Happy Christmas to one and all!

Before I wish you a Cool Yule and a Merry Christmas, I'd like to tell you about some of the great regional differences of Yuletide. Having been born and raised in England, I was used to receiving presents on morning of 25th December, Christmas Day. Then a big festive dinner of Turkey and many side dishes. After that a Christmas Pudding soaked in brandy. But here in Germany, it's slightly different. Here Christmas Eve is the big day for gifts. After an somewhat frugal meal of sausage or fish, the presents are given in the evening. Then carols are sung around the Christmas tree and some people go to Midnight Mass at church. It's very much a quiet, pensive feast. In England on the other hand, I remember it being far more social, with cocktail parties and invitations to "come round for a drink". In Germany the main dish on Christmas Day can often be goose, duck or sometimes turkey. This is also served with a large variety of vegetables, but often noodles are involved. No Christmas cake or pudding, but a rather nice tradition is to bake a big selection of cookies, ehich some people exchange with their friends. But Christmas Day in Germany is very much a family festival. As opposed to New Years Eve!
But wherever you are, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best wishes and Good Health"