How to Celebrate a Latvian Christmas

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:CelebrateLatvianChristmas
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How to Celebrate a Latvian Christmas

Introduction

In Latvia, Christmas is an important holiday. The celebration begins on December 24 and lasts for a full 12 days.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Begin the season with the start of Advent; hang an Advent wreath in your home in honor of the occasion.
2

Step Two

Make colorful ornaments in the shape of woolen mittens to hang from your Christmas tree. Given Latvia's cold weather, mittens are very popular there.
3

Step Three

Bake almond Christmas cookies and gingerbread to share with your family and friends during the holiday season.
4

Step Four

Attend church on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
5

Step Five

Remember that this time of year is also a celebration of the Winter Solstice, which is when the days begin to grow longer and the nights are shorter.
6

Step Six

Prepare a Christmas meal of potatoes, sauerkraut and pork, small pies, and lentils with bacon.
7

Step Seven

Exchange Christmas gifts when the meal is done.
8

Step Eight

Be prepared to read a poem next to the Christmas tree before opening your presents.
9

Step Nine

Expect Father Christmas to leave gifts under the tree for each of the 12 days of Christmas.
10

Step Ten

Incorporate some of the old pagan traditions that still exist. For instance, roll a wooden block around your house to keep evil spirits away.

Tips & Warnings

  • In Latvian, "Priecigus Ziemassvetkus!" means "Merry Christmas!"
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