Jill anderson has been from Périgord since 2017, she arrived in France in 1987, and brought back with her her memories and traditions of the Christmas and New Year celebrations from Scotland!
Merry Christmas!
With as a first poetic memory, to start the festivities: the writing of the letter to Santa Claus. The letter with the list of gifts is not sent by the letterbox in Scotland, but by the chimney! Hop, directly towards the North Pole by the sky! And then on the fireplace, of course, there are some food for Santa Claus and his reindeer. But, it is not the glass of milk that is offered to him, but a glass of Scotch whiskey!
Also, in Scotland, the 25th is not the only public holiday. There is also December 26, Boxing Day, for this day called “Boxing Day”. A day traditionally dedicated to the poorest people, where it was customary to make boxes with donations. Today, the tradition is less present, but it is because it lasts all year round with the associations.
At Christmas dinner, traditionally it is a turkey to share which is found in the center of the table, with accompaniments: cranberry sauce, small sausages surrounded by bacon, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots … And for dessert. , no log on the program, but rather a Christmas Pudding, with dried fruits, to finish the meal … without too much lightness!
And a Happy New Year!
The New Year is a very important holiday in Scotland. It is usually celebrated with friends, why not in the streets of Edinburgh, where a huge festival is held every year, with fireworks, music and traditional costumes.
Also, from midnight on January 1, it is customary to go and spend the first one walking to a loved one, a neighbor, to wish him a Happy New Year. We obviously do not arrive empty-handed, with a charcoal to put in the fireplace for example!