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Day 7: Traditions of the Season- Christmas Cards.

There’s nothing quite like receiving good old fashion snail mail, and when the holidays roll around snail mail takes the form of the oh so festive and popular Christmas card! From sweet to funny to sentimental and everything in between, Christmas cards have long been a way for people to reconnect and send their best wishes.

Christmas cards have been around since the mid 19th century, when it’s believed that the first card was commissioned in the UK by Sir Henry Cole and designed by John Horsley in 1843. That initial card featured 3 generations of a family gathered round a table enjoying each other’s company over wine. Lithographed and colored by hand, the card was quite impressive and 1,000 were sold. Before this, it was common for people to send what is called a “Christmas piece.” Exchanged between family and close friends, it would consist of a few simple lines surrounded by decorative borders on speciality paper.

It was not until 1870, when Christmas cards started becoming more popular and affordable. Part of their charm was the simplicity in their design. Combined with the availability of the penny post and drastically improved printing standards, the cards could be more readily produced at a cheaper price thus catapulting their popularity. A slogan of “Post Early for Christmas” was introduced in 1880, and after that cards were soon taking hold as a well loved Christmas tradition.

Sending a Christmas card spread throughout Europe as the demand kept growing with no signs of slowing down! Early on the designs featured on the cards bore little to no religious connection. Towards the end of the 19th century however, this gradually changed as images of holly, mistletoe, snow, and various other symbols of the festive season started emerging.

When Christmas cards appeared in America they were far too expensive and most people could not afford them. This all changed though when in 1875 printer Louis Prang started mass producing cards so the general public had access to them. His first cards featured delightful scenes of flora, fauna, and children. By the year 1915, John C. Hall along with his two brothers created what is perhaps the reigning leader in the card industry today, Hallmark Cards!

The early 1900s also saw the development of handmade cards. Able to offer a more personalized design and greeting, these cards were often more delicate with strips of foil and ribbon therefore they were hand delivered to the recipient. Nowadays, Christmas cards are still as popular as ever to give to loved ones, friends, and neighbors. Did you know you can send cards to Presidents, the Queen, royal family members, and even Mickey and Minnie?! Most of the time you’ll even get a reply back!

From funny jokes to winter scenes to religious sentiments and Santa, Christmas cards have always been a welcome sight in our mailboxes. Pick one up on your next student tour during the holiday season to send home to family! They have always been a festive and joyous way to end the year while looking towards the next. While Christmas Cards may be young in their origins, the charm and good will they produce are one for the ages.

Take some time to send someone you love a Christmas greeting this year! We all know we could use a little more cheer after such a difficult period. 

Until tomorrow,

Kate.       

Day 6: Festive Treats Found at Christmas Markets.

I have always believed that one of the most beautiful things about educational travel is that not only do you get to see and learn about historic places and meet new people, but that you get to experience different cultures through their food. During the holiday season, yummy and festive treats seem to be all around us especially at Christmas markets. If you’d like to learn more about the intriguing history of the beloved European Christmas market, please click here. I briefly mentioned in that post just some of the glorious food options you’ll encounter, and today I’d like to share more with you about those treats that you too can enjoy on your next Christmas market visit.

Christmas markets have long been a central gathering place for friends, loved ones, neighbors, and travelers. Here they can meet and enjoy each other’s company over delicious food and piping hot beverages as they meander through the stalls perusing the fine handicrafts and other gifts. From sweet treats to savory sausage dogs and warming drinks, Christmas markets are full of wonderful aromas and a feast for the eyes.

The hardest decision is what to try first?

One of the most popular items and one of my favorites is sipping on a comforting mug of Gluhwein. This favored drink is a warm blend of red wine, oranges, and an assortment of spices. Similar to Glogg and Mulled wine, Gluhwein is the perfect blend of Christmas in a cup for those blustery winter days. Sure to warm the cockles of your heart! It’s simply THE drink to have! Often times you can even purchase the collectible souvenir mug from the vendor with the markets name and date. An excellent gift that is sure to remind you of your travels every time you use it. 

Next up are a classic Christmas treat, roasted chestnuts! Mmm be sure to pick up a bag of these when you spot them and enjoy that tantalizing aroma and flavor. Warm, soft, and very fragrant, they are sure to bring that famous Nat King Cole song to mind. There’s nothing quite like it, and they will always be symbolic to me of Christmas in Europe. Perfect for a cold winter’s night!

What’s Christmas without gingerbread?! Various places around the world have their own version of this simple but holiday necessity. Full of warming spices and the perfect snap, what’s not to love?

One popular biscuit that is similar to gingerbread is German Lebkuchen. Sure to be found at all German Christmas markets, Lebkuchen is a honey-sweetened cookie or bar cookie. It has been a part of Germany’s Christmas traditions for many years. So good…

Another well known German treat at Christmas time is the stollen. Eaten during the festive season in Germany, Stollen is a rich and dense fruit bread packed with dried or candied fruit, nuts, spices and topped with either powdered sugar or icing sugar. Some even include a center of marzipan! The rich decadence of stollen makes it a perfect treat to give to family and friends.

Linzer cookies are also a special holiday cookie that you’re sure to see. A soft, sugar cookie, Linzers have a thin layer of jam in the middle and a fun cutout shape often attributed to the holidays.

Lastly, if you’re in the mood for something a little more savory, I suggest trying the ever popular sausage. The crown jewel of any market, sausages can readily be found in all Christmas markets across Europe. They are a go to staple that will never disappoint. Served piping hot in a bun layered your choice of ketchup, mustard, or other toppings sausages or Bratwurst, are both delicious and filling. With various styles, meats, spiciness, and toppings, sausages are worth a try! They are so delicious you might even go back for another one! I won’t tell anybody though…

As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I have only really just begun to scratch the surface of all the amazing treats that can be found in Christmas markets. Perhaps a smell grabs your attention or you see a yummy treat a few stalls down, whatever the case the food at Christmas markets plays a huge role in the experience and is definitely a highlight for any student tour. I mean is there really a better way to kick off or end your educational student tour than a visit to one of these popular European markets during the festive period all while eating your heart out?!

Each Christmas market showcases a unique side to their country and regions so you’ll have no shortage of things to sample. With a wide assortment of the most enticing food selections it’s like a walking buffet for the senses. You simply must try everything so be sure to bring an appetite!

You are on vacation after all…

Until tomorrow,

Kate.      

Day 5: The Magic of the Holiday Window Display.

The holiday season is a magical time of year; that is heralded in with the welcome sights of over the top and dazzling holiday window displays throughout major department stores and shops.

From the glitzy shop windows lining 5th Avenue in New York to the stunning ones across the pond in London or just the simplicity of local shops in various cities, towns, or villages, holiday window displays can be found everywhere this time of year.

It may not be something you think about often, but the history behind holiday window displays is quite fascinating.

Created to be awe inspiring and draw attention to their stores, holiday window displays got their start during the late 1800s. In fact, we have the Industrial Revolution to thank! Since the 18th century, window shopping was viewed as a pastime. As the years came and went, gas lighting burst onto the scene allowing shops to illuminate their store fronts which in turn drew headlines. With streets not yet lit up, the bright windows made for a stark contrast to the backdrop of the night sky. During the day, these vast window displays may show cheery scenes of the festive season, theatrical or comical scenes, or they may take a trip down memory lane showcasing the rich history of the store. When night falls though, the storefronts truly come alive as they are basked in in the warm glow of Christmas lights. After that, I guess you could say the rest is history because the window displays went from humble beginnings to the elaborate displays we see nowadays.

Early on, the window displays were simple with sprigs of greenery, their most festive seasonal products, or perhaps the Christmas tree which was gaining popularity. Today, holiday window displays have kept true to their origins but have taken it to a whole new level. From light displays and music to collaborations with designers and artists to everything in between, Christmas windows still garner for your attention as they did all those years past.

Another aspect of holiday window displays, is that they offered a glimpse into how the other half lived. They were a form of escapism that allowed passerby to forget their troubles or worries for a period of time. Behind all the shimmer and elegance though, the object of Christmas windows was to lure the shopper in so the store would make sales. This especially worked with children.

As the windows displayed the latest toys, sweets, or household items, children and their parents would venture inside to have a closer look. The stores would also have games and activities for the children in an attempt to make them stay longer. As the years passed, the store windows became more elaborate, and it’s said that in 1938 Lord and Taylor in New York created the first animated display that simulated a winter storm. By the turn of the century, shop owners began to invest a lot of time, money, and thought into how they wanted their windows to look.

In many cases, a visual head of merchandising was installed. They would have the monumental task of designing, executing, and turning the displays into so much more. Soon, the unveiling of holiday window displays became an annual event to mark the unofficial start to the holiday season.

When you travel with us here at EA Tours, you’ll have a chance to experience these magnificent window displays on your next student tour. Wether you’re visiting New York, London, Paris, or another magical destination, the viewing of windows is a popular activity for students and their teachers to do when they have free time. So whatever time of year you embark on your educational student tour, you’ll surely be mesmerized by all of the incredible window displays you’ll encounter throughout your educational tour.    

Today, holiday window displays have become so much more than a place for stores to showcase their wares. They have become a spot for entertainment and awe-inspiring works of art. Spending some time to admire these spectacular windows has become a much-loved tradition for many individuals and families. It’s a time for festive respite, especially in a year like 2020. Many department stores believe it is their duty to continue offering fabulous holiday window displays as a way to keep spirits merry and bright.

I encourage you to take a few moments next time you pass a fabulous display to think of their humble origins and where they are today. Maybe it’ll spark a little creativity in your life!

Until tomorrow,

Kate.   

Day 4: The History of the Christmas Tree.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches!

For thousands of years, the evergreen fir has long been a Yule time symbol of winter festivals both Pagan and Christian. The Pagans would use the evergreen branches to adorn their homes during the winter solstice, as they looked towards Spring to carry them through the darkness. The Romans would use the fir trees to decorate the temples during the festival of Saturnalia. Christians would in turn use them as a sign of their connection of everlasting life with God.

Up until 1100 AD, the custom was to hang your tree upside down from the ceiling. Pretty crazy right?! However, it’s believed that the first Christmas tree may have its origins sometime between the years of 1501 to 1510 when one day in Riga, Latvia, a passing traveller spotted a decorated tree and was mystified.

German theologian Martin Luther is credited with bringing the tree as we know it today into our homes way back in 1535. The tale goes that on a cold Christmas Eve, he was walking through the forest and looked up to a bright and starry sky and mulled over how to capture the beauty of this special night so he could share it with his children. It was then that an image of a tall and shapely evergreen tree decorated with candles appeared in his mind. As he continued his walk, he came across the most splendid tree just like the one he had imagined! Eager to bring joy to the children, he cut it down, carried it home, and decorated it. They were delighted!   

Many years later in 1605, an unidentified writer in wrote “ At Christmas, they set up fir- trees in the parlors at Strasburg, and hang thereon roses cut out of many-colored paper, apples, wafers, gold-foil sweet, etc…” Shortly thereafter, in 1610, tinsel, nicknamed “Angel’s hair,” is invented in Germany and quickly becomes a popular tree decoration.

Throughout the years, trees are seen being decorated with everything from toys to sugar sticks bent to look like shepherd’s crooks. In 1841 England, Prince Albert had a tree imported from his native Germany so he could start the custom of having a Christmas tree put up in Windsor Castle for his wife, Queen Victoria, and their children. Theirs was richly decorated with various sweets, nuts, gilded fruits, paper roses, and candles. The idea caught on and soon spread throughout the land and across the ocean to America. During the following centuries, evergreens continued to be a symbol of of the holiday season across all cultures. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in NYC, the Trafalgar Square tree in London, England, Galeries Lafayette tree in Paris, France, and the tree standing tall in Vatican City, Italy are just a few of the well-known specimens.

Their hearty branches signify spring and the forthcoming of new life. The shiny lights and flickering candles remind us to remember the hope for a better day and the peace of this joyous season. The Christmas tree continues to be a steadfast image of the festive season with no signs of slowing down. It can brighten the darkest of winters and bring laughter and smiles to many across the world.    

Decorating the Christmas tree, wether it be with family or friends, is such a wonderful way to build tradition. Once you’ve selected the best tree on the lot, cut down your own, or pulled the fake one out of storage it’s time to start decorating! Wether you use white lights or multi-colored, tinsel or garland, themed tree or random assortment of ornaments, just make it yours! After you’ve finished, turn off the lights, take a step back, and admire your wonderful creation. Now is the perfect time to grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa and relax into the season of being together with the ones you love.

Nowadays, the time-honored tradition of having a Christmas tree is more popular than ever! You’ll find them in homes, churches, buildings, schools, and town squares. The day they go up is an exciting time. So when you join us on an educational student tour during the holiday season, you’re sure to enjoy seeking out and experiencing the joy and enchantment Christmas trees bring.

After reading this, I hope you have a better understanding of how the Christmas tree came to be. I also hope you’ll look to the Christmas tree as an everlasting symbol of hope, peace, and prosperity in times of darkness.

Until tomorrow,

Kate.      

Day 3: Traditions of the Season- Christmas Crackers.

Snap!

Pop!

Those are the glorious sounds of one of the best traditions of the holiday season in my opinion and I’m sure I’m not alone.

Enter the Christmas Cracker!

A classic holiday staple for more than a century, Christmas crackers are synonymous with the United Kingdom, and present a fun and relaxed atmosphere to any holiday celebration.

They are considered a festive table decoration and always contain a paper tissue crown, a corny joke or riddle, and a small toy. Nowadays, crackers can range from the inexpensive supermarket variety to luxury at its finest.

The introduction of the Christmas cracker originated in London, and were somewhat of a happy accident. Created by confectioner Thomas Smith in 1847, the idea for Christmas crackers emerged after his travels to France. One day he came across sugared almonds, or French Bon Bons, wrapped in colorful tissue paper and was instantly intrigued. He brought this idea back with him to England and the cracker was born! They initially contained Victorian mottos, which were mainly love verses. One such example is “The sweet crimson rose with its beautiful hue is not half so deep as my passion for you. As for that satisfying pop…well that is said to have come from the crackling sound of logs burning in a fire. To recreated this popping sound he experimented and eventually landed on small pieces of chemically engineered paper. This crucial snap would in turn not only make them more exciting but also increase sales.

So how do they work?

For starters, a cracker is comprised of a short tube of cardboard wrapped with brightly colored paper. The cracker, or popper, is held on each end by someone, and when pulled it creates a lovely pop! Once snapped open, only then do the crackers reveal their secrets and hidden treasures. One of the reasons why they are so great is that it’s a running theme for the jokes and small trinkets to be unfunny or somewhat unmemorable. However, you’re sure to have a good laugh taking part in this cherished English tradition!

Next time you’re out shopping and spot these festive decorations, I encourage you to pick some up and liven up your holiday season this year by indulging in this classic British tradition. With so many styles on the market, from classic and traditional to the ultra ritzy, you’re sure to find one that fits your style and budget. And hey if you’re feeling crafty, crackers are super easy to DIY and customize to your liking!

The demand for Christmas crackers has remained high throughout the years, and they have a steadfast hold right across the UK with the infectious holiday joy they bring. It sure would be hard for me to not imagine crackers adorning my table during the holiday season. I hope you’ll consider adding them to your holiday celebrations as you’re sure to love them as much as I do!

So don those silly ole paper hats, share your joke proudly, and let your inner child shine as you cherish your new toy!

Until tomorrow,

Kate.

Day 2: The History of the Christmas Market.

Come late November, something magical begins to happen all across the world but especially in Europe.

Quaint stalls pop up in bustling capitals, small cities, and charming little villages, all signaling the start of the festive season.

As night falls, these stalls come to life in the warm glow of holiday lights. Laughter fills the air as children scurry about chasing one another. Adults come together and reminisce on the year as they look forward to the next. Stall owners delight in sharing with you their traditional handicrafts while the sweet aroma of chestnuts and delicious bratwurst fills the air. Carols are sung on high offering a surreal feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a true winter wonderland.

And you might ask yourself what are these joyous places?!

Simply called a Christmas Market, they can easily be found from London to Tokyo, Vienna to Prague, Paris to Cologne, and everywhere in between!

A highlight on any educational trip during the holiday period, Christmas Markets offer students and their teachers a place to relax and experience a truly magical side to many of these wonderful cities.

Having first been recorded in the year 1638, “Christkindlesmarkte” or Christmas Markets, are said to have originated in the German city of Nuremberg. Throughout the years, these markets have stayed true to their origins as being a place for locals, neighbors, friends, and visitors alike to gather after dark. They were and still are a mixture of al fresco shopping alongside food stalls.

Though electricity has paved the way for these markets to really shine, the streets and stalls used to be candle-lit offering an air of romanticism. It was under the comforting flicker of candles that merry goers would admire the unique toys, handicrafts, ornaments, and other gifts. As shoppers mulled about the stalls, with no urge to hurry, the sweet angelic sounds of choirs filled the air with traditional Christmas carols.

It is said that the original Nuremberg market was opened by a “Christ-Child”- not Jesus but rather a beautiful little girl. To this day, the city appoints a young girl who wears golden wings and a crown to serve as an ambassador and usher in the holiday season and the opening of the Nuremberg Christmas Market. For centuries, weary villagers and townspeople have looked to Christmas Markets as a place of joy and light during the long winter nights. 

Today, Christmas Markets still serve up that old world charm, but have in time evolved to offer over the top rides and games alongside the shops and food vendors. Gluhwein, stollen, bratwurst, and so many other delicious goodies can be found at today’s markets. I encourage you to check back later on in our series, where I’ll go in depth about what kind specialty items are waiting to be tried on your next student tour.

So, remember in this off year when things are not like they usually are, that there’s always something beautiful to look to and may that be a Christmas market for your travel yearning soul. With the combination of old world charm and tradition, Christmas Markets are here to stay as there’s nothing quite like it. They are a treasured custom that’s timeless and will put anyone in a festive mood!

As this post comes to an end, take comfort in the words that the “Christ-Child” shares annually, “little town within the city, which of cloth and wood is made; fleeting in its brief splendor, but everlasting throughout the ages.”

Until tomorrow,

Kate.

Day 1: Celebrate the Holidays in These Merry Cities.

The halls have been decked…

The tree has been trimmed…

The sweet aroma of cookies are baking in the oven..

And you’re putting the finishing touches on any last minute projects.

Though we might not be able to travel this year as we have in years past, doesn’t mean we can’t have some festive cheer in our life and travel virtually. Therefore, I’m very pleased to share a new educational travel series with you to make our spirits merry and bright!

For the next 12 days, leading up to Christmas, I’ll be sharing with you all things holly and jolly that make traveling such a wonderful life blessing. First up, I’d like to take you on a magical sleigh journey telling you all about my favorite destinations that go all out when it comes to the holiday season.

So grab a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog (whatever tickles you fancy), choose a comfy spot, and tuck in to one of these Christmassy towns.

Shall we begin?!

London, England

When I think of this joyous time of year, London always springs to mind! From the shimmering lights that adorn Regent and Oxford Streets, to the bustling shoppers going about their day around the giant Christmas tree in Covent Garden, and the spectacular holiday decorations on the facade of Fortnum and Mason and Harrods there is no shortage of festive spirit. Overflowing with that classic Christmas charm, London has always been a hotspot for travelers. You’ll find the shelves stocked with yummy mince pies, the pubs full of revelers, and carols being sung from Royal Albert Hall. Skaters take to the rink at Somerset House and people admire the towering Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. With so many festive things to see and do, this bustling capital will shine brightly on any educational student tour. I think the hardest question is what to see first (I’d go straight for the lights)?! 

New York City, NY, USA

Ah New York City! There’s something truly special about experiencing Christmastime in the city that never sleeps. From the bold decorations scattered throughout the city to the excitement in people’s eyes to the shop windows putting on a display, there’s nothing quite like Manhattan during the holidays. Be sure to stop and snap a few pictures at the world famous Rockefeller Christmas tree before taking in a performance at Radio City Music Hall featuring the dazzling Rockettes. The Christmas markets at Bryant Park, Columbus Circle, and Grand Central Terminal are but a few among the hustle and bustle. Oh! Don’t forget ice skating as well…a must just for the experience itself and the laughs that will surely ensue. A wander around the major department store holiday displays will also make you feel as if you’ve stepped straight into the North pole. So wether you prefer to seek everything out or go at a more leisurely pace, NYC will leave you wanting to come back again and again to experience the magic of Christmas.

Prague, Czech Republic

This has to be one of the most gorgeous cities I’ve ever visited, and I’m sure you’ll love to experience it on your next educational student tour. Full of old world charm, Prague is a city that exudes a golden warmth when the holidays roll around. The beautiful architecture alone makes for a grand backdrop to their holiday markets. Lasting for a whole month, the Old Town market sees numerous visitors and locals alike fall under its spell as they seek out yummy mulled cider, food, and traditional pastries. The stalls are also full of wonderful Christmas goodies and stocking stuffers. Prague also has a rich and fascinating folkloric history that students will love to learn…I know I did! From the twinkling lights, carols, and nativity scenes, to so much more, Prague comes alive during Christmas and you’ll never want to leave.

Tokyo, Japan

I had the great privilege of being able to experience this cosmopolitan city just last year, and let me tell from the short amount of time I was there, I could tell this city loved Christmas! With its over the top Winter Illumination, Tokyo really puts on a show. The lights were so mesmerizing and everything coordinated with music. A spectacular show that’s free for all to enjoy! I encourage you to spend some time checking out each district as they go overboard and i see nothing wrong with that! Don’t forget to get a bird’s eye view of the sparkling lights from up high in the Millennium Tower. I hope you aren’t afraid of heights because the view is stunning!

Vienna, Austria.

Last, but by no means least, is the charming city of Vienna. With its bustling streets, the sweet smell of roasting chestnuts beckoning you into the famous markets, and the dazzling lights, Vienna makes you feel as if you’ve wandered into a festive wonderland. The stunning architecture doesn’t hurt either as it provides a fantastic backdrop for the twinkling lights. Be sure to take in the skating rink at Rathausplatz plaza. Finally, treat yourself to an enchanting performance of Christmas carols by the Vienna Boys Choir. The city truly shines at this time of year!        

There are so many cities around the world that come to life during the holiday season that it was hard to pick just 5!

Christmas is such a magical time of year, that I hope you’ll consider booking your next student tour with EA Tours during the holiday season. There is no shortage of festive towns who will welcome you with open arms. You are sure to have one of the most magical and unforgettable holidays and student tours of a lifetime as these cities come alive with their infectious joy.

I hope you’ll join me tomorrow,

Kate