A Traditional Christmas Is Not Your Style?
Another year, another Christmas. We’re calling out to all of our fellow grinches to say: The Christmas season is here! We know you’re dreading it… again. This year is going to be different though because this year you have us to show you some Christmas alternatives that will get your holiday spirit going. If you happen to be part of a small percentage of the population who do not exactly enjoy the traditional jolly ol’ Christmas, then this one’s for you!
6. Will I be single forever?
If you happen to be a single woman or man this Christmas, try your luck this year to find out if you are going to be forever alone in 2021. It’s good to know whether you should start getting some kitties or not. I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for folklore. Disclaimer; get your leftovers ready for some comfort food snacking, you’re going to need it, you might be extra emotional at this time of year. In the Czech Republic, it’s a tradition on Christmas Eve for all the single ladies to turn their backs towards the front door and throw a shoe over their shoulder. If the shoe heel points towards the door then love will unfortunately not find you this year. If the front of the shoe is facing towards the door then, good news! Nothing better than having a shoe determine our future, right ladies?
5. Halloween is not over
Do you just love Halloween too much that you refuse for it to be over? Well, this is a great Christmas alternative since it’s totally normal in Ukraine. In Ukraine, they use fake spider webs to cover their Christmas trees, spooky. Why have cute colourful decorations, when you can cover your Christmas tree with all sorts of scary stuff? Halloween never dies! You don’t even have to spend money on new Christmas decorations because you can reuse your old Halloween decorations. Look at us being all sustainable and helping the environment by less consumption. Anyway, the Ukrainians don’t just cover their tree in fake spider webs for the looks, cause it’s not exactly the most beautiful thing you will ever see on this planet. It is believed that the spider webs will bring you wealth and prosperity for the upcoming year. So, my Christmas outfit this year; Spider webs. I will be covered in gold next year, just you watch.
4. Kentucky for Christmas!
Did someone say KFC? I love fried chicken, so if there’s an excuse for me to eat some, of course, I’m going to do it! Spend your Christmas at your local KFC like the Japanese. Sounds too good to be true, right? The Japanese aren’t exactly known to celebrate Christmas as it’s not even a national holiday over there. Their way of celebrating Christmas is wishing each other “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” which translates to “Kentucky for Christmas!” so everyone heads to their local KFC and has a Christmas meal. In case you are interested in going on a quest for KFC around the world check out this post on JoinMyTrip to possibly find your next KFC adventure.
3. Cosy up in a sauna
If you have already been suffering enough through the cold, why not take the time to yourself and head to the spa where there’s a warm sauna waiting for you. This is a great Christmas alternative for anyone who desperately needs some “me” time. In Finland, it’s a tradition for families to cosy up in a sauna on Christmas Eve and remember their long-dead ancestors. Once they leave the sauna it is then believed that the ancestors take over the place. It’s not a well-known fact but saunas are believed to be a sacred place for many Finns. Us Finnish people truly hold our departed loved ones dearly, which is also another reason why, in case you are ever in Finland for Christmas, you will see the cemeteries beautifully lit with candles on Christmas Eve. Take this time to yourself, relax in a sauna and clear your mind so you can be fully prepared for the new year.
2. Rollerblade away
You woke up this morning at your family’s place and they are getting on your last nerve? Just rollerblade away from your problems! If they ask, you can say this is how the Venezuelans celebrate Christmas, and that they should be grateful to have such a culturally conscious child. On Christmas morning, at exactly 8 am, a bunch of Venezuelans gather on the streets and celebrate the holidays by rollerblading together. Pop on your favourite bangers and rollerblade through the streets with the wind blowing in your hair while you pretend you’re in a Fleetwood Mac music video on Christmas morning.
1. Watch Donald Duck
Your biggest dream has just come true! You now have a perfectly good excuse to just lay on your couch and watch tv all day, but there’s a catch…you can only watch Donald Duck. In Sweden, it’s a tradition that in the afternoon the whole nation gathers around the TV to watch Donald Duck. It’s a tradition that has been around since the 1960s and has been playing on Swedish TV during Christmas ever since. Maybe by watching all of that Donald Duck you’ll find out how the Swedes are so good looking? Once you do, don’t forget; sharing is caring.
We are excited to see how you will be spending your Christmas this year. Even if you love your traditional Christmas, you could still try incorporating some Christmas alternatives to spice up your end of the year. Be open-minded and try new things! We hope we have satisfied your inner grinch.
Start planning or joining unique trips with JoinMyTrip for Christmas, share the costs and experiences with other like-minded grinches!
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