Tips for an Eco-friendly Christmas

A look at having an Eco-friendly Christmas and reducing your Christmas carbon footprint;

• Turn off your lights, use energy saving light bulbs, solar powered rope lights, and outdoor solar powered Christmas lights.
• Buy recycled Christmas cards, many charities also sell recycled Christmas cards and you are helping the charity at the same time.
• Buy recycled wrapping paper, try using ribbon and string instead of scotch tape.
• Use soy and beeswax or natural vegetable base candles, as they are biodegradable and smoke free.
• Let nature decorate your home, natural products like pine cones, gingerbread, holly and seasonal berries are biodegradable and will add a beautiful natural touch to your home.
• Buy a real Christmas tree, the truth is real Christmas are the better purchase. They are natural and organic. Materials from an artificial trees take energy to make and will be in a landfill for years. We recommend buying a tree with roots so you can replant it.
• Buy rechargeable batteries.
• Buy an organic turkey. Organic turkeys are usually free range and reared in humane conditions. If you get the chance go to a local farmers market it will be a lot cheaper than buying organic at the supermarket.
• Give a charitable gift; don't know what to get someone this Christmas? How about a donation in their name to a charity who needs it.
• Bring your own reusable bag while doing your Christmas shopping.
• Compost left over holiday food, everybody seems to have left overs that they are not going to eat why not compost them.
• Save any unused decorations, wrapping paper and extra cards to reuse for years to come.
• Instead of buying gift tags you can cut up old Christmas cards from previous years and use them instead.
• Purchase biodegradable cutlery.
  

Christmas Traditions Around The World

Christmas is around the corner and we thought it would be fun to take a look at holiday traditions from around the world. With some of our travel experts busily globetrotting this holiday season we decided to ask around and see how other countries celebrate this cherished time of year.

Christmas is a symbol of giving and sharing, a time to be thankful and come together with family and friends.

Australia
Many of us in North America have gotten used to a 'White Christmas' this is quite the opposite in Australia. During this time of year the typical weather is about 35 C (100 F) with no snow to be found!

Because of the warm temperature a typical Australian Christmas meal will include; seafood, ham, cold chicken, duck or turkey, cold deli meats, salads of all types and deserts, especially ice cream.

One popular Christmas tradition in Australia is to go to Bondi Beach. Many visitors go to witness this incredible tradition as people are scattered across the beach singing Christmas carols.

Although it is very warm this time of year in Australia, some things are still similar to a North American Christmas. Children send letters to Santa Claus, houses are decorated with strings of light strewn about and it is Christmas Mass is attended by most.

Italy
Italy takes the celebration to a whole new level by continuing the festivities for three weeks. Italy is very religious and many of its traditions are based on Christianity. The 'Holy Season' is announced by the firing of a cannon from the Castle of St Angelo in Rome. The eight days before Christmas are very special here and are observed by consecutive prayers and worship building towards Christmas. This 9 day worship is known as 'Novena'.

Another Christmas tradition in Italy is dressing up as shepherds. This is mainly done by the poor children who dress up and go door to door reciting Christmas poems and singing Christmas carols. In return they are given money to go buy presents for their loved ones.

Italians typically fast on Christmas Eve followed by a huge feast on Christmas Day. The meal usually starts with pasta, followed by meat with cheeses and fruits and an array of desserts. Grappa and other liquors are served during the feast as well.

Small gifts are given on Christmas Day but the main exchange takes place January 6th during the Feast of Epiphany. This feast celebrates the magi's visit to the baby Jesus.

 

Mexico
Mexican Christmas traditions are highly influenced by Catholicism. Christmas celebrations start on December 12th to celebrate the birth of the Virgin of Guadelupe. On Christmas Eve at midnight, people light fireworks, ring bells, and blow whistles to announce the birth of Christ. The celebrations end on January 6th with the Epiphany.

The exchange of gifts is done on January 6. Mexican children write letters to the wise men and leave their requests for gifts in their shoes.There is no Santa Claus in Mexico, the children believe that the wise men come to bring their presents.

Mexican families attend Christmas Eve Mass at midnight, followed by a Christmas dinner. A typical dinner includes tamales, rice, menudo, atole and other traditional Mexican foods.

USA & Canada
In both the United-States and Canada Christmas is celebrated December 25th. Americans and Canadians alike celebrate with the Christmas Tree a pine or evergreen strewn with lights and ornaments. Houses and lawns are decorated as well with lights, trees, and other decorations. A local past time is driving around various neighborhoods looking at others' decorations.

Santa Claus is very popular among the children, and has become of the many symbols of Christmas. On Christmas Eve children hang their stocking by the fire place or a designated area so Santa Claus can come during the night to fill them with gifts as well as put some under the Christmas Tree.

A traditional Christmas dinner will include; turkey, or ham, stuffing, potatoes, pie, fruitcake, many desserts and eggnog.

Olivia in Hong Kong

I truly feel that Hong Kong is where the East meets the West. I'm so sad that I could only stay there a few short days. Unfortunately for me, Hong Kong is a city with too many things to explore and I really hope I get to go back and really see everything.

Probably one of my most memorable moments was heading for a ride on a Duk Ling: a replica of an old ship built 150 years ago. I got to enjoy Hong Kong from an oceanic point of view. Look at this beautiful ship:

I discovered a few different things while there that I believe were hidden treasures. Tung Ping Chau an island off Hong Kong with white beaches, corals and the best snorkelling! 

 

Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve close to mainland China; a bird lover's paradise:

 

Shocked by the fact that Hong Kong is not all concrete and high rises. To the south lies the most amazing statues. Take a glimpse:

 

I thought that with the language barrier I would really have a hard time getting around. But so many people in Hong Kong speak English, it's almost unbelievable. Like the other 90% of the population I took public transport to get around as there is almost no other choices. Sardined on the train I felt like a local getting myself from point a to b.

All in all I must say Hong Kong is fabulous. I have never seen a city so 'condensed' and yet so functional. The streets are packed yet nobody is pushing. Having been in NYC for so long, I got used to the fast paced life that is typical 'New York'. I really hope I get to return to Hong Kong, the city that never sleeps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia on Hong Kong

My name is Olivia Dubois and I currently work for MyVacationPages as columnist of 'Where in the World is Olivia?'. My position gives me the chance to travel to all different places and review what I find. I guess I can describe my job as 'always on the go'. I left New York the 9th of November and haven't looked back... I started in Australia, after that was Hong Kong, then the Philippines, and now I am in Seychelles. So far you have been reading our other employee and good friend of mine's posts Tracy Smith.

This week I will be sharing my experience in Hong Kong. I was able to see and do so many amazing things that I feel so privileged to share. Stay tuned for more on me in Hong Kong tomorrow.

-Olivia Dubois