The Variances of Xmas

[Bellbird]

Xmas in the Southern Hemisphere. While there is still people who have stuck to the age old tradition of Xmas Dinner, = hot dinner, poultry, ham ,roast beef, vegetables by the dozen, jelly, icecream, cream, trifle and hot xmas steamed pudding.
On the 25th, there has been occasions when the weather 'turned' cold, even some snow on the ranges, rain by the bucket loads but on the whole the Southern Hemisphere Xmas weather is hot.
So hot many of us went away from the 'heavy' meal and went for cold meat and salads sitting at the dinner table or a trip to the beach or a park to cool off.
Below is a xmas song written for the Kiwi Xmas.
Unfortunately it is hard to read, but click on it, look for the magnifying glass and hopefully it will be readable.

 

[Paco Dennis]

"Krampus, Austria​

As if the threat of missing out on presents wasn’t bad enough, Austrian kids who end up on Santa’s naughty list also have to worry about Krampus: a horned, hairy beast that snatches misbehaving children in his wicker basket, serving as Saint Nicholas’ creepy enforcer. Many towns in Austria (and neighbouring countries), especially the alpine villages around Salzburg and Tyrol, celebrate Krampusnacht on December 5th, when dozens of men dressed as the half-goat demon parade through the streets brandishing sticks and terrorising children. We’ll just stick to our lump of coal, thanks."

https://www.yha.com.au/travel-and-t...ight-strangest-christmas-traditions-on-earth/

 

[Paco Dennis]

Bad Santa | Austria​

"British kids are well acquainted with Father Christmas, Santa Claus or Saint Nick, but they can consider themselves lucky they don't live in Austria. That's because it's here that a ghoulish creature called 'Krampus', the evil accomplice of St Nicholas, is said to wander the streets in search of badly behaved children. During the month of December, you can expect to see terrifying masked figures out and about scaring kids and adults alike with ghastly pranks."

https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-blog/wanderlust/unusual-christmas-traditions.html

 

[hollydolly]

Here's your song enlarged @Bellbird

 

[fuzzybuddy]

In the USA,, we have a very easy Xmas tradition. If you've been naughty, you get a lump of coal in your stocking., and, at worst, you won't get any toys. As punishments go, that's rather tame. I've heard in the rest of the world an array of horrible old men, ghouls, and creatures will steal you away, or even eat you. Also, in the USA, we're pretty consistent from one section of the country to another. But a few miles in other continents can mean a whole other tradition.

 

[jujube]

The Massachusetts Bay Colony banned the celebration of Christmas in 1659. It was considered "too Catholic" for their tastes and instead the day was to be spent in "fasting and humiliation".

Here is the actual wording (well, it was in the odd spelling of those days and I changed that to modern spelling because I'm tired of fighting SpellCheck because it insists that "dreffing" isn't a word, nor is "feafting"):

NOTICE

The Observation of Christmas having been deemed a Sacrilege, the exchanging of Gifts and Greetings, dressing in fine clothes, feasting and similar Satanic practices are hereby

FORBIDDEN

with the Offender liable to a fine of five shillings.

Well, Bah Humbug to you, too, Mr. Puritan.

In fact, the prohibition against celebrating Christmas was actually on the books until 1836. I would imagine by then, though, there wasn't a lot of "fasting and humiliation" going on.

So, what's it gonna be for you? Gluttony and self-satisfaction or fasting and humiliation? Or should I say "fafting"? That sounds like it might be a bit kinky......

 

[Bellbird]

Here's your song enlarged @Bellbird

Thanks for that.