Many cultures have special traditions for the celebration of Christmas. Polish Catholics celebrate with the sharing of opłatki. Austrian and German Catholics await the coming of the Christkindl. New traditions are also being established – for example, the Christmas Pickle.
Links:
You can purchase opłatki from here and here and here.
An example of the ritual of the sharing of opłatki can be found here and here.
A good video about the opłatki is available here.
Wikipedia’s article on the Christkind.
An article on the Austrian opposition to Santa Claus.
Article on the Christmas Pickle.
You can purchase a Christmas Pickle here.
Sources:
Image of opłatki by Julo
Image of Christkind by Albärt
An image of the Christkindl Angel can be found here.
The Mincemeat pie has a long history with connections to the history of Christmas and Thanksgiving, the history of England and the United States, the history of Catholics and Pilgrims. Mincemeat pies have been praised and cursed and banned..promising a taste of heaven and/or hell in every bite.
From the earliest days of the Christian Church, periods have been set aside for a “joyful fast” in remembrance of the gifts of God. Not only would these days increase Christian devotion through prayer and fasting, they would also have a significant influence on Japanese cuisine.
Ember Days for 2010:
February 24, 26, and 27 (the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the First Sunday in Lent)
May 26, 28, and 29 (the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the Feast of Pentecost)
September 15, 17, and 18 (the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after Holy Cross Day)
December 15, 17, and 18 (the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after December 13)
When Fr. Josef Mohr wrote the words “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht” in 1816, little did he know how it would become one of the most inspirational Christmas songs of all time and even bring a bit of peace in the midst of WWI.
Clips from film Joyeux Noël including singing of Stille Nacht on YouTube
Mahalia Jackson’s version of Silent Night on YouTube
John Denver and the Muppets version of Silent Night on YouTube
Celtic Thunder’s Christmas 1915 on YouTube
Get a free .mp3 download of Christmas 1915 at the Celtic Thunder website – click button for e-card
Photo by Howard Hudson
Hear why some call the Jesuits the first multinational pharmaceutical organization (and what that has to do with their bark) also music appreciation and a visit from the Magi.
Austria was in very bad shape after the end of WWII but a renewed devotion to the Rosary brought hope and freedom. Plus, the celebration of Silvester/Sylvester and some great music.
The history and devotion of the early Nativity Scene, the story of St. Francis and Greccio, and the Neopolitan Presepio show the great importance of the Christ child in the life of the Church.
catholicunderthehood.com 
