appetite, but don't fill your stomach straight away, leaving room for the main course. Vegetarians of course have the opportunity to spend Christmas vegetarian. Cooking vegan for Christmas is also no problem. A delicious feast can be prepared in a variety of ways.
The dessert
Dinner can be completed with a delicious Christmas dessert. Christmas desserts can also be traditional or more modern. Just as cake is perfect for Christmas, Christmas cupcakes or Christmas muffins are also increasingly being served on the table. They are very popular with children and simply look lovely on the table. Cupcakes can also be decorated in a fairytale style and appropriate for Christmas. In general, baking at Christmas is once again something that simply belongs and can be done together with the whole family. The smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies undoubtedly puts you in a good mood. Whether you make quick Christmas cookies using cookie cutters or try something more complicated is entirely your decision.
The presents for Christmas
A part of the Christmas season that is particularly popular with children is of course the moment when the presents are opened. Why are there presents at Christmas? This topic is causing a lot of discussion these days. Many people believe that the gifts have too much value and prefer Christmas without gifts. That is everyone's right. Nevertheless, the gifts are a sign of affection. The joy of the birth of Jesus should be passed on to the family. And who doesn't like to give a gift to a dear relative or friend and be happy about the joy of the other person? The fact is that gifts were given away when Jesus was born. So the three kings brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn.
Gifts for sparkling eyes
Christmas gift ideas depend on what the recipient likes. It usually helps to pay attention to your wishes over the course of the year, because you are often unconscious of what you want. If you remember such statements, it will be easier later when you run errands. The gift ideas for men and women are always very different. This is simply because both genders have completely different interests and preferences. For example, a gift for a boyfriend for Christmas or a gift for a girlfriend can reflect his or her personality or be related to a hobby. If the boyfriend and girlfriend are partners, the gift can be romantic. Gifts for parents at Christmas are usually thought up quite quickly. Because you spend a lot of time with them and have known them for many years, you know what their preferences are or what would be most useful to them.
Homemade gifts
The gift for mom can be, for example, pretty dishes or something else for the kitchen or a short vacation to relax. The gift for the father can be a tool or a technical device. As I said, just depend on your hobby and interests. Gifts for grandparents at Christmas are chosen in the same way. Grandchildren can also easily give homemade gifts. Grandparents and parents also really appreciate something like this because it is personal and individual. DIY gifts are a wonderful idea for any occasion. But if you have no idea, you can also choose cash gifts for Christmas. These are often viewed as too impersonal, but they have a big advantage: the recipient can decide for themselves what they want to buy, so that useless gifts that end up just sitting around are avoided.
Wrapping gifts
Regardless of whether you make the Christmas presents yourself or buy them, the packaging is no less important. You can wrap the gifts in different ways. Traditionally, wrapping paper is used for Christmas, which is designed in matching colors and has Christmas motifs. Neutral wrapping paper is also suitable and can then be additionally decorated with self-painted pictures or stickers and other decorations. Fortunately, if you don't have any talent for wrapping presents, there are also gift bags available for Christmas.
The Christmas outfit
The decorations have been ready since the beginning of the Christmas season, the presents have been wrapped and stowed under the Christmas tree and the menu has been prepared for Christmas Eve. The only thing left to do is to dress up for the party. Not only the outfit for Christmas, which should be chosen in a festive way, plays a big role, but also how you style your hair. Choose hairstyles that are comfortable. Updos are elegant and don't get in the way when cooking or eating. With curls you look like an angel. Christmas make-up should be as subtle as possible or at least not too colorful. Some glitter or shine effects in the form of silver or gold eyeshadow work well. You can also design your nails for Christmas. For your Christmas nail design, use typical Christmas colors or motifs such as stars, snowflakes or mistletoe. You can add humor with fun motifs such as snowmen or Santa Claus. Since you won't have much time for your nails on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you can also have gel nails designed for Christmas in advance. Collect inspiration for nail art for Christmas or let the manicurist surprise you.
