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New Years Traditions from Around the World

  • By 7052540994
  • 25 Dec, 2019
New|years|traditions|from|around|the|world|culture|madison|wisconsin|customs|eve

New years eve traditions from around the world

We know New Year’s Eve for Times Square, the ball drop, fireworks, champagne, and that new year’s kiss! Whether you prefer a night in with family and close friends or a night out with a large group of strangers, the traditions tend to be the same in the United States. However, other parts of the world have other ways of bringing in the new year!

 Australia – In Australia, the majority of the celebration occurs on January 1st, rather than New Years Eve. Most Australians spend the entire day outside. The celebrate with picnics, camping out, races, and carnivals.

China – The Chinese New Year does not fall on the same date each year. Rather, it is celebrated during the 2nd new moon following the winter solstice. The Chinese New Year is more of a spiritual celebration than a holiday. For the Chinese, the new year is a chance at a new life. Decorations are primarily red, as red is believed to represent luck. The food that is served are all foods that represent prosperity or wealth. Some of these foods include fish, dumplings and rice. Many will either attend or watch the spring festival on television.

Mexico – The New Year in Mexico is also a cultural and spiritual celebration. Many will either eat lentils, leave them outside their door, and put a handful in their pockets because they are associated with good fortune. Eating 12 grapes during the 60 second countdown is done so that the person may receive their 12 wishes and good fortune. In Mexico you should plan to wear red underwear and yellow pants to bring in a New Year of love & fortune.

Denmark – In Denmark it is customary to throw dishes at the door of your loved ones to bring in the new year. If you have many broken dishes to clean up, it is a sign that you have many friends. Additionally, many will rather around the television to watch the Queen of Denmark give her annual speech. Boiled cod, pork, and kale are customary foods.

However you choose to bring in the New Years, we wish you all good luck and prosperity in 2020!

By 7052540994 03 Mar, 2020

Easter Sunday occurs this year on April 12th. If you are one of many families that celebrate by giving Easter Baskets to children, you may be working on them now. Smaller kids are easy, as they tend to get excited about any little snack or trinket that is offered to them. However, if you have an older child or teen that you give an Easter basket to, you may be struggling with ideas. Older children typically don’t have much use for stuffed animals, bubbles, or Play-Doh. So, what can you get them without going overboard?

1.      Hat Basket – One popular idea is a hat basket. Find a baseball style hat that they would like (a favorite sports team, a funny saying, or something else they like), turn it upside-down and fill it with their favorite treats. The hat won’t hold a lot, so no need to get much. Just a couple favorite snacks, maybe a small gift card and call it good. Simple and useful. Some hats will work better than others so double check that you will be able to put what you need into it before purchasing.

2.      Shower/Pamper Basket - If your teen or older child isn’t into baseball hats, try a bag of shower goodies. Use a make-up or shower bag as your “basket” and fill it with items they will use. Bath bombs, lotions, shower shoes, and nail files are a few ideas.

3.      Starbucks Basket/Cup - Another fun idea for a teen who likes Starbucks is to get them a Starbucks thermos for their “basket” and fill it with a Starbucks gift card and perhaps a small traditional Easter treat.

4.      Artist Basket – If you have an artsy teen or child you can make them an art basket. Use a crate lined with fabric or felt (to hold the supplies in it) and fill it with a few art items. Try blank canvases, paints, brushes, molding clay, felt, decorative cutting scissors, or whatever their art preferences are.

5.      College basket – For a teen leaving for college you can create a basket with college essentials. For a few ideas you can use headphones/ear buds, a daily planner, USB flash drives, a reusable water bottle, and don’t forget a gift that displays the logo for the college of their choice (a keychain, hat, or coffee mug would work).

6.      Fishing Basket – If you have a child who likes to fish, you can use a tackle box or fishing net for your basket and fill it with Easter treats and fishing gear. Swedish fish gummies, gummy worms, bug spray, sun block, lures, and other fishing gear are a few ideas to get you started.

These are just a few ideas for a teen or older child. There are many other ideas to help you out. Pinterest is a good place to check if none of these seem to work for your child. You can always keep it simple and do a traditional basket with Easter treats and throw in a small gift card to their favorite store. Happy Easter!

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