Christmas

1. Christmas: The Magic of the Season

2. 1. Christmas Traditions: A Celebration of the World • Christmas is celebrated distinctly across the continents. Yet, above all, the messages that find expression differ only slightly; that is, joy, peace, and togetherness of people. Although traditions vary greatly, the real experience of Christmas remains around celebrating love and giving. Here are a few unusual yet exciting Christmas traditions from around the world. • Christmas in EuropeIn Europe, along with so many other practices and traditions concerning Christmas, there are certain items in the celebration common to nearly every nation in Europe. One of the most famous traditions is having Christmas marketplaces. These marketplaces, found throughout Germany, Austria, and France, are brimming with charming festive stalls selling handmade holiday decorations, tasty holiday treats, and hot mulled wine. The marketplaces are also an ideal place to experience the joy that spills from Christmas carols, as choirs can be heard singing traditional sounds into the streets. • In many countries, including Spain and Italy, Christmas Eve is a time for families to gather around the dinner table. In Italy, the holiday is celebrated with a traditional feast of seven fishes, while in Spain, the Nochebuena dinner is an elaborate affair, complete with much good food and wine. The Greeks celebrate Christmas with their special pastries and sweets, while in Sweden, Julbord consists of a buffet of meats, herring, and pastries

3. Celebrate Christmas in North America • In North America, Christmas combines European settler traditions with some indigenous cultures. An example would be the Christmas tree, a well-known symbol of Christmas cheer and now synonymous with this festive season. Most often, Christmas Eve is spent in church in the US and then everyone • celebrates over a hearty meal with friends and family afterwards. Children work up their excitement to wait for Santa Claus, who brings gifts for good children all year round, for Christmas morning. • Snow, hot cocoa, ice skating, and sledding are often synonymous with Christmas in Canada. Christmas dinner is another event worth celebrating in Canada; turkey and ham comprise an extravagant meal, in which all of the meal’s gourmet side dishes are featured. Throughout the entirety of the United States and Canada, homes and streets are adorned with Christmas lights, enhancing the magical atmosphere that is so characteristic during this time of year.  • Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is perhaps pure bliss! While Christmas is still normally winter, still plenty of countries in the Southern Hemisphere-from Australia to New Zealand-celebrate it in the summer. Kiwis will hold barbeques, beach outings, and outdoor parties. Australians will enjoy a Christmas picnic at the park or spend their time at a beach with family and friends. Such countries feature such traditions of Christmas as Carols by Candlelight, where families come together to sing Christmas Songs outdoors.

4. 2. Christmas Photoshoot: Capturing the Essence of the Season • Christmas is just one of the prettiest times of the year. Stemming from the lights to the trees, any corner of your home can be made into a winter wonderland.To seize these moments and keep it in your mind for years to come, a Christmas photoshoot is the best. Be it a family portrait shoot, couple’s shoot, or even a solo shoot; here are some tips for you to keep in mind for a perfect Christmas shoot.  • Creating The Scene For An Amazing Christmas Photoshoot • The initial requirement for the Christmas Photoshoot is for the right scene to be created. For those that do a home shoot, decorate your home with Christmas lights, a well-decorated tree, and props such as, stockings, wreaths, and garlands. Look out for spots that are famous with winter charm for outdoor photoshoots, such as a park with snow-covered trees or a town square all done up for Christmas. • Lighting is the key aspect here for the Christmas photoshoot. Natural and soft light should dictate a shoot, so try to take pictures during the dawn or dusk when the sun is still low in the sky and casting a warm light upon everything. Indoor shoots require starlight crowns or candles for that cozy, soft look. • Christmas Photoshoot Outfit Ideas • What you wear for your Christmas photoshoot can either make or break the overall look. To give it a classic look, wear colors that represent Christmas: red, green, gold, or white. You can coordinate outfits for the entire family or choose to have matching sweaters with a fun Christmas theme. Cosy scarves, hats, and mittens can also add a cute charm to your photos. • You could also consider formal options like a dress or a suit for a more glamorous photoshoot. Christmas colours like red and gold do very well adding a glamorous feel to formal Christmas photoshoots. Don’t forget to accessorize with Christmas jewels or a stunning Christmas brooch.

5. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

6. 3. Christmas Recipes: Delicious Dishes for the Season • Christmas cookies are a must in the holiday season. You can bake them for a holiday party or just enjoy them with a glass of milk. These cookies are indeed a timeless treat. The classic recipes include gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and shortbread. You can also get creative by decorating the cookies with icing and sprinkles to add a festive touch. Many families enjoy the tradition of baking cookies together, which makes them a fun and memorable part of the holiday season. It’s also an opportunity to experiment with new flavors—think cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate chips—and make your own signature cookie recipe. • favorite Christmas treat is thumbprint cookies, filled with fruit preserves or chocolate ganache. These bite-sized goodies are great for holiday parties or gifts to loved ones. You can get creative with the fillings: raspberry jam, caramel, or even peanut butter to your taste. • Peppermint bark is another popular seasonal treat. Made by melting dark and white chocolate together, topped with crushed peppermint candies, this festive bark is simple yet incredibly delicious. It makes for a perfect gift or addition to a holiday dessert table.

7. Christmas Cupcakes are also a nice alternative to traditional cookies. You can have them in flavors like red velvet, chocolate, or even eggnog, and decorate them with Christmas designs like reindeer, snowflakes, or holly leaves. Cupcakes are easy to personalize and add a beautiful touch to any celebration.Christmas Pudding: A British DelightChristmas pudding is the favorite dessert in Britain and has been enjoyed for centuries. This rich steamed pudding is made of dried fruit, suet, and spices. It’s usually served with a dollop of brandy butter. To add some fun to the table, set the pudding on fire before serving – a traditional custom. • The pudding, known also as Plum Pudding or Figgy Pudding, usually prepares in advance, even made on “Stir-up Sunday,” which takes place five weeks before Christmas. In this, family members each take turns stirring the pudding mixture and make a wish while doing so. Finally, the rich dark pudding is steamed over many hours so that it flavors well. • Traditionally, the pudding is served on Christmas Day with brandy butter, custard, or cream. In some families, it’s also common to put coins or charms inside the pudding. According to folklore, whoever gets one of those will be lucky. If you want to make this dessert your own, you can add your personal touch by using different dried fruits like apricots or cranberries or incorporating nuts like almonds for an extra layer of texture.

8. The Spirit of Christmas at RVR School of Photography • Christmas is a time to cherish the people around you and reflect on the joys of the season. Whether you are spending it with family, friends, or taking time to have a quiet holiday, the magic of Christmas is found in the little things. The decorations, the food, the photoshoots, and the gifts—all contribute to the merriment of the season. Remember, Christmas is more than just presents—it’s about making memories that last a lifetime. • At RVR School of Photography, we are celebrating this magical time of year by embracing the spirit of togetherness and creativity. This Christmas, we’re not only reflecting on the beauty of the season, but also capturing those unforgettable moments through the lens. We believe that every Christmas celebration deserves to be immortalized, whether through a festive family photoshoot, capturing the joy of giving, or creating stunning holiday portraits.