Our designer Christmas stocking is 21 inches long including the hanger loop. The stocking has an emerald green velvet body with a 4 inch deep crimson cuff. The velvet has a striped pattern to it. Do not put this stocking in the washing machine. Select this link to view our Christmas tree skirt.
Christmas in Nicaragua: Like many other Latin American countries, Nicaragua celebrates many of the customs of old Spain. In the weeks leading up to Christmas people leisurely walk on the streets where there are many things to purchase, Nativity pictures, candles, toys, delicious foods. Children carry perfumed bouquets to the alter of the Virgin and sing carols. On Christmas Eve, church bells ring for the people to attend Midnight Mass. On January 6, the feast of the Epiphany is celebrated. During this feast the three wise men bring presents for the children. The Holiday season concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Select this link to view our gold ornament and red Christmas ornaments.
Christmas in Romania: The Christmas tradition in Romania is for children to travel from house to house singing carols, narrating legends and reciting poetry throughout the Christmas season. The head of the group carries a big wooden star called a steaua, which is covered with gleaming paper and decorated with colored ribbon and bells. A picture of the Holy Family is pasted in the center of the star and the entire creation is attached to a long pole. A lighted candle is placed inside to give the effect of a heavenly lantern. A special cake or Turta, is prepared for Christmas Eve. It is composed of slender layers of rolled bread, which is symbolic of the swaddling clothes of the Christ Child. Select this link to view our unique angel gifts.
Christmas in Ireland: In Ireland, Christmas starts very early. By the month of October people begin to decorate their shops. As soon as the month of December sets in, Christmas trees are brought in and decorated lavishly.
The lighting of candles in Ireland has a religious significance. Some people would light candles to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of saying there was room for Jesus' parents in their homes even if there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors.
Christmas dinners in Ireland usually consist of turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. Among the more traditional Irish elements are spiced beef, which is spiced over several days, cooked, and then pressed and can be served either hot or cold. The traditional dessert is usually composed of mince pies, Christmas pudding, and brandy or rum sauce
It is traditional to keep mince pies and a bottle of Guinness as a snack for Santa. Children often keep sacks or even pillows instead of the stockings, in anticipation of more gifts.
Most of the adults go for a midnight mass or a midnight service on the eve of Christmas. Pantomimes are the traditional form of entertainment, and usually begin on St. Stephan’s day.
All the festivities generally end by the 6th of January, which is the official day to remove all the decorations.
Christmas in Germany: In Germany the time between the 1st of December and the 24th of December is called Adventszeit, which means the time before Christmas. During this period, all the houses hang wreaths decorated with Christmas ornaments and four candles. The candles are lit every Sunday, till Christmas Eve. Germans believe that baby Christ sends a message on the eve of Christmas. He is believed to appear as an angel in white robes along with gifts. The angel is called Christkind. The Christmas Eve is also marked by a grand family dinner.
Another traditional Christmas figure is the Christmas man or the Weinachtmann, who looks like Santa and brings gifts. German children decorate their Christmas wish list and put it on the windowsill, along with a little sugar, so that Weinachtmann won’t pass them by.
Germany has a unique tradition called Christbaumloben in which people visit friends on the 26th of December to praise their Christmas tree. The best part is that when a person praises the tree by saying “Ein schöner Baum” (a very nice tree), the owner offers him brandy or rum and cookies.
The decorated market places of Germany have also become a part of the customary celebrations. Lines of little traditional houses selling Christmas ornaments, candies, jewelries and toys offer an attractive site.
