How Do You Celebrate A Canadian Christmas?
In Canada, festivities abound during the Christmas season. Because of the wide ethnic mix within Canada’s provinces, these celebrations are rich with French, German and English traditions – as well as those of First Nations, or Native American tribes. Plan a taffy pull, which in the past was held on November 25 in honor of Saint Catherine, the patron saint of single women. This gathering provides an excuse for single women to meet eligible men. Display a “crèche,” or Nativity scene, with “santons,” or plaster figures, depicting Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Sing traditional Christmas carols with English, French or German influence. Make Christmas treats such as chocolate madeleines, iced cookies made with unsweetened cocoa and grated orange rind and prepared in shell-shaped molds. Plan a midnight feast, or “réveillon” (which means “awakening” in French), for Christmas Eve after the mass or other religious services have ended. Invite family and friends to attend. Cut down or buy a Christ
