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Merry Christmas!

Christmas here and there:
  • In the US people put up their trees as early as Thanksgiving; in Austria they wait until the day of Christmas Eve. Children are ushered out of the house (go play! go skiing!) while their parents - or one of their parents - decorate the tree and get out the gifts.
  • In the US Santa brings the gifts; in Austria it is the Christ Child.
  • In the US presents are opened on December 25th; in Austria on Christmas Eve.
  • In the US people eat roast turkey, prime rib, or ham; in Austria the traditional meal is goose or carp.
The differences are many and yet - here as there Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus by attending masses and services; here as there people gather to share a meal, to be with family or friends; and here as there the joy of Christmas is felt the same.

Merry Christmas!

Comments

Reese said…
The same spirit is felt here by the Christians in Asia. We had a roast chicken this year.
A blessed Christmas to you and your family in Los Angeles!

Reese
Thank you, Reese. Happy Christmas to you and your family too!
debi said…
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Christina!

As if I didn't eat enough turkey yesterday, I just had a big plate full (with dressing) for brunch!

Bring on lunch.

debi
Happy New Year to you, Debi!

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