On Air Now
Christmas Eve traditions from around the globe: We in the UK may associate Christmas Eve with eating our weight in mince pies and going to the pub, but traditions for the night before Christmas are as varied and exciting as they are for the day itself. Norwegian people take part in the unusual Christmas Eve tradition of hiding their brooms, as ancient folklore dictates that this is the night witches and evil spirits come out to look for brooms to ride on.
Polish people traditionally indulge in a 12 course meal called Wigilia that includes carp on Christmas Eve. They also share a special bread wafer called Oplatek, which symbolises forgiveness. Adults generally exchange gifts on this night, but kids will usually receive presents in the days proceeding. Kids leave their best shoes by the window, and the Yule Lads visit and bring gifts for the nice children and rotten potatoes for the naughty ones.
On Christmas Eve, kids have to wait until the meal, which is called Hangikjot and is traditionally a leg of lamb, is finished before they open their presents. Nikolaus is different to Father Christmas in that he travels by donkey in the middle of the night on 6 December Nikolaus Tag and leaves gifts of coins, chocolate, oranges and toys to the good children of Germany. St Nicholas also goes round schools and gives gifts in exchange for kids singing songs, reciting poems and drawing pictures. Every Christmas Eve morning, the citizens of Caracas, Venezuela, go to church.
This tradition wouldn't be unusual at all, were it not for the fact that they do so wearing roller skates. So popular is this tradition, that roads across the city are closed so people can skate safely. They also cover it up with a blanket to keep it warm. When Christmas Eve arrives, the log is brought inside and beaten with sticks by kids while they sing a traditional song. This was a sweet story about an established couple. Aaron traditionally spends Christmas with his sister and a group of friends who have no where to go, rather than with his rich father.
Christmas has never been much of a big deal. Okay, this story started out one way and completely caught my off guard when what I expected did NOT happen. Goats should not be house pets! Also, Aaron realizes that while they practically live together, he wants to make it official, after which they christen the kitchen table. This was such a sweet, and slightly sappy, story.
Traditions from the Heart by Bru Baker | Dreamspinner Press
Filled with fluff, it was adorable seeing Aaron get all flustered and eventually seeing what he goes through to get Ben a present that's just for him. I enjoyed it very much and while the characters aren't that developed, the relationship between Aaron and Ben was just a dose of fun happiness.
They were still in the honeymoon stage with starry eyes and it was just a very cute story. Definitely wished it had been much longer and had more details w This was such a sweet, and slightly sappy, story. Definitely wished it had been much longer and had more details with Ben and Aaron going home to Ben's family for Christmas. Dec 25, Anke rated it liked it Shelves: No idea what I think about this story, so I stay with the golden middle - 3 stars.
Dec 26, Susan65 rated it really liked it. I don't mind stories with established couples but it just felt like something was missing here Dec 03, Trio rated it liked it Shelves: Very sweet, I liked the characters and the author did a good job of creating a real story in such a short amount of time. Dec 26, Elle rated it it was amazing Shelves: I generally don't read anything that I know already has an established relationship but I can't resist the lure of Bru Baker and her absolutely amazing writing.
I adored the style of this book. I will admit my mind went to the dirtiest place possible when Baker talked about Aaron and his quest to buy a present. I think you even get more out of this book if you ignore the blurb mostly and read it with open eyes.
Christmas Eve traditions from around the world: Iceland, Germany, Finland and more
It's very short but it really packs a punch and I highly recommend it. Dec 14, Lucy rated it really liked it. This is the lightest and fluffiest of holiday stories. Feb 14, Ami rated it liked it Shelves: Cute enough but not memorable. I did like the stuffed animals for a gift, that particular scene made me smile.
- Elfhame.
- See a Problem?.
- Christmas Traditions from the Heart Vol. 2 by Margaret Peters (, Paperback) | eBay.
Dec 01, Shelley Chastagner rated it really liked it. Super sweet and a great addition to my Christmas books list. Aaron really put a lot of thought and effort into his gifts for Ben. He even steps out of his comfort zone to go to Ben's family. Their time on the roof made me smile. His best gift though was when he gave Ben the promises of all the Christmases to come. Dec 14, Theodora IK rated it really liked it. It reads as a story with an established background, like there is a complete book about this couple before.
Dec 06, Michael rated it liked it Shelves: Dec 05, MsS rated it liked it Shelves: Dec 28, Pete W rated it really liked it. In this short story, we got secret Christmas shopping, hidden camera video, fun in the snow action, and reminiscence. We also got a glimpse of the MCs' personalities, some of their friends and their live together. It would be fun to read more about how they met, how their friends meddling got them together and how much they gloat that over Aaron: Dec 26, Susan rated it liked it Shelves: This was a really sweet story.
What is Kobo Super Points?
Ben and Aaron are settling into their first Christmas together, learning about each other's traditions and making new ones of their own. The part about Cat made me laugh as I spent what seemed like 2 hours on Christmas Day changing the clothes on my niece's Build-A-Bear rabbit, Oh, and there's nothing strange about saving gift bags for next year's presents! Dec 05, Shannon Pendleton rated it it was amazing Shelves: I read it twice, I loved it so much!
It's best read in front of a crackling fire with a mug of hot chocolate while nestled down under a warm blanket. What's not love about a well-written romance with a steamy side of sex?
Dec 26, Jen rated it liked it Shelves: Despite some questionable prose construction, I really enjoyed this story. I had no idea where it was going at first, but it took a turn that surprised and delighted me. There were some genuinely laugh-out-loud hilarious moments, and some very sweet, tender moments. I loved Ben and Aaron's opposites-attract dynamic. Dec 27, Meggie rated it really liked it Shelves: This short Christmas story is really sweet and full of true meaning of Christmas, Love. I liked it a lot, even if it's to short.
I wouldn't mind reading a real longer version of Aaron and Ben romance. About how they met, etc.