Edited and Published by Yvette Depaepe, the 23rd of December 2022

SEASON GREETINGS TO ALL OF YOU ...
from our founders, Ralf Stelander and Jacob Jovelou and from the entire crew

People love wintertime for many reasons. One reason is the wide range of celebrations during this time of the year. With lots of winter festivals and holidays around the world, there is something for everyone.

'Xmas in Space' by DDiArte

CHRISTMAS
For many people, Christmas is the most well-known holiday in the wintertime. Observed on the 25^th of December, it celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth, although no one knows the exact day Jesus was born.

Christmas decorations have dated back to the 15th century. Popular examples include bells, candy canes, wreaths, angels, stockings, poinsettias, and candles. German Lutherans introduced the Christmas tree during the 16th century.

Christmas music ranges from traditional hymns and carols to popular Christmas songs. Music is played or sung in homes, schools, and churches. It is broadcast on the radio and in public areas.

For most people, giving gifts is a part of Christmas. Gifts can range from simple and inexpensive to elaborate. While gift-giving has become quite commercial in recent decades, it does not need to break your budget. You can find many inexpensive gifts and you can even make gifts yourself.

Holiday figures vary, but Santa Claus is the most common. The Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas was the inspiration for Santa Claus. The modern presentation of Santa originated in New York, where there was a large Dutch population.

NEW YEAR

Numerous cultures and religions have special observances for a new year.
With the Gregorian calendar, most people are familiar with the holiday that falls on January 1st, as it represents the beginning of a new year.
For many, the holiday starts on December 31st. Fireworks are custom in some areas. New Year’s Eve parties are popular, too.

Winter is a festive time of the year as it contains holidays celebrated by people of different cultures, races, and religions.

Some think of the winter as a time of rest; while to some, it is clearly a time for celebrations, parties, and fun. It is an opportunity for many to get-together with families, observe long traditions, share childhood stories around the fire place, frolic and have fun.

Let' have a thought for more festivities like :

Hanukkah celebrated by the Jewish community, 25^th of December to the 1^st of Januari,

Kwanzaa celebrated by African American culture 26^th of December to the 1^st of January

Ōmisoka is the traditional Japanese celebration of the last day of the year.

MAY YOU ENJOY A SAFE AND JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A FRUITFUL NEW YEAR AHEAD.

And thank you very much for sharing your beautiful works in our warm 1x community. 

'Season greetings' by Margaret Netherwood

'Christmas is coming' by MagdalenaWascizek

'Christmas Balls' by Ivan Huang

'Santa Claus' by C.S. Tjandra

'Santa's Teambuilding' by Walde Jansky

'Christmas horse' by Ulrike Leinemann

'Shattered Christmas' by Lex Augusteijn

'Christmas Lace' by Vlad Sokolovsky

'Long-tailedbushti' by Yoshikazu Wada

'Christmas mood' by Roswitha Schleicher-Schwarz

'In Anticipation' by Joško Šimic

'Old ornaments' by Margareth Perfoncio

'Christmas Dreams'  by Michel Romaggi

'Church' by Ryan Li

'Bruges in Christmas dress' by Yvette Depaepe

'Christmas tree shopping' by Linda D Lester

'Sortie de route' by David Senechal

'My Christmas' by Carmen Watkins

'Mummy, look' by DDiArte