Christmas in Canada is a magical time to spend with friends and families. The whole country is decked up with the finest decorations. There are numerous events and festivals planned all through the cities, towns and villages of Canada. Christmas time in Canada brings a cheer to all whether you are a local or foreigner, an ambiance of warm goodwill is in frosty air.
The celebrations of Christmas in Canada go back to the colonial days. From the arrival of December many cities host winter carnivals and events. Other important festivals are Carnaval de Quebec, Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto, Santa Claus Parade and Christmas at Canada Place in Vancouver.
Visit any church or cathedral you will find angelic voices singing musical Christmas carols all through the season. Some regions of Canada have their unique way of celebrating Christmas. Though in general the Christmas traditions in Canada originate from British and French traditions, there are also other traditions too.
One important feature of Christmas in Canada is the Midnight Mass and carols a tradition brought by the French missionaries and colonists. During Christmas, families, friends and neighbors got together after the evening meal to sing, tell stories, danced and play music. The festivity for Christmas in Canada starts from Christmas and ends with Epiphany which is celebrated after 12 days.
In many homes you will see crèches which depicts the infant Jesus. The crèche is part of the religious celebration of Canadian Christmas. The crèche started to appear in houses after 1875. Visit to the crèche, three Masses and the procession of the Christ Child are important features of Christmas in Canada. In Labrador children receive lighted candles in hollowed out turnips. In Quebec pork pie or tourtiere is served after attending te Midnight Mass. One of the popular traditional foods is Boulettes or small meatballs.
Christmas at Canada is incomplete with a traditional Christmas banquet. In Quebec it is known as 'Reveillon' which includes vegetables, sauces and roast turkey. Have delicious fresh or smoked salmon along with roast turkey in British Columbia. And finish off with a fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, mince pies, dried fruits and nuts.
For further reference on Christmas in Canada, kindly check travel.mapsofworld.com.
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