Category: Holidays

The 12 Countries of Christmas

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Holidays

Christmas means a lot to me and my family.  It’s the one time of year when we all come together to exchange gifts, eat far too much food, and socialize and laugh over games and drinks.  In America, it’s a family holiday, and offices across the country are closed for multiple days for the celebration.  We decorate trees in our living rooms, and we hang lights all throughout the cities.  It’s a time of giving and joy and coming together.

I love Christmas.

Spending a year abroad, there’s every chance we’ll spend the holiday in a foreign country.  And we know that not everyone celebrates it the same as we do.

© LotsaSmiles Photography 2015
Photo by Brianna Shade, used with permission

Continue reading “The 12 Countries of Christmas” →

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10 Must-See Holidays and Festivals From Around the World

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Holidays

As today is the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, we thought we would share 10 must-see holidays and festivals from around the world.

Thanksgiving is one of many holidays that celebrate a good harvest. Today it is mostly a time to get family and friends together to eat and drink a lot. Typically, this is done while watching some American football and then settling into a more formalized family dinner. The holiday has been celebrated differently throughout history, as I am sure many of these world holidays have also changed over time.

So here is our list. We hope to participate in some of these  in our lifetime or even on our upcoming world trip in 2019. Continue reading “10 Must-See Holidays and Festivals From Around the World” →

How do Japanese Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Asia, Holidays, North America

Family are gathered, pies are baked, wine will soon flow (at least in my house), football is queued, and the bird is already releasing heavenly, succulent smells that will quickly infiltrate every corner of the house.  By the end of the day, tummies will be full, the room will be full of laughter and games, and eventually, we’ll all pass out in a food coma before our first holiday movie of the year.

So how is Thanksgiving celebrated in Japan?

© LotsaSmiles Photography 2015 Continue reading “How do Japanese Celebrate Thanksgiving?” →