It may be just a rumour but it is popular folklore, Christmas in Germany has a strange tradition of using pickles. When German households furnish their Christmas trees, history quotes they use a glass bauble that looks like a pickle and hang it as the last item on the Christmas tree! this is then put on the tree well out of sight of the little ones who first thing in the morning rush down who attempt to discover where it's been hidden on the Christmas tree by the adults. whether this Christmas custom ever took place remains clouded in mystery despite there being hundreds of tales being spoken of it! It still remains one of the most unusual customs we've learned about even if it's not true

However, it's time to crown Spain, Italy and Portugal with the 'Most Bizarre Christmas Tradition' award. Do you know that the Italians, the Portuguese and the Spanish have an additional figure in the Nativity Play that we know and appreciate so much? let me welcome you to the Caganer. Joining the shepherds along with Joseph, Mary and the little Jesus, is the Caganer a tiny statue of a man, which you can find placed in the corner of the nativity play inconspicuously. why is this figure inconspicuously placed that no person can look at him although he is so significant? Coming initially from from Catalonia, the Caganer statue represents a man in the process of (how can I say this without sounding rude) taking a poo.

Although this is an extremely unusual custom there are no records of it going back further than the seventeenth century. It is still unknown as to why a figure of a man taking a poo has any meaning to Christmas. however, maybe God is seeking to use the Caganer as a means to show himself and call to us every time he deems it is necessary and show that whatever gender or race we are, in the end we are all the same. It has of course developed into a fun game for the children!

When Christmas starts it's well known that we should keep the young children busy and we search for ways to entertain them. even though we may perhaps feel the custom is a little strange, it seems the legend is a little closer to home than we first believed! Behold the pooping Santa! Would you believe me if I stated this is the Caganer brought up to todays perception of the past! Candy literally tumbles out of Santa's behind if you squeeze it carefully. Santa is wearing his traditional red-colored clothing and to get things going 15 grams of candy are provided. All you need to do is fill him up with sweets and tap him on the back to get your reward! should Santa suffer from a bout of constipation a little shake tends to get everything out!

Should you be searching for a more traditional Christmas item could we offer the humble Christmas cracker? They have been a tradition in the Uk for over two hundred years and a Christmas turkey dinner won't be complete without having Christmas crackers. these days they've grown to be more sophisticated and gone are the days of cheap crackers to be superceded by higher end luxury Christmas crackers.

Traditions and Christmas are synonymous with each other and go hand in hand. Every occasion has a different set of traditions and we look forward to these little things more than the occasion itself. Traditions keep the family together and ensure that the kids are away from mischief. It also provides some kind of stability in a hectic season. With Christmas less than two weeks away, let's have a look at the sexiest Christmas traditions that keep the holiday spirit alive and make us long for December every year.

What is the first thing that we think of when it comes to Christmas? Presents, of course! Gift giving is one of the most popular traditions of Christmas. It is not just on 24th December that gifts can be given; this tradition is so popular and powerful that the entire month is declared the season of sharing and caring. another offshoot of this tradition is Boxing Day, which is celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas. on Boxing Day, employees distribute food and other gifts for their employees and public workers such as mailmen and others are remembered by the people they serve. just as the wise men gave costly gifts to the Holy Child without hope of anything in return, parents can lead sons and daughters to purchase gifts for elderly loved-ones and neighbors who may be less fortunate. These gifts need not be costly, but they should be given with thought, care, and love.

Another very popular Christmas Traditions revolves around presents again. This time, however, it is not the gifts, but the man who gets brings them - Santa Claus, of course! That jolly giver of presents can give such a tough time for parents. they go to great lengths to ensure that their child's beliefs in Santa is kept alive, hiding their own efforts and time they put to get the presents. the character of Santa Claus, as he is depicted today, is derived from two very old legends: Saint Nicholas, a bishop who gave generous gifts to the poor and was considered to be the patron saint of sailors and children and Father Christmas, who was considered to be the spirit of good cheer.

Another really awesome Sexiest Christmas tradition is the Xmas Tree. a fir tree decorated with apples, colored papers, candles and roses are a common sight both indoors and outdoors. the tree, hung with apples, is used to symbolize Garden of Eden - the paradise Tree. In the Middle Ages, a popular religious play depicted the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. the play ended with the prophecy of a savior coming, and so was often performed during the Advent season. here are the Sexiest Christmas Traditions ever.

3. Celebrating Jesus' birth

5. Christmas Stockings

7. Holly, Ivy and Greenery

9. the Candy cane

At Christmas, there is nothing more important than spending time with the ones we love. Whether it means warming up by the fire after a day out on the slopes or baking up some delicious festive goodies in the kitchen, being together is what is most important.

One of the best ways to do this at the holidays is to have magical family traditions that take place year after year. This not only creates special holiday memories for youngsters, but it gives them something to look forward to each and every Christmas.

Here are a few of my all-time favorite family traditions:

1. Each year on the first day of December, give someone special a new pair of Christmas pajamas to wear throughout the month. This is especially fun for kids but everyone loves new pajamas! This is a nice idea for seniors as well.

2. Plan on opening one special gift on Christmas Eve rather than saving all of the gifts until Christmas Day. This spreads out the fun and anticipation of opening gifts at Christmas.

3. for a couple with no children, why not celebrate the "12 Dates of Christmas" rather than exchange gifts. Plan 12 special outings together throughout the month of December. It could be dinner and a movie or a evening stroll through the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights. This is not only a great way to spend time together but it will also save you some money if you want to celebrate Christmas on a budget.

4. Pack the family into the car and tour the neighborhood in search of the best Christmas light display. Have everyone vote on their favorite at the end of the night.

5. when your weary-eyed but excited kids wake up Christmas morning, tell them that no presents can be opened until each one has sung their favorite Christmas carol. You will never hear a song sung so fast in all your life!! a precious way to start Christmas morning.

Christmas family traditions don't have to be elaborate or expensive. They just need to be yours. and don't forget the camera. a Christmas scrapbook full of memories is an absolute must have for any family.