Christmas Around the World

Mike Wabe SpeakerNet Sponsor


Organisation:
Medieval World
Region:
East of England
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: £50 plus a small fee for travel
Category:
Entertainment
Updated:
17th January 2025

Christmas may be a global celebration, but how it’s done depends on where you land. From cozy fireplaces to sandy beaches, each country has its unique twist - and plenty of quirks to keep things interesting!

In Europe, Germany and Austria roll out their famous Christmas markets, where mulled wine flows like water and sausages are practically a food group, and the chance to argue over whether that ornament you just bought was worth the price. Italians go all out on Christmas Eve with the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” Love seafood? You’re in for a treat. Hate it? Better bring snacks. It's not a feast; it's a seafood marathon. Meanwhile, Spain's Las Posadas processions reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, proving that even 2,000 years later, finding a room is still a hassle. And in the UK, Christmas pudding is so heavy it could double as gym equipment.

In Mexico, they spice things up with piñatas. Nothing says “holiday spirit” like whacking a festive star until sweets spill out. Over in Asia, Christmas traditions are a blend of the unexpected. In the Philippines, Simbang Gabi means waking up before dawn for nine consecutive masses – after all, nobody sleeps at Christmas. Japan, meanwhile, has turned Christmas into a KFC-fueled frenzy. Yes, Colonel Sanders is basically Santa Claus in a red apron over there. In India, mango and banana trees double as Christmas trees, proving that when in doubt, decorate whatever is handy.

So, whether you’re nibbling on gingerbread, fried chicken, or tropical mangoes, Christmas around the world is full of surprises. After all, no matter where you are, the goal is the same - eat, laugh, love, and maybe argue over who gets the last piece of pie.

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About Mike Wabe

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL MY TALKS LAST AROUND 60 MINUTES.

I am based in Thetford, Norfolk, but happy to travel. My work history is 29 years a police officer, followed by 4 years as a manager for Autoglass, then by 10 years as a prison officer and ending with 3 years as an Inclusion Manager in a secondary school. I am now a Town Crier and have been a speaker for over 20 years.

My website (www.medievalworld.org.uk) gives details of the talks and presentations I can offer. All my presentations last for about 60 minutes and cost £50 plus a fee for travel. However, I do not charge the standard 45p per mile, but only for what petrol I use for the journey.


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