People everywhere love Christmas – but we don’t all celebrate it the same way.
Mama Lisa’s Christmas Around The World is a celebration of the diversity and love with which many different cultures mark this joyful time of year.
You’ll read about:
- How in Italy it’s not Santa Claus who gives gifts to all the children. It’s La Befana, a friendly witch!
- How Scandinavians mark the end of the season by “plundering” the Christmas Tree on St. Knut’s Day. That’s a fun way to get children to help with the post-holiday clean-up!
- How in Colombia, in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s usually warm in December. So Christmas is celebrated like a giant outdoor block party!
The first part of the book covers some of the traditions that take place on days other than Christmas itself, like St. Nick’s Day and Epiphany. The history and meaning of these holidays is discussed, often with examples of traditional songs.
The second part presents beloved traditions and songs from many different nations. The songs are given in the original languages and with English translations.
What makes the book really special is the many comments from Mama Lisa’s correspondents who have shared stories and memories from their own lives. The memories of childhood touch us forever!
Many of the songs featured also include links to the Mama Lisa website, where you can find recordings, videos and sheet music.
Merry Christmas!
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First-foot is a tradition in Great Britain where the first person who enters a person’s house (the “first-foot”) in the New Year will bring good or bad luck.
September 20th, 2016 at 9:29 am
Oh I had forgotten about the first footer. As a child we kept new year at my grandparent’s house and an uncle would always go out of the back door after auld land syne. He would nip to the front door and ring the bell and he carried in a lump of coal. Had to have dark hair too, so my uncle Ray could never do it lol
January 3rd, 2018 at 1:11 pm
I remember the first foot had to be dark and male. He brought coal for warmth, salt for savour and sugar for sweetness. However a red haired male or female or someone with a caste in their eye was considered bad luck.
January 29th, 2019 at 5:01 pm
This is also an old tradition in Scotland. Here we bring coal and black bun as symbols of warmth and plenty for the year to come.
The belief that it is bad luck to have a first footer who is fair goes back to the Viking raiders who were never welcome.
December 3rd, 2019 at 11:22 am
In the north of England, it is also a dark haired man as the First Footer, with a small piece of coal, a twig or piece of wood, & a small coin, wrapped in paper to ensure warm fires and enough money for the coming year. He is then given a glass of wine or whisky & a mince pie or other food token to welcome him and the good luck he brings. Leaving the front door open, he opens the back door, to let the old year out and the New Year in.
November 20th, 2022 at 5:50 pm
My mother who was from Northumberland kept many Scottish traditions. She would make my poor father go outside before midnight and allow him back in after midnight armed with coal, bread and whisky. She hated any woman first footing her which is why he got sent out just in case! Mischief night was an early version of Halloween or All Saints night.