CHRISTMAS IN BELARUS

Winter holiday season is the favorite time for many people and is celebrated across the globe by Christians, people of different denominations and non-believers. In some countries, it has a definite religious coloring due to Christmas celebration, in others, like in Belarus and some other CIS countries, the major event is the New Year. We used to celebrate it with Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), who recently have been partially replaced by Santa Claus. However, Belarus has distinctive historic folk Christmas traditions of its own, which now, unfortunately, can be observed mainly in the museums. It's sad, isn't it? Just imagine: you come to a different country in hope to see something new, and you see the same Santa and hear the same "We wish you a Merry Christmas". There is nothing wrong with this but for the inadequate scope it has taken. Why should we restrict our choices only to commercial offer? Isn't there something else, more authentic, in this world? Reviving folk traditions of Christmas and New Year celebration of different nations will help people unite in celebration of these major holidays without losing their national identity, offer more choice and ability to explore the cultural diversity of your common planet. One of the places, where you can join in the traditional folk Christmas celebration is the Belarusian State Folk Architecture and Lifestyle Museum in Strochitsa / Strochica  http://etna.by

CHRISTMAS IN BRITAIN

Мost people recognise that the traditional Christmas tree was first started in England in the mid 1800's when the German husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, introduced the German tradition of having a tree as a central point of the home into the British homes.  Up to that point whilst Christmas had been celebrated for hundred of years we did not have the tree and lavish decorations which we see today.  It was Prince Albert who was almost singlehanded responsible for bringing us the festivities we see in England today. Today, in the 21st century, things have changed a little.  Whilst the centre of the celebration of Christmas started out as mainly based around the church and it's ceremonies and festivals, it has now moved away from the church as religion no longer has the same pull or influence as it had in those days, but underlying all is still the celebration of the Christian tradition. Today some of the old traditions I was brought up with 60 years ago are still in evidence.  It fills my heart with pleasure to see my five and ten year old grand children being taught the same stories and traditions by my daughter and son in law.  To see the expectation on the face of my five year old grandson when his mother talks to him of Christmas and watch the secret grin on the face of his ten year old sister when their mother gets to the part about the tradition of Father Christmas.  As a child I, and now my grandchildren, were told the same story about Father Christmas flying on a sledge pulled by reindeer from the frozen parts of Lapland to deliver presents to every child on Christmas Eve.  BUT! Deliveries would only be made to children who had been good throughout the year!  In the build up the big day it was remarkable to see the frequent improvement in behaviour when children were reminded of this fact.  Children were encouraged to create a written list of presents they wanted and to post this list up the chimney for Father Christmas in the weeks before his late night arrival.  I can remember many Christmas Eves in my childhood kneeling up in bed to look out of the window behind my bed to see if I could see a sledge racing across the black winter night.  Kneeling there, tired, becoming increasing more cold as time went on I would eventually snuggle down under the bed clothes and try my hardest to keep awake to try and catch Father Christmas delivering my presents.  Of course, it was impossible and I never did catch sight of a large man with a red coat and a big white beard slipping small toys and fruit into the stocking on the foot of my bed.  However, quite often I would wake whilst it was still very dark and as I moved my feet around in bed feeling for the heavy weight of the stocking.  Then the electric joy of realising that he had been, the stocking had been filled and there were toys just waiting for my discovery at the foot of my bed.  There was always a Tangerine and an Apple together with a handful of nuts in the toe of the stocking then the strange unknowable shapes of toys making strange shapes to run my fingers over.

During the morning we would sit around the coal fire and open our presents whilst trying to make a pretence of eating breakfast.  During the latter part of the morning friends and relations would arrive and be offered a glass of sherry and a mince pie.  By this time us kids were now looking forward to the tradition of Christmas Dinner.  I suppose this is one meal which has not changed in any real way.  Maybe we have added things, but the essentials are still there, still constant.  Turkey, roast potatoes, Brussle Sprouts, stuffing, carrots, followed by Christmas Pudding.
There would then be a temptation to sit and relax in front of the fire, and possibly fall asleep!  A full stomach, early morning and a roaring fire were often guaranteed to knock out any child.Now, it takes a glass or two of wine or bandy.  But some things do not change.

Compare the traditions of Christmas celebrating. How do you celebrate this holiday in your family?