Christmas in Greece
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very country celebrates Christmas with their own habits and customs. In Greece, for example, the last celebration time « Eirini » starts on the 6th of December, the Feast of St. Nicholas when presents are exchanged and will last through January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany. Christmas is celebrated in different ways, it’s a particular religious event witch starts with the fasting «Metalavia» (40 days). While the fasting was predominately for religious reasons, many considered the period to be a healthful practice as well. The faithful would not eat any animal or its related products, meat, dairy or eggs. It consists also by praying in order to confess, by demonstrating their faith and asking God to purify our soul from the previous sins. They wish to their close Friends and Family «Chronia Polla!» and « Kala Christouyenna». Store windows are decorated almost
a month in advance, and in the cities the streets and town squares are lit with colourful lights and in the major cities, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion; the municipal authorities organize music concerts, theatrical performance, and a number of other cultural events. Here, the Santa Clause is called Άγιος Βασίλης (-Basil of Caesarea - 4th century after D.C., known for his charity work, his schools and orphanages that he built); he’s delivering the presents in the 1st of January. For Christmas eve (Χριστούγεννα/ Khristoúyenna, in Greek), children, especially boys, from 6 to 21 years old are going in the street in the morning, from house to house in singing Christmas carols called kalanda (Κάλαντα) which bless the houses. They play drums and triangles as they sing. There are many versions of Christmas songs that we can sing, depending on the cities or the islands. If the children sing well, they might be given
money, nuts, sweets and dried figs to eat. Sometimes they will also carry gold boat model decorated with nuts that they created for this special occasion. Carrying a boat is a very old custom in the Greek Islands. The boat is really symbolic and represents the Greek Christmas spirit. People are using it to remind them the important role of the sea in their lives. They decorate boats with lights and garlands. Recently, they adopted the Occident tradition by setting a tree and today Christmas appears more impressive, glossier and glamorous. Popular belief says that 12 days separate Christmas from Epiphany. Since Christ has not been baptised yet, the waters aren’t christened and small creatures come out from earth. Those are called καλικάντζαροι. Those goblins are hiding under the trees for the whole year, but they get into people’s house through the chimney when they smell the biscuits and cakes. They will do bad jokes like putting out
fires and making milk go off if you don’t banish them with fire or garlic. In many parts of Greece, people hang a pomegranate above the front door of their house. By the New Year’s Eve, when the fruit will have dried, Greeks throw it on the ground so it breaks, and step into their house on their right foot. According to tradition, this brings good luck for the upcoming year. During the day, housewives prepare delicious traditional cakes: Melomakarona, with sour, oil, sugar and orange juice that they baked and put in honey or Kourabiedes. Then they cook the dinner, pork with potatoes or stuffed turkey with rice, meat or chestnut. On almost every table are loaves of Christopsomo (“Christ Bread”). It is a round loaf, decorated on the top with a cross, around which people will also make symbols shaped in dough that represent whatever it is they do in life. If people live on an island and they’re fisherman, they will decorate the bread with fish. Then the whole family will sit around the table to spend a precious time by enjoying the food and the drinks in front of the tree. Going to a Midnight Mass Service is very important for most Greeks. After the service people can go home and end their Advent fast. The next morning, everybody will wake up very early to attend the mass at the church. Written by Antoine Bergamo
Christmas Around
As you know Christmas is coming. And many countries are celebrating this. My topic is “Christmas for EVS”. In that topic, I had some questions to my friends and myself. These are; • What are you feeling in Christmas? • Is it Important for you? If it is, why? • How do you celebrate in your country?
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nd I had really good answers. Every country has different kind of celebrations. Yes, the general answer is “Christmas Dinner” but everyone has different feelings about that. Let’s see what they said: Anna Beykova – Bulgaria In Bulgaria we celebrate Christmas on 25th of December. Christmas is a strict family holiday and every year the whole family gathers on 24th, eating, drinking, having fun and waiting for 25th to come. We all prepare gifts and at midnight we give them to each other. From the middle of November you can see that more and more Christmas decoration appears everywhere on the streets, the shops, balconies and so on, the Christmas spirit is slowly coming for everyone. Since I am coming from Sofia, I don’t really have experience with the other cities around Bulgaria, but there in the capital you can find in the center some holiday markets with delicious sweets and nice warm wine. Maeva Bauval – France Firstly for me it’s important, because it is a tradition. I’m not a catholic and actually this is not about religion. Since I was a child we are celebrating all the family together. For me the important thing is that it brings all family together, spend time together, eating good meals. As you know we are waiting for this moment for all year, because we know that we can be together. For
example, the rest of my family is living in Germany and i can see my aunt only once around Christmas. We are starting to cook from the morning. We are going to buy good food and of course good wine. We are eating turkey, some typical French food, talking and spending all night together. Pau Garcia – Spain I don´t know how the rest of the world see Christmas in Spain. I do not. If you ask me, for my experience being Spanish, this period is not the most recognized to have a good time as a tourist. You would say, “I will never forget the sand in the beaches on the Canary Island” or “How strange was eating cantaoulupe with jamón!”, two of the indicators that say you have spent your holidays in the chilly summer of Spain. But, what about the Christmas time in Spain? I was walking in the icy streets, anxious to reach the heat of the crowd. It’s a different atmosphere where there is breathed in the rough Christmas markets in Germany Saxon lands. The faces – red, because of the hot wine are happy and carefree as they exhale steam. It is a place where every single person in the world would love to be. Don´t expect something like this in the warm country where I belong, you will find it inside the houses, this kindness and camaraderie will be hidden within my home, my neighbor’s, while the streets are empty; maybe someone is late running to get the last board game for his kid or looking for a god damn kilo of prawns, but it won´t be long. 24th December - Christmas Eve. The table is prepared, and everybody is ready to eat. Probably you will think that the table in your house, in your country, is the most amazing... So I believe, and it is not fair for you that I explain now the delicious food that you can try if you once come in Christmas, but I can tell you that the next day, on 25th, again the table is full of wonders, for three hours you will not stop eating, and when you think everything is done, the desserts will come... Basically you will spend the rest of your holidays in a fixed position, fear of falling sulking. Your friends will want to meet for dinner for the holidays; also your colleges; probably you will end up in another huge dinner with people you don´t even know. The New Year will come, a great celebration for this will happen. Do you think this is the end? Really? Then you might want to check the Three Biblical Magi, on the 5th of January, and maybe you will understand why they say that, in Spain, Christmas happens (at least) twice. Mert Girengir – Turkey As you know Christmas is for Christians. In Turkey, We don’t have any celebration for Christmas. This is my first time that I saw the people who are really waiting for Christmas. I learned that it’s really important for them. For me I can’t feel anything, because I never celebrated it in my life. I don’t know this feeling. But It’s really good to know what people from different countries are thinking and feeling. I learned many things from this interview. Thank you EVS!
Choose Your Christmas We can think that Christmas is a kind of money trap, or wild capitalism’s invention. One way or another we have friends, family, colleagues, and Christmas holidays have meaning with them. Shining streets, rich dinner with loved ones and wonderful memories. Thanks Christmas a lot for these moments. Also we need to stamp these memories with some gifts. And this is a delayed article about a Christmas gift, maybe it is not totally about this, but purposes to share some ideas about our life and relations. I only want to focus on surprises more than on gifts, because it is possible to find some creative handmade concept on internet. For example, I offer to send postcards to our family and friend. We should not think it is too late or old-fashioned, it means only nostalgia. Maybe they will receive the first postcard in their life, because a lot of people do not do this anymore. In my opinion, one simple card with your words that have a meaning only for you, your friend or your family members is priceless.
Questions and answers I am abroad and I don’t have enough time. What can I do? Are you serious? I hope that you will be in your country next year and you can make proper gifts for your beloved ones (Especially it is very important for sending postcards). Please, do not miss this kind of chance for making surprise to your close ones. It is a high time for making surprises to them. You are busy with a trip, or business stuff. Let’s imagine how they feel when they receive your postcards. The most important thing, you value your five or ten minutes for them in a different country. Therefore, you can share a special moment (except your Instagram, and Facebook photos) with them when you are far away.
I am not into a relationship and I feel so alone. What should I do? OK! This article is not about love or loneliness around Christmas, but I indicated in the second paragraph; it has a relation with our relationships. If you have only this question, you only care about your relationship status, and maybe your ex-girlfriend / boyfriend. I think, one article is not enough to find a new partner. Also it can take a very long time. You know finding a date is not easy. You should try to be together with your ex. Give a chance for you, and for your ex! Send one postcard to him/her. Make a small surprise, write a note it is only a start! After this, you can spend your money for the wild capitalism as you wish.
could be a nice surprise. Thus, the effect is very nice. She sent me very emotional messages, and shared a photo of the postcard on her Instagram with a very grateful message. If you have real friendship, you can see this surprise’s psychological effect on them.
I do not know my friend’s address. How can I learn it? I am very sorry for this bad luck. I do not know what you will do. Of course, you can find it easily. Before going to the post office, you can ask your friend’s brother/sister, father/mother, husband/wife… You have enough options. For example, I asked my friend’s address from her brother when I was in Sofia. Also I talked with her there, but of course, I did not ask her directly. I wanted to send a postcard from Sofia, because she was born in Bulgaria. In my opinion, it
I do not possess the required qualifications. What is your advice to me, how can I make special surprises to my friends, family? We are all together for Christmas. It means you do not need any advice. Firstly, you can pray for this chance (of course, it depends to you). Because it is a big gift for you, being together with your friends, and family. You do not need something else, nothing can be as special as this gift when you are all together! Also you want to encolour your wonderful Christmas. I indicated in first paragraphs, it is possible that you can find many creative gift ideas. I think, you can use them for inspiration. On the other hand, you do not need to get confused. You know them very well, your natural affection seems like the best option. You should follow your heart, it will show you the most important memories and features about them. To make special surprises for them is up to you from now on. Of course, you have to perceive this precious gift (Christmas with your friends, and family) before preparing them. You can make wonderful surprises, if you value & perceive your memories and their features. Maybe you can make two surprises; one of them for your friends, one of them for your family. Therefore you do not spend lots of money, you only value your emotions and unforgettable moments. It is up to you what you choose about Christmas. Of course, it is Christmas clue from author! HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Author: Yeşim Bayrak
BEST PLACES TO SPEND CHRISTMAS
Dublin / Ireland For a special and fun Christmas, Ireland is the place to be! Join the traditional swimming in Forty Foot beach at the morning of 25th December & enjoy the atmosphere in the typical pubs when Christmas approaches. Don’t miss also the concerts and symphonies in St-Patrick’s cathedral in the festive season.
Québec / Canada Between art and entertainment, you can appreciate their classical ballet like Casse-Noisette and the magical extravaganza of the old city. You could enjoy the varied Christmas activities and go for a ride in horse-drawn carriage. If you prefer spending the celebration in an energetic city, Montreal would be perfect. Otherwise, the “Petit Champlain” neighbourhood provides the calmness of a mythical Christmas.
New York / USA Brilliant and colourful, New York is waiting for you. The dynamic city by excellence offers you everything you dream of... In bigger! Watch the Rockefeller Centre’s Christmas tree sparkle, the wonderful store fronts decorated for the occasion and for the most audacious, give a try in the outside skating ring, right in the centre of the city.
Rovaniemi / Findland Like in fairy tales, travel into the paradise of Laponia. In its white coat, the city of Santa-Claus house will fill your eyes and heart with stars. For young and old, the country won’t let anybody indifferent. Make your head full of Christmas memories under the northern lights and meet reindeers and elves.
Prague / Czech The gothic and baroque architecture will provide you the perfect landscape to spend your winter holidays. With the churches, the old town where you can hear Christmas songs and eat typical Czech sweets, everything is reunited in a perfect joyful atmosphere.
Vienna / Autria In the romantic capital of Austria, you can feel the love of Christmas. The charm of the city will make you succumb with the smell of chestnuts, hot and spicy drinks appropriate for the season and open classical concerts in the streets. And as required by the tradition, Vienna offers the most incredible ball where you can waltz all night long like in fairy tales.
Bavaria / Germany (Nuremberg and Munich) Welcome in Bayern, where takes place one of the most famous Christmas Market in Germany, both typical and traditional: the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. Huge and impressive, you can find everything please you and typical German food. In Mßnchen also, you can enjoy all the small markets in the city, especially in Marienplatz and walk through the smells of wood, grilled sausages and gingerbread. Bruges / Belgium Already beautiful as usual, Bruges becomes absolutely charming in the end of the year. You can walk at night in the streets, watching all the building sparkling and feel the authenticity of Christmas in the air while savouring a cup of hot wine.
Amsterdam / Netherlands When the temperature is getting colder, the city becomes even warmer and is overflowed with bustling markets and animations. Amsterdam provides plenty of activities to spend an extraordinary Christmas Eve, with for example the famous Amsterdam Light Festival and its multicolored illuminations or the former warehouse “De Hallen” where you can find delicious food and original drinks.
Strasbourg / France Elected «best Christmas market in Europe», the exhibition dating from the 16’s century brings people from all around the world. You can also cross the border towards Germany, drive a few kilometers and being amazed by the Black Forest with its high pines covered by snow. Christmas spirit and enchantment guaranteed!
Copenhagen / Danemark For December, Copenhagen puts on its Christmas outfits and offers your dream vacations. Come to discover the oldest theme park in Europe, the “Tivoli Garden” and its special Christmas events with half a million of illuminations and more than 1000 decorated trees! The Scandinavian feeling is everywhere, in the air, through the small paths or in the delightful local shops. Rome / Italy In the city centre or in the Vatican, your Christmas in Rome will definitely be unique. Listening the strokes of midnight with all the worshipping in St-Pierre place, where the celebration of the Birth of Christ began hundred years ago, will be unforgettable.
A CHRISTMAS TRADITION: THE CHRISTMAS MARKET
If you are looking for Christmas presents, if you love the smell of the Christmas tree or the lovely
sound of the carols, then the winter in Europe is a wonderful time to visit the most beautiful Christmas markets.
The Christmas markets were born around IV century in Germany and Alsace under the name of St. Nicholas market, and the first document about those markets is dated 1434 and mentions a Striezelmarkt (market “Striezel”, a German sweet). Later, during the Protestant reformation, the name was changed to Christkindlmarkt, for opposition to the cult of saints. Today the Christmas markets are very popular all around the world, but if you want to feel the real magic of Christmas, the Europe rests the best place. One of the oldest markets in Europe is in Germany, exactly in the city of Dresden where you can eat the Striezel (or Stollen) a typical dessert made with flour, lard, candied fruits and nuts while walking among the stands in medieval style. Others famous markets in Germany, are those of Stuttgart, famous for gingerbread with around 250 stands, and the markets in Cologne, very popular for the Christmas atmosphere are the ice rinks and many events. If you want visit a “particular” Christmas market, the city of Hamburg has something for you. In this city you can find the St Pauli Christmas market, the sexiest Christmas market that takes place in the transgressive and red-light district of the city; here you can find original and hot gifts like dildo in Christmas edition, “special” socks to warm up the penis or even simple provocative cups. In Austria the most popular markets are those of Wien, Salzburg and Innsbruck. They offer to the visitors a dreamy atmosphere with the Christmas colours, the red and the green, that contrast with
the gold colour of the imperial’s decorations and the white of the snow-clad peaks. Meanwhile, in France you can visit the “Chriskindelmarik” (Christ child market) in Salzburg, that is almost 500 years old, or the city of Colmar (called also the French Venice) where you can find different markets divided in different themes: Alsatian gastronomy, collectors’ items etc. If you like nativity scene, you can’t fail in the city of Reims where every year takes place a live nativity scene. Very popular is the market in Praha, Czech Republic, that consist in wooden huts stand in bright colour, which sells handicrafts typical Czech, hot food (for example sausages and typical dishes) , Czech beers and hot drinks such as svařené vino and svařák. Thousands of Christmas lights turned on, in the city of Luxembourg (the capital with the same name of the country), dressed the streets and the alleys with a warm and festive mood also thanks to the Winterlights festival that inaugurates the opening of the traditional markets in the Place d’Armes. The Britain’s best Christmas market are in the city of Bath called also the Christmas city, where during your Christmas shopping you can listen to Christmas carols coming from the abbey of the city; popular in UK is the “Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market” in Birmingham, between Victoria Square and New Street where thanks to the partnership with the city of Frankfurt you can feel the Christmas spirit typical for the German markets and where you
can find also German food and products. If you look for markets not chaotic but still characteristic you must visit the city of Ypres, in Belgium, a fairly small city that consists of chalets where vendors sell a wide selection of beers, and plenty of food and hot glühwine. Particular Christmas market is les Grottes de Wonch. Often, the items for sale at Christmas Markets are virtually the same everywhere you go, and often it comes straight from a factory in China. Not so, at the Grottes de Wonck – it’s a truly artisanal market. There is plenty of local produce, including wine, cheese, sweets and cured meats, as well as paintings, jewellery and other handicrafts, all made by hand locally. There are many markets in Italy from North to South, each with its own characteristics. In fact, if in the North of Italy the city of Bolzano is very famous for the typical German markets, in the South very important is the nativity scene tradition with little statues handmade by the famous craftsmen in the city of Naples where is the famous “San Gregorio Armenio street”, a long street whit shops and nativity scene exhibitions and where you can buy little statues for your nativity scenes, very original like the football player Maradona, the ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, Pope Francis, etc. All around the Europe you can find many markets different from each other, some big and some small, historical and not, but the Christmas spirit is common in every each one of them. Written by Benedetta Vassallo
NO SHOW
NO CHRISTMAS Close your eyes and imagine one Christmas Day. Santa Claus with his reindeer, the whole family gets together, your mother’s delicious meals, a Christmas tree and gifts under it, fireplace and of course - snowing outside. Now open your eyes we are going there…
How Christmas tradition and rituals still stay in our modern life. When we think about our life, we will see that there are many changes about our daily life, culture, choices, and behaviours. That’s why we lost many positive family culture habits. But Christmas continues to resist and struggle. Maybe you’ve moved with your family to a new state and everything is fresh and strange for your kids, but at least they know that every Christmas means meeting with family. We can explain it with many reasons. But I want to touch on Christmas Weather – Snow.
Before I begun to write, I did some researches on Internet. Many tourism agencies offer a traditional celebration for the whole family at Christmas, their slogan “Guaranteed snow at Christmas”. I found that very interesting. Even for Christmas holiday, we would prefer a place that is snowing. Perhaps if it isn’t snowing, the company should give back all the money that customers had paid.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year when we celebrate many traditions with deep faith together with the whole family. Also it’s a great opportunity to For many of us, our mood changes with the make a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow outside environment. For Christmas Edition, of angels and watch kids smile as they go down hills of course we will talk about “Snow”. Advent calendars, sleds. Christmas cards are all decorated with snow-filled. Written by Ugur Dogan For many of us, snow is synonymous with Christmas. When it snows, we tend to feel happier, less fearful and less angry. Some people feel more comfortable. Everywhere is white, the colour of perfection; you just want to watch it through the window with a cup of hot-wine, tea or coffee. It gives us a light and refreshing feelings; purity, innocence, wholeness, offering a sense of peace and calmness. White is the colour of new beginnings, wiping the slate clean. We wish all the best and through the coming new year. Because of that, the snow affects our mood and gathers us together easily.
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CHRISTMAS MOVIES WORTH WATCHING
When it comes to Christmas we are all familiar with the hundreds thematic movies all the TV channels are playing year after year. Here in this chart, I will try to classify 10 movies that actually worth watching around Christmas. Some of them are popular, some – not so much, I will add animations, action and fairytales, whatever made me some kind of impression, positive or negative, so, enjoy! 10) Gremlins (1984) – A movie by Joe Dante, in IMDB it is classified as comedy/horror. Personally, I take it for an old classic definitely worth watching. You won’t find in it the effects from the new cinema, neither amazing picture quality, but still, I promise you that you will laugh a lot. The main storyline is about a young man who receives a very unusual Christmas gift. He gets a little friendly creature called a Mogwai, which is as cute as a button. But there’s a twist. There are three rules that must be followed in caring for the Mogwai: Rule #1 - Keep them away from light; Rule #2 - Don’t get them wet; Rule #3 - Don’t feed them after midnight. The rules of course get broken and it is up to you to see what happens next. 9) Die Hard (1988) – I think.. no, I hope that there are no existing people who haven’t seen John McTiernan’s classic with Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman (known as professor Snape from Harry Potter series). “Die Hard” is one of the most influential action movies ever made, because it basically revolutionized one of the most copied formulas: a loner, by some unique twist of fate, battles it out with an “x” number of terrorists in an enclosed environment. By the time that “Die Hard” was released, the action movies were most often dominated by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Chuck Norris. So it will stay in history and if you haven’t seen it already, do it! 8) Frozen (2013) – The Disney movie that started so many argues about itself. I wouldn’t call it Christmas movie, but it has snow, a lot of snow and Christmas period is usually associated with snow and magic, so we need at least one fairytale. So you have a breath taking animation, an affecting tale of the bond of family, romance, hilarious wit, humor courtesy of the characters and heart stopping adventure. A true fairy tale that i would say could very well be The Little Mermaid or The Beauty and The Beast of this generation. “Frozen” has that Disney magic that has been missing for so long and it comes in full force here. 7) Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – And what is Christmas without some Tim Burton’s spirit? It’s certainly an inspired movie, as it is also very weird, and when I say “weird,” I mean typically Burton. The story is about Jack Skellington, who is a character from Halloween Town and opens a portal to Christmas Town and decides to celebrate the holiday. The feature is literally a tale likely to be found in a child’s dreams. It creates a world of its own, inhabiting unforgettable characters and events that should be shared with generations. This film is a visual masterpiece, a movie that deserves to be a holiday favorite for some time to come. 6) Eyes Wide Shut (1999) – A drama, a mystery, a thriller, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Nicole Kidman, one of Hollywood’s top Australian imports and Tom Cruise considered one of the top hundred movie stars of all time. In general it has not much to do with Christmas, but the act is happening around the holidays. Because describing this movie is quite a difficult job, I will use a user review from IMDB, that I think contains one short and quite accurate description of this haunting dream of sexual obsession. “it’s more than a beautiful work of art. More than a visceral painted picture or a haunting melody. It’s a masterpiece that should be treasured.”
5) Edward Scissorhands (1990) – And as you can feel, I have some addiction about Tim Burton and now I refer to movie made by him again. Here we have fantasy, love story, mysterious and kind of weird fairytale. The one and only masterpiece starring Burton’s favorite actor - Johnny Depp. The story is about a gentle man, with scissors for hands, who is brought into a new community after living in isolation. If Tim Burton never did anything else, this film would be enough to call his life worthwhile.
4) The Holiday (2006) – If you are expecting an epic cinematic masterpiece, then “The Holiday” is not for you. However, if you are looking for a light, entertaining movie, I would definitely recommend this film. Nancy Meyers presents us one wonderful romantic story, starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black. Have you ever felt like you want to escape from your world and go somewhere else, somewhere where you know nobody and nobody knows you? This story is just about that, you have two normal girls that got too much of their life so they decided to change the atmosphere for the holidays. 3) Harry Potter series (2001 – 2011) – Now this one, this is not a Christmas movie at all, I know, but around the holidays we all want miracles, magic and cozy living room with a nice fireplace and this are things that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry can offer in extra quantity. For me, J.K. Rowling created a lifetime masterpiece that will stay in history, the movies of course, are not as good as the books, but still in the series you can find everything a person may need for a magical Christmas’ spirit. 2) Miracle on 34th street (1994) – Les Mayfield’s new remake of the old classic movie from 1947, that was remade once in 1973. About this version a lot of people are negative, but for me it is a warm, decent, traditional film about courage, faith and hope, that motivates to fight against evil and protect the good. The film is really well done and Richard Attenborough is a fantastic Santa Claus. “Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to”
1) Love Actually (2003) – Richard Curtis’ amazing peace of art! Love Actually is not a love story, it is a story about love. This is one of these rare movies that will make you feel. Like every other thing in this world, even a pure and lovely storyline as this one has its critics, but if you only allow yourself to dive into the emotional characters this film introduces, it will become your number one too. During the two hours watching you will switch emotions like sadness and happiness, but in the end you will be relieved. Very underrated movie that should stay in history and teach people what is love all about. Written by Anna Beykova
Short story:
CHRISTMAS HATERS When everybody’s getting soft and emotional at Christmas time, why don’t we ever mention those who just hate kitsch, eternal boring dinner which never ends around senile lost-minded grandma who doesn’t even remember who we are? Business starts the Christmas harassment from the end of October. In the shops the music is just too loud, the stuff too cheap. The more kitsch things are, the more the people like it. Why? What’s wrong with you guys? When I see the people walking their wearing-fancy dressed up dog, makes me nauseous. I hate Christmas songs and picking up the spine of the Christmas tree. I hate garlands and snow. I’m broke and I hate everything commercial. And the people start harassing me about Christmas tree, chocolates and gift from let’s say beginning of November. Jesus, people, just go get a life for F*** sake! About Jesus, who still pay attention to him? I’m afraid Jes’, but nowadays most of your supposed believers care more about the new perfume of Jean-Paul Gauthier than your birth. True story! But don’t be sad, we will celebrate your rebirth stuffing our faces of fat meals and sweets, in order to put on weight, again. There is always a good excuse to get fat, right? Now I can imagine you now utter with a sigh like “this girl is bitter, Christmas is a good occasion to gather everybody together in a family atmosphere around a nice Christmas tree, good food and warm company.
Moreover, it is a perfect opportunity to offer and receive gifts. And of course we’re happy to be on vacation.” Well, I’m going to show you that it can turn into a nightmare. Okay, let’s say I’m a bit heartless and insensitive but come on, who above 12 seriously cares about the silly annoying Santa Claus and his reindeers? This is a lie kids, wake up! The whole society is partner in lie against our childhood! Shame on us. And the poor kids get disappointed and feel betrayed by Santa’s lie. In fact, they are so proud and happy to leave to Santa letters and chocolates in the fireplace that daddy will actually gobble as soon as they close their eyes. I’m 25 and I’m a nurse. So I work on Christmas day and New Year’s Eve, I work on Easter and basically every bank holiday. Indeed, when you’re busy making useless gifts to your people who will pretend they like them with a hypocritical smile, I’m looking after the heal people, those who need all my attention and presence. Unfortunately disease doesn’t take holidays. In addition, my boyfriend is a chef; he works on Christmas day as well. You know, the people who work in food service industry already know what their plan is for Christmas and New Year’s Eve anyway. So please stop asking them. Moreover, I believe Christmas day is the day of pretending. I’m going to tell you why: The whole family is gathered together for this occasion in which you have to be happy because it is Christmas and not because you actually are. So everybody please hide your problems and bad moods, and put on your face your best “happy family mask” instead! Until Auntie Mary gets too drunk and exposes her anger against Uncle Jack and his mistress... Oh oh, little couple problem to solve? Of course it is not the right time and she promised him to not make a drama, but it’s too late: she needed witnesses. So they argue and turn the atmosphere into a cold war. The following is: The children are screaming, the teens chose the right time to make a right spectacle of themselves, everybody is fed up with sitting for ages. Cousin Emily is on diet and she’s driving the others crazy counting every calorie on the more than copious meal. Then obviously comes the time somebody announces a bad news or something awful. Mum is crying. Now a good drama can start. I already love the sound of it. From that moment Christmas is making sense to me, it is currently turning into a Greek tragedy, just as I like them. Let’s start the show! Merry Christmas, With all my hated beloved. Esther MASTRODICASA
Christmas meal « A la française » SALMON BREAD Ingredients : 500g of smocked salmon 300g of fresh salmon 250g of crème fraîche 8 eggs 8 slices of white bread (without crust) fresh tarragon salt, pepper Preparation : Crumble clumsily the bread Dry the smocked salmon and cut it in small pieces Cook the fresh salmon and crumble it Beat the eggs with the cream Add the white bread, the smocked salmon, the minced tarragon, the salt and the pepper Mix in energetically Add the fresh salmon Mix in softly Put in a baking pan Cook in a bain-marie for 1h (thermostat 6/7) Serve with mayonnaise SWEET POTATOES PUREE and FILLET OF DUCK BREAST For the purée Ingredients : 1kg of sweet potatoes 25cl of fluid crème fraîche 4 pinchs of nutmeg 2 stars anise 1 cinnamon stick coriander salt, pepper Preparation : Heat the cream in a pan with the nutmeg, the stars anise and the cinnamon stick, then cover and let infuse for 30 minutes out of the fire Boil the sweet potatoes (cut in pieces) for 30 minutes Drip-dry Mash it in purée and add salt and pepper Filter the cream and add it in the purée Mix and serve very hot
For the duck fillet Ingredients : 2 big fillet of duck breast 6 peeled and minced shallots 10cl of balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon of honey salt, pepper Preparation : Incise the filet in grid pattern on the skin side (not on the flesh) Cook it in a pan on the skin side for 10 minutes Remove the excess of fat and cook the filet on the flesh for 5 minutes Pull out off the heat and reserve the meat In the same pan, brown the shallots 5 minutes and add the vinegar Add the honey and bring it to the boil 1 minute Cut the filet in slices and cover with the sauce Serve with the purée and a glass of red wine FRENCH BUCHE Ingredients : 6 eggs 3 egg yolks 120g of flour 250g of butter 1 black chocolate bar 120g of caster sugar 120g of icing sugar 1 pich of salt Preparation : Preheat the oven thermostat 6 (180°C) Separate the egg whites form the yolks Mix the caster sugar with the 6 yolks to blanch it Whisk the egg whites with the pich of salt Stir together the flour with the mixture of sugar and egg yolks Incorporate softly the egg whites Pour it on plate and cook 10 minutes in the oven Remove from the plate with a moist dish towel Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie with 100g of icing sugar, the 3 egg yolks and the butter Put half of the preparation on the cake and roll it With the rest, decorate the “Bûche” with a fork Dust the rest of the icing glace on the top with chocolate shaving CHIRSTMAS APPLE JUICE Ingredients : 4 cups freshly made apple juice (approximately 4-6 apples) 5 whole cloves 4 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cardamom pods 2 Chinese star anise 1-inch piece of fresh ginger ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest ½ orange, thinly sliced Preparation : Place the juice in a medium-sized saucepan Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, anise, ginger and lemon zest Cover and heat on low-medium heat for 20 minutes without boiling Add orange slices during the last 5 minutes Remove from heat and strain to remove spices and fruits Serve immediately
SECRET SANTA! How Grandma laughed! It was rather a car alarm then a woman! Almost pulled her dentures out of her mouth! My uncle had just received his anonymus gift: a hilarious apron, long until knees, with a porn image of a gorgeous naked male body. Of course, my grandmather (and mother of my uncle) was the joke´s author. It supposed to be secret but all of us knew it was her. Her laugh increased when my uncle dressed the apron and started to make bodybuilding gestures and laughter spreaded everywherel. All this was taking place on Christmas Eve, the whole family together, around a big table. I still can remember those happy times, when a stupid game can make you forget everything. It was a tradition not only in my family, but actually in several families in my country. Also it is very common between co-workers, school/university students or group of friends. Probably you already know about it or you already have played. We are talking about Secret Santa, a tradition dressed as a game. In this game you have a group that randomly assigned a person to whom they anonymously have to give something, a symbolic gift. This means every member will give a present to someone and every member will receive a present. Funny, isn´t it? They will usually set a limit of money which should not be exceeded in the present they will buy, for example, 5 euros I think is a good threshold. But it is not obligatory to spend a single cent in our present; sometimes it is a better option to create something by yourself. It would be an original present and... for free! For example, I remember a Secret Santa context, that me and my friends from high-school had. One of the guys actually had arachnophobia, and when I am saying arachnophobia, I mean that he was not able to see spiders as cats can´t see dogs or Putin can´t see Obama. Well, so this guy was about to open a small cage packed in wrapping
paper, very emotional already, and what did he find? Yes, you know. A fake big black spider. We can notice easily the difference between a real one and a fake one, but my friend was not able, and his shout was heard all over the restaurant where we were, and after that, we all laughed louder than that shout (my friend included), and we will all remember those happy moments for life. Now don´t wait and create your own anecqdotes with your family, friends or collegues and have a really good time with good company! For what? For a couple of euros... Written by Pau Gracia ARaudalez.
free of charge. of active young people. European region and under the need for the creation of a better social environment. Key areas of the organization’s activities concern the defense of human rights, the organization of youth exchanges and training courses, which will bring young people from Balkans and Europe together, the organization of local educational seminars and multimedia production (web radio, videos, documentaries). Main goals of the organization To promote the values of non formal learning, volunteering, active citizenship and democracy for the creation of a better future for European youth. To promote human rights, solidarity and respect for diversity. To build healthy cooperation bridges between countries of the Balkan area and that of Eastern Europe with the rest of Europe. To locate and multiply the special cultural attributes of our societies.
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