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Holiday 2009 Guide
Another year has come and gone and the holidays are here once more. With the family coming into town, presents to buy, feasts to cook and halls to deck, you may not be ready for it or even know where to start! We here at ShopWiki know that while the season may technically be about faith and family and togetherness, let's face it--who's got the time or the energy? Our gift guides aim to help you navigate this holiday season as smoothly as possible, so that you can enjoy them as they were meant to be enjoyed. Read on for useful tips on hosting a Christmas party, decorating the house, choosing the perfect menorah
Christmas
| Every December 25, millions of people celebrate Christmas, the annual holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of the Christian faith. The date also ushers in the Christmastide season that ends on January 6 with the Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the visit of the Magi. At this time of the year, one traditionally sees Nativity scenes The guides below will certainly help you show your holiday cheer, but if you need help with selecting the perfect gift and preparing a scrumptious holiday feast, we've also got you covered. If all this is still not enough, be sure to check out our extensive Christmas guide. Enjoy decking those halls and above all, have a very Merry Christmas! |
| Christmas Guides | ||||
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Women's Guide to Holiday Dressing Think glitz, glam, winter whites, and plenty of icy, sparkly baubles. |
Men's Guide To Holiday Dressing This season, outift yourself in cosy cashmere jumpers in festive colours. |
Kids will look precious in velvety soft fabrics that stand out against the snow. |
Channel winter hues and sheen: silver bells, gold ornaments, green trees. |
Not sure whom to give presents to or how much is too much? We can help. |
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It wouldn't be Christmas without this beloved (and beautifully fragrant) symbol. |
Outdoor Christmas Decorations Buying Guide If you're really getting into the spirit, head outside and start stringing up lights. |
Christmas Traditions Around the World Curious about the Caribbean? Fascinated by Finland? Find out more here. |
Christmas wouldn't be the same without that screaming baby on the plane.... |
Because you don't have to spend a lot of money to make a great impression! |
Hanukkah
From Saturday, December 12 to December 19, Jews around the world will celebrate Hanukkah--are you ready? This Jewish festival of lights is a reminder of the Maccabean revolt in the 2th centure BCE and the subsequent rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. At this rededication, the Maccabees discovered a container of oil that was used in this rededication. The oil was only supposed to last for one night, but ended up being used for eight; therefore, a eight-branched menorah
During the week of Hanukkah, certain religious rituals and festive traditions are followed: blessings are recited, prayers are said, hymns are sung, gifts are exchanged, and games of dreidel are played. In addition, there are several foods that are associated with the holiday. Fried foods in particular are a reminder of the miracle of the oil, so potato pancakes (latkes
| Hanukkah Guides | ||||
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Learn more about the holiday, its symbols, tasty dishes, decorations, and more. |
Looking to give a meaningful gift on Hanukkah? Let us help you shop. |
Jewish Ritual Items Buying Guide Hunting for a hanukiah or searching for a shofar? We can help with that! |
Sometimes, there's nothing more gratifying than making things by hand. |
Be safe in spite of the candles and hot grease that lurk behind every corner. |
The New Year
 | Happy New Year! Should auld acquaintance really be forgot and never brought to mind? Well, that all depends on the kind of year you've had! The first day of the year is a natural time for new beginnings, fresh starts and well-intentioned resolutions (even if they're soon broken--we won't tell), but that doesn't mean that you still can't put the old year to rest in style. This is an occasion calling for parties and friends, for noisemakers and kisses at midnight. Whether you're part of the masses trekking over to Edinburgh Castle or the London Eye, or staying at home and ringing it in with family, our guides will help you make the most of the holiday. Read on to find out more about decorating the house, choosing a fitting Champagne |
| New Year's Guides | |||
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Bring on the bubbly and let's get to celebrating! Here's how to throw a bash they won't soon forget. |
Whether you're trying to quit smoking or dying to shed that last stone or two, we can help. |
Wine or champagne is the perfect companion to your New Year celebrations. Read on for help choosing. |
Champagne Glasses Buying Guide You'll need the perfect glass to house the perfect champagne...but how to pick one? |
External Links
- Wikipedia.org: A general article about Christmas, its origins and its traditions.
- BBC.co.uk: A guide to Christmas in Britain.
- Woodlands-Junior.Kent.sch.uk: A children's guide to Christmas.
- AllChristmas.co.uk: Christmas traditions, carols, poems and more.
- Wikipedia.org: A general article on Hanukkah.
- BBC.co.uk: The BBC guide to Hanukkah.
- Wikipedia.org: New Year's celebrations around the world.