We’re all about fun holiday traditions here. After all, once you’ve brought your Christmas Poop Log home, you want to find it a few friends to cheer him on as he dumps holiday cheer all over your living room floor in the form of candy. Some of these traditions you might have heard of but have never tried at home before, and some you might not associate with winter holidays, but they can all find a place in your heart and your home. Here are five holiday traditions to open up your home to.
Bûche de Noël
There are countless confections associated with the holidays, but the French have taken another tradition – the yule log – and translated it into something delectable. Bûche de Noël translates to “Christmas Log,” and consists of sponge cake and buttercream. Usually the frosting is styled to make it look like tree bark, and sometimes mushrooms made from meringue, holly made of marzipan, and berries are added to complete the look.
The Piñata
If you like your Christmas traditions to come filled with candy, there’s only one that it’s okay to absolutely destroy before you get your delicious treats. You might think of the piñata as a typical birthday item, but around Christmas time you’ll find tons of Christmas piñatas – or you can simply make your own. Blindfold, stick and dizzy party guests sold separately.
Caganer
Not unlike The Christmas Poop Log, the caganer participates in the holiday season in a similar fashion. Typically placed in Catalonian nativity scenes, the caganer (pooper) is a man in a Catalan red hat, or barretina, squatting and doing his business. He has been used since the 18th century to celebrate Christmas and would likely get along well with The Christmas Poop Log. Don’t expect any presents from him, on the other hand.
The Yule Log
The yule log has been a tradition in Europe for centuries, and has continued in the United States, as well. Put simply, it is a log that is lit around Christmas, and is thought to symbolize many things, including divine light. One old tradition has it that card games would be played and ghost stories would be told around the yule log.
The Mensch on a Bench
If you’re not into judgey sprites sitting high above you around the holidays, and if you’re Jewish, you might enjoy The Mensch on a Bench, specifically designed for celebrating the eight nights of Hanukkah. He’s one in a long line of rhyming alternatives to recent holiday traditions, including two variations called The Wedge on a Ledge and the Hanukkah book “Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf.”
Summary
Holiday traditions can start anywhere, and they usually come from unexpected places. It might be as simple as an inside joke between two people, or playing a favorite song, or even opening presents on a specific day, or giving a specific type of present on Christmas eve. Don’t be afraid to explore what you love about the holidays and invite everyone else in to enjoy it in a new way.