It’s that time of year again – international Christmas trivia!

  • If you find a spider web on your Christmas tree in Ukraine, it’s a sign of good luck.
  • Some Armenians fast the whole week before Christmas, and then break the fast with a light foods such as fish, lettuce, and spinach.
  • If you’re in Iceland – watch out! You don’t have to just worry about Santa, but instead watch for 13 Yule Lads who will pull mischievous pranks on you. And where do these Yule Lads come from? Why from their mother of course, who kidnaps naughty children and boils them in her cauldron!
  • Despite being at a quite northern latitude, some communities in Ireland celebrate the holidays with a Christmas swim – brr!
  • In New Zealand, the Maori way of saying Merry Christmas is Meri Kirihimete, and there is a special Maori carol titled “Te Harinui” which means great joy.
  • Stay up on Christmas Eve in Argentina – at midnight everyone sets off fireworks to celebrate Christmas Day!
  • In Chile, a popular holiday drink combines coffee, milk, and liquor with cinnamon and sugar. It’s called Cola de Mono, or monkey’s tail.

Wherever you are celebrating the holidays this year, we are wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and an adventure-filled 2020!

With love,

the Esplanade Team

Thank you to WhyChristmas.com for the fun trivia!

Call us and book your trip

Call Esplanade Travel and you’ll talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members who can help you book your perfect trip.

Get in Touch

Our recent visit to Australia was absolutely outstanding! Visiting four very different areas of the country, with a combination of driving and hiking on our own as well as guided hikes and tours, provided us with an outstanding look into the diversity of this country. Esplanade once again created an itinerary that was perfectly suited to our particular interests which are heavily weighted on exploring the natural world. We look forward to working with Esplanade Travel on our future adventures!

See all of our testimonials

Travel Insurance

We offer comprehensive travel insurance at affordable rates that will give you peace of mind during your travels.

Find out more