New Year traditions around the world
siddlobo
| 27 December, 2008 17:36
As another year comes to an end, let’s take a look at how people from around the world celebrate the New Year.
England
In England, crowds gather in Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus waiting to hear the chimes of London's Big Ben, which announces the arrival of the New Year. People link arms and there is usually a rendering of "Auld Lang Syne." The custom of "first-footing" is important. To ensure good luck for the inhabitants of a house, the first person to enter on New Year's Day should be male, young, healthy and good-looking. He should preferably be dark-haired and carrying a small piece of coal, money, bread and salt. These things symbolize wealth. Women and those people with blonde or red hair are considered unlucky "first-footers."
Find more information about expat life in England on Easy Expat.
Hong Kong
Since the people in Hong Kong are not allowed to set off real firecrackers at the New Year, they use plastic firecrackers as decorations. Most people favor red as the color for clothing and decorations since it is associated with joy and happiness. Lucky money is distributed in red envelopes with the family name and a good luck message written in gold. These are given on by relatives to the children of the family and any unmarried members only. The New Year feast is always a large one for the first day of the year.
Greece
The Greeks celebrate the beginning of the New Year by sharing a traditional sweet bread into which a coin has been baked. The bread is sliced at midnight and whoever gets the coin is believed to have good luck for the year.
Spain
The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.
Find more information about expat life in Spain on Easy Expat.
Hungary
Effigies of a scapegoat known as "Jack Straw" are burned. These effigies represent the evils and misfortunes of the past year. "Jack Straw" is carried around the village before being set on fire.
China
The Chinese continue to observe the lunar New Year, which is based on the old Chinese lunar calendar, so it may occur at any point between January 1 and February 19. The celebration can last anywhere from 10 days to one month. They set off firecrackers and play drums and cymbals to drive away evil spirits. Gifts of money, in red envelopes, are exchanged.
Find more information about expat life in China on Easy Expat.
United States of America
Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of 2,668 Waterford Crystals, weighs 11, 875 pounds and is capable of creating more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns producing a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square.
Find more information about expat life in the US on Easy Expat. Find specific information on New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Austria
New Year's Eve is called Sylverterabend, which is the Eve of Saint Sylvester. Austrians make a spiced punch in honor of the saint. Evil spirits of the old year are chased away by firing moroars. They attend midnight mass and trumpets are blown from church towers at midnight, when people kiss each other.
South Africa
In South Africa, church bells ring in the New Year and gunshots are fired. In the Cape Province area, carnivals are the order of the New Year's Day and Second New Year's Day. People dress in colorful costumes and dance in the streets to the sound of drums.
Find more information about expat life in South Africa on Easy Expat.
Mexico
In Mexico, the Christmas celebration of posadas culminates on January 6 in the Fiesta de los Reyes. On that day, the King’s Cake (rosca de reyes) is served. The cake is formed into a ring to symbolize a crown, and a doll is hidden in the dough. The one who finds the doll becomes the king for the day and must select a queen. The “royal” couple then hosts a party on Candlemas (February 2), when candles are lit for purification of the Virgin Mary.
Find more information about expat life in Mexico on Easy Expat.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer
How Expats Celebrate Christmas Around the World
easyexpat
| 22 December, 2008 18:41
Enter Offshore Expat Christmas Prize Draw
Article sponsored by HSBC
Christmas is a time for getting together – spending time with loved ones, cooking and sharing food, and of course, the exchanging of gifts. But how does the expat community spend Christmas away from home? What’s the best present to send if you’re living offshore and how can you keep in touch during the busy holiday season?
HSBC Bank International has looked into how Christmas is celebrated in popular expat locations across the world and found some surprising similarities. To help celebrate Christmas the Bank is giving expats a chance to win £1000 in gift vouchers to keep the giving going in 2009. Readers can enter the prize draw by visiting Christmas Prize Draw and detailing their experiences of a Christmas abroad. No purchase is necessary and the lucky winner will be randomly chosen on 30 January 2009.
Christmas in Dubai
Christmas time for expats living in Dubai is similar to the experience shared in the UK– spending the day with family and a big lunch. Expats who do not have any family in the city meet their friends for a festive feast in one of the many five-star hotels. Hoteliers make an extra effort to put on special meals, decorations and even a Christmas tree, which is often shipped in from Europe.
Christmas is becoming bigger business in Dubai as more expats make it their home: shopping centres even fill their windows with Christmas displays complete with fake snow. All the major shopping brands are available, but for a distinctive gift local markets provide great bargains for the family back home. And of course, Dubai has its very own man-made ski slope if expats from colder climes miss the wintery weather!
Find more information about expat life in Dubai on Easy Expat.
Christmas in South Africa
Family is also the focus for expats in South Africa. The celebrations are very similar to those of the UK, with presents in the morning, followed by a traditional Christmas meal in the afternoon or evening – turkey, brussel sprouts, roast potatoes, cranberry sauce, and lashings of gravy. The main difference is that the weather is warm and sunny, so Christmas meals normally take place outside, perhaps in people’s gardens or on terraces.
Shopping centres go over the top with Christmas displays, decorations and festive songs. Children can meet Santa in his grotto and many people attend outdoor carol concerts. Like Dubai, local markets do a popular trade in beautiful hand-made items, such as gifts made by native South Africans, such as the Xhosa and Zulu tribes. Many of these gifts are made from recycled materials. Wine is also a popular choice. Numerous vineyards across the country sell very good quality wine at very reasonable prices.
Find more information about expat life in South Africa on Easy Expat.
Christmas in Hong Kong
Expats in Hong Kong love to party at Christmas. The city is filled with lights as the numerous skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island compete with outlandish displays. Some expats spend Christmas Day having a fabulous meal in a top Hong Kong hotel before heading out to the popular ‘WinterFest’, which features the ubiquitous giant Christmas tree, carol songs and themed events. Churches run religious services while international schools hold English-style school fairs.
For those expats looking to send genuine gifts from the Orient home to their loved ones, Hong Kong is renowned for its traditional Chinese markets that sell numerous ornaments, curios and jade jewellery. Expats also adore the secret hideaways that sell ‘designer’ goods at discounted prices. Bargains are there to be found, but make sure you know how to barter well.
Find more information about expat life in China on Easy Expat.
Christmas in Singapore
Expats spending the festive season in Singapore are more likely to spend it gathered around the pool than the Christmas tree. The weather is hot and humid and the shops stay open late, which is perfect for those last minute presents!
Much like Hong Kong, the entire shopping district, including Orchard Road and Marina Centre, is decorated with colourful lights that are put up in mid-November and run right through until New Year's Day. Carolling, concerts and parades are just some of the festivities that take place during this period.
Find more information about expat life in Singapore on Easy Expat.
Christmas traditions around the world
siddlobo
| 19 December, 2008 17:41
There’s more to Christmas than Christmas trees, gifts, Santa Claus, reindeers and mistletoes. Read on to find out more about some of the traditions associated with Christmas around the world.
United States of America
Celebrations vary greatly between regions of the United States, because of the variety of nationalities which have settled in it.
In Pennsylvania for example, the Moravians build a landscape, called a putz - under the Christmas tree, while in the same state the Germans are given gifts by Belsnickle, who taps them with his switch if they have misbehaved.
In Alaska, a star on a pole is taken from door to door, followed by Herod's Men, who do their best to capture the star. Colonial doorways are often decorated with pineapple, a symbol of hospitality.
In Washington D.C, Christmas takes on a political twist the President presses a button and turns on the lights on a spectacular tree.
In Boston, carol singing festivities are famous. The singers are accompanied by hand bells.
In New Orleans, a huge ox is paraded around the streets decorated with holly and with ribbons tied to its horns.
Find more information about expat life in the US on Easy Expat. Find specific information on New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Italy
The Christmas season in Italy goes on for three weeks, starting eight days before Christmas known as the Novena. During this period, children go from house to house reciting Christmas poems and singing. In Rome, cannons are fired from Castel St. Angelo on Christmas Eve to announce the beginning of the holiday season. A 24-hour fast ends with an elaborate Christmas feast.
Find more information about expat life in Italy on Easy Expat. Find specific information on Milan and Rome.
Bethlehem
In Bethlehem the town where Jesus is said to have been born, the Church of the Nativity is ablaze with flags and decorations. On Christmas Eve natives and visitors alike crowd the church's doorways and stand on the roof to watch the dramatic annual procession. Galloping horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses lead the parade. The procession solemnly enters the doors and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the Church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the birth of Jesus. Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square.
Find more information about expat life in Israel on Easy Expat.
Germany
Christmas preparations often begin on the eve of December 6th. People set aside special evenings for baking spiced cakes and cookies, and making gifts and decorations. Children leave letters on their windowsills for Christkind, a winged figure dressed in white robes and a golden crown who distributes gifts. Sometimes the letters are decorated with glue and sprinkled with sugar to make them sparkle.
Find more information about expat life Germany on Easy Expat. Find specific information on Frankfurt and Munich.
France
In France, Christmas is called 'Noël. In cathedral squares, the story of Christ's birth is re-enacted by players and puppets. Another prominent aspect of Christmas in France is the traditional Yule log-shaped cake called the buche de Nol, which means "Christmas Log." On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Pere Noel. Adults usually wait until New Year's Day to exchange gifts.
Find more information about expat life in France on Easy Expat.
Australia
Christmas in Australia is often very hot. So instead of the traditional winter scene, Christmas here is often celebrated in the gardens and beaches. The warm weather allows Australians to enjoy a tradition of Carols by Candlelight. This is held every year on Christmas Eve, where tens of thousands of people gather in the city of Melbourne to sing their favorite Christmas songs.
Sweden
The most important day is Christmas Eve. A special Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve - ham (pork), herring fish, and brown beans - and this is the time when families give presents to each other. Most people attend mass early on Christmas Day.
Find more information about expat life in Sweden on Easy Expat.
Russia
In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much. New Year was the important time - when 'Father Frost' brought presents to children. With the fall of Communism, Christmas is now openly celebrated - either on December 25th; or more often on January 7th which is the date for celebration according to the ‘Julian calendar’ that the Russian Orthodox Church uses. Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and 'meat dumplings'.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer
Top Tips for Expat Christmas Giving
easyexpat
| 17 December, 2008 22:24
Article sponsored by HSBC
Sending gifts home from far off locations can be a real nightmare for expats. So, what’s the best way to get presents to friends and family at Christmas? HSBC Bank International has looked at some ways to make sending christmas gifts home a little simpler at this busy time.
To help celebrate the Christmas season the Bank is also giving expats a chance to win £1000 of gift vouchers for Amazon.com to keep the giving going in 2009. Readers can enter the prize draw by visiting the Christmas Prize Draw and detailing their experiences of a Christmas abroad. No purchase is necessary and the lucky winner will be randomly chosen on 30 January 2009.
A few top tips for avoiding shopping nightmares this festive season:
- Give a gift that is unique – getting something that can only be bought abroad can make those back home feel extra special
- Use online shopping websites - great bargains can be found and sites will deliver to most addresses
- Christmas hampers are another great gift to help get loved ones back home into the festive spirit. Some supermarket or department stores include the cost of delivery in their hamper prices.
- Buy top-ups or credit for online communication tools, or discount phone cards. Not only are these great presents but they also allows you to stay in touch throughout the year.
- Call in favours from friends back home by asking them to buy gifts for you. This also ensures that presents will be delivered. Money can be paid directly into their bank accounts. Many banks such as HSBC Bank International offer international money transfers.
- Purchase gift vouchers for local department stores –family and friends can then choose what they want at the stores they know and trust
- Flowers, which can be arranged through international or local florists who also usually deliver the finished bouquet
- Remember to send postal items via special delivery or by courier so they don’t get lost
Don’t forget to wrap up well! Breakages can occur easily, especially on long flights. Use plenty of bubble wrap or padding. Select online stores will ensure that gifts are properly wrapped upon request.
- Post items well in advance of Christmas, at least a month beforehand, to avoid the disappointment of gifts arriving late
Top 10 European Ski Resorts
siddlobo
| 04 December, 2008 17:58
Planning a ski vacation but not sure where to go? This article
features some ski resorts that are popular amongst both, professionals
and hobby skiers alike. From the most spectacular views to the places
with the best runs, least waits and deepest powder, read on to find out
more about some of the top ski resorts across Europe.
Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
This is a world famous ski resort. Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc,
Chamonix is one of Europe's most rugged sports resorts. Its Vallée
Blanche, a 12-mile run is among Europe's longest trails. For the truly
adventurous, there is backcountry skiing, hang gliding and ice climbing
opportunities. It also has a packed winter agenda featuring Christmas
celebrations, figure skating, speed skating and ski jumping events.
Find out more at http://www.chamonix.com/
Courchevel, France
Imagine 1,304 acres of mountain entirely dedicated to winter sports.
That’s Courchevel for you. One of the resorts with the largest linked
ski area in the world, the Trois Vallees, the Courchevel boasts of 150
kilometres of downhill pistes, served by 62 chairlifts, to get the most
out of your day’s skiing. Beginner or pro, you’ll find an itinerary to
match your level.
http://www.courchevel.com
Find more information about expat life in France on Easy Expat.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina D'Ampezzo is one of the best ski regions in Italy. It’s located
in the Dolomite Mountains in northeast Italy and surrounded by the
rocky Dolomite mountain range. Skiers can enjoy over 350
kilometres of slopes in 90 ski regions. For those looking for variety
in their winter holiday, look no further. Activities here include
bobsledding, snow rafting and high-speed tobogganing.
http://www.cortina.dolomiti.com/
Find more information about expat life in Italy on Easy Expat. Find specific information on Milan and Rome.
Jung Frau Region, Switzerland
This is your opportunity to ski in a UNESCO World Heritage site
recognized for its natural beauty. Located in the German-speaking heart
of Switzerland, Interlaken offers winter sport's fans access to some of
the most spectacular skiing in the Alps, with their base in a
service-packed small city in a spectacular lakeside setting. The
Jungfrau Top Ski Region, containing more than 160 Km (100 miles) of
trails in ski centers above Grindelwald are all linked to Interlaken by
a mountain railway included in a ski pass. With the pass, you can ski
in a different ski area every day for a week.
http://www.how2ski.com/
Gstaad, Switzerland
Surrounded by some of Switzerland's finest alpine scenery, Gstaad lies
in the south west of the country, about two hours' drive from Geneva or
Zurich on the boundary between the Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alpes.
Gstaad is a charming, car-free village. In winter, this magnificent ski
area is served by about 60 ski lifts. Cable cars ferry you into the
mountains - and the local tourist travel pass, the Gstaad Easyaccess
Card will offer you great value for money.
http://www.magicswitzerland.com/
Zermatt, Switzerland
This charming winter wonderland is one of Europe's premier winter
playgrounds. The fairy-tale setting is home to a village of Swiss
chalets, narrow streets, crystal clear streams, timbered homes and
balconied hotels. Access to this village is only by train. Here three
major ski areas provide terrain for skiers of various levels.
http://www.zermatt.ch/
Find more information about expat life in Switzerland on Easy Expat.
Lech/ Zurs, Austria
Traditional in style yet modern in service and amenities, this region
is what resorts try to emulate when they strive for the Austrian
“look.” Tons of skiing opportunities abound in this region. Separated
by miles of snow fields, peaks and passes, the towns here are all
linked by shuttlebuses, lifts and a single Arlberg ski pass to form a
skiing wonderland for intermediate and expert skiers. Once remote—and
inaccessible after heavy snow—the area is now only a two-and-a-half
hour drive from Zürich Airport and less than two hours from Innsbruck.
http://skisnowboardeurope.com/
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Kitzbühel was one of the first truly international resorts and still
draws visitors from all over the world. The resort draws a combination
of Europeans who love the tradition and party-loving young skiers and
snowboarders for whom nightlife is prime. There are resorts in the Alps
with better snow and more imposing mountains, but this large town is
known for its beautiful combination of Tyrolean charm, liveliness, and
easy access from Munich.
http://www.kitzbuehel.com/
Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl and Galtur located in the Asutrian Tirol are in a mountain range
known as the Silvrettas. The ski terrain of 200 kms is entirely skiable
with one convenient ski pass and consists of the villages of Ischgl,
Galtur and the Swiss village of Samnaun. The Silvrette Arena in
Ischgl-Samnaun has 39 lifts and ropeways and 215 kilometres of ski
runs. The Austrian village Ischgl is renowned for its charm and
late-night partying
http://www.skiaustria.com/
Solden, Austria
Sölden is Austria’s first winter sports resort to offer the keen skier
3 superbly developed three thousand meter high mountains, known as the
BIG3. Even on ice-cold days fun and action are guaranteed at the ice
skating rink located next to Sölden's sports field. The common ski pass
for the ski areas of Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl comprises of 67
mountain lifts and 257 km of immaculate slopes. The ski resort is a
popular party destination for young people and unsurprisingly après ski
parties abound.
http://www.soelden.com/
Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer
