A month of feasts and festivals, fun...and fables

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Finally December is here! Whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, or just love the vibe of a holiday season (with gifts!!) this is the month that ends each year on a high note.

First on December's roll-call of fun for families is this one.

This kind and caring third-century Turkish saint is remembered annually in many European countries, and remembered on December sixth, the anniversary of his death. Some say that Santa Claus was modelled in some way on him - which may explain all those Christmas presents!

There are many legends, and ways to celebrate the day.

Read more here...

What is your December birth flower?

As this is a December feature, holly is no surprise for residents of the Northern Hemisphere. In the tropics, and of course in the antipodes, where the seasons are reversed, different flowers bloom.

More a berry bush than a flowering shrub, it has become the universal symbol of Christmas and is associated with happiness and optimism. 

Read why....

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The bright and beautiful, and delightfully fragrant narcissus is also a December birth flower and comes from the eastern Mediterranean, symbolising sweetness, purity and simplicity

See more...

The sweetest Advent calendar

For the third year, Bonne Maman's Advent Calendar is available. Instead of the usual chocolate advent calendars, counting down to Christmas and Santa’s arrival is set to be more exciting with Bonne Maman conserves.

This year, the Advent Calendar theme is ‘Bonne Maman House’. The traditionally designed house features gorgeous Christmas scenes reminiscent of childhood memories. Every day there's a unique 30g Bonne Maman Conserve, with many flavours exclusive to this limited-edition advent calendar and watch out for the special surprise on Christmas Eve!

Find out more about this lovely addition to your Christmas decorations....

Who would have thought that one of the world's favourite household appliances had a national day all to itself?

Saint Nicholas would have been surprised to learn that he must share December 6 with a microwave oven.

Find more important days for December HERE...

Of course not all December festivals are Christian.

The official date for Chanukah (Hanukah) changes annually. In 2020 it begins at sundown on December 10. Known as the Festival of Lights, this eight-day Jewish holiday features lights with the nine candles of the menorah, taking pride of place. Find out much more HERE....

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Don't forget the food!

[Photographs: Vicky Wasik, J. Kenji López-Alt]

Want to know what to serve? FIND out here...

Slow down and try a variety of dishes to keep you satisfied through all eight nights of Hanukkah. Serious Eats has gathered 19 savoury recipes, from festive mains like sous vide rack of lamb and whole roasted fish, to parve soups, salads, and sides.

The world celebrates

Every country in the world has at least one day of celebrating it history. If you haven't discovered this yet, make sure you head along to the page for National Days on this website.

Also check the left-hand-side of the Home Page daily for that day's special dates. ALSO you can see the flag, read up on what the food is like, and find some trivia to share with your friends!

Spain's special day is December 6, although this country loves to celebrate on many other occasions too. Read more about what we discovered on a recent trip.....

And the year-round celebration of the Camino pilgrim walk. Read more about this here...

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KEEP WATCHING this page. There is so much more COMING UP - many more interesting snippets, recipes for the holidays, gift ideas and more.........