Advent Calendar Door No 6

                          Heap on more wood! ------the wind is chill;
                          but let it whistle as it will.
                          We'll keep our Christmas merry still.
                                                                                     --Sir Walter Scott
                                                                                          "Marmion"
                                                                                              1808

hello dear friends,
jo Serendipitous Stitching   is hosting a very special advent calendar on her blog,,each day a different blogger friend shares the picture and her christmas traditions...
i am gladly filling the place in 6th of december :)

                                                           winter serenity by karen brittan
i finished this picture few years ago and it is my one of my fav stitching..you can almost hear the crunch of snow underfoot as these two beautifully dressed japanese ladies take a wintry walk...
i put my last stitches on the picture on 25 dec..

                                                        CHRISTMAS IN SOUTH AFRICA
We are not dreaming of a white Christmas, but rather a day at the beach or in a park with family and a big barbeque grill! Christmas here in South Africa is in the height of summer time and is celebrated somewhat different than from some other countries that have snow on christmas day.. Since it is summer time all the children are on a month long break from school and many people take this time off from work as well.

Some businesses shut down for the month of December. People take this holiday very seriously and are intent on truly relaxing. And you will find that most people celebrate Christmas Day outside in their backyards, down at the beach or anywhere that they can be together with family and friends. Christmas in South Africa is about being with family and friends, sharing a meal together and about relaxing.

 People also have Christmas dinners after the service, preparing tables out in front of their home and inviting many of their intimate friends to share. Homes are decorated with pine branches, and the decorated Christmas fir is a must, with presents for the children around.
 When it comes to dinner at the time of christmas in South Africa, most people prefer traditional dishes like turkey, roast beef, mince pies, yellow rice with raisins, vegetables, and plum pudding.
 Children are fond of the age-old custom of producing pantomimes--for instance, "Babes in the Wood," founded on one of the oldest ballads in the English language. Boxing Day, on December 26th, when boxes of food and clothing are given to the poor, is observed as a holiday.
 NOW
how to say merry christmas in different african languages..
In Akan (Ghana) Afishapa
In Zimbabwe Merry Kisimusi
In Afrikaans (South Africa) Geseënde Kersfees
In Zulu (South Africa) Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle
In Swazi (Swaziland) Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle
In Sotho (Lesthoto) Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse
In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Kuwa na Krismasi njema
In Amharic (Ethiopia) Melkam Yelidet Beaal
In Egyptian (Egypt) Colo sana wintom tiebeen
In Yoruba (Nigeria) E ku odun, e hu iye' dun!

                     

 AND
something very interesting i wanted to share with you all
and it is
COMMON SUPERSTITIONS
~Wear something fresh and new on christmas day--your luck will improve.
~If you leave a loaf of bread on the table after Christmas Eve supper,you will be sure to have a full supply until the next Christmas.
~Eat apple as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve.
this will guarantee perfect health for the year ahead.
~ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, a few minute before midnight, throw open every door and window,no matter what the weather--rain,snow,sleet,or wind.

My fav rhyme..
it is called a beggar's rhyme too..
Christmas is coming,the geese are getting fat,
Please to put a penny in the old man's hat;
If you haven't got a penny, a ha' penny will do,
if you haven't got a ha' penny, GOD BLESS YOU !

                     At Christmas play and make good cheer,
               for Christmas comes but once a Year.
                                                                                --- Thomas Tusser
Let us focus this year on our relationships, on giving of ourselves to others and on relaxing. Whether we are buried in snow or sand or in leaves...may yours and ours holidays be blessed! 

                                                              MERRY CHRISTMAS

                                                                           TO

                                                                          ALL :)

love cucki.
    xxx