Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
Christmas traditions in Canada
Christmas has a Christian origin, but today it is adopted by most of the world. This holiday is synonymous with joy, generosity and good things. It is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Canada and is an opportunity for all families to come together around an elaborate meal. Canadian Christmas also includes many traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. We tell you more in this article.
Christmas decoration
Canadians take Christmas decorating very seriously. They bring out the lights from November 1st to decorate their facade and the garden. They put all their creativity into it and almost put themselves in competition with the neighborhood.
The decoration is also done indoors and the Christmas tree naturally finds its place in the living room. This tree is also cultivated in several provinces, especially in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It is exported to around twenty countries, including Japan and France, but above all to the United States. Some families enjoy going to farms to cut their own trees. Others prefer artificial trees that they can store and reuse the next year.
Cities are also preparing for the festivities. Public places and shop windows are decorated for the occasion. Christmas trees are installed in the streets for added cheerfulness. They bring their particular and comforting smell to perfect the festive atmosphere.
Christmas events
Christmas markets are organized in most Canadian cities. There you will find local and artisan products, gift ideas and also numerous food and drink stalls. Note, however, that all these markets close before Christmas Day.
Wagon and Santa parades are organized in several cities, such as Winnipeg, Toronto or Montreal. Canadians are taking to the streets to attend or watch television broadcasts from the comfort of their homes.
The various festivals organized for the end of the year are another source of joy for the inhabitants. Light Festivals adorn the buildings and streets of the largest Canadian cities, such as Vancouver or Ottawa. These are often impressive installations that amaze the public. More festive events also exist, such as Montréal en fête.
Christmas masses are a old tradition which persists especially in Quebec. We generally go there on the evening of December 24 and sometimes on the morning of December 25.
Gourmet traditions
The Christmas period involves meals shared with family and/or loved ones, but also recipes that are prepared just for this occasion.
Reunions between loved ones
Christmas Eve dinner is a tradition shared by most countries around the world, even if purely symbolically. It's the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get together and treat themselves to a good meal and exchange of gifts. The evening of Christmas Eve is spent in good humor and grace.
Christmas Day is still a day dedicated to family. It is not uncommon to have lunch with your children, your parents and/or your in-laws. We meet up around a nice meal and the general idea remains to have fun. December 25 also marks gift opening day.
The essential Christmas recipes
For the Christmas meal, we often find three essential dishes on Canadian tables.
Roast turkey is usually served with cranberry (or atoca) sauce. In fact, more than 2 million turkeys are sold during the month of December to Canada. For the tourtière, each family has its own version of this crusted meat pâté of Quebec origin. It usually contains chicken or beef (originally game) and spices.
It is not uncommon to serve pea soup or pig's feet stew to warm up. In some homes, cipaille is also prepared, a slowly cooked dish where layers of meat, potatoes and dough alternate.
For dessert, the Yule log can be found on almost every Canadian table. Other sweets are served, such as puding chômeur, a rich cake soaked in maple syrup. We also offer “chicken bones” candies, a candy with a characteristic shape and filled with milk chocolate flavored with cinnamon. Finally, sweet pies are perfect for the winter season: butter pie or pecan pie are often enjoyed for Christmas meals.
Eggnog is a drink made from milk, eggs and sugar. It is very popular and more than 6 million liters are sold across Canada during the month of December. Ginger cookies are perfect to accompany eggnog. Canadians make them at home or buy them ready-made commercially. Donuts, a type of donut, are also on the menu and are eaten with maple syrup. These treats are often shared on Christmas Day while gifts are opened.
Other Christmas traditions in Canada
As in many countries, sending a letter to Santa Claus is a tradition for Canadian children. Thousands of volunteers from the country's post office respond to all these letters to the delight of the little ones.
Attending the ballet show “The Nutcracker” is a habit for Canadians during the month of December. Some of his music has become inseparable from the Christmas celebration. Performances are held in Hamilton, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Nova Scotia has had the habit of delivering one of its most beautiful Christmas trees to the American city of Boston every year since 1971. It is a gesture of recognition for the assistance provided by this city following the explosion of 2 boats in Halifax in 1917.
December 26 is Boxing Day in Canada. It's a big shopping day during which many businesses run big promotions on their unsold items in order to liquidate their stocks. Shopping centers experience a peak in traffic during this special day.
OUR Online Store offers you many authentic Canadian and Quebec products for a successful end-of-year celebration. Maple syrup is perfect for gourmet recipes, but you will also find original gift ideas on our e-commerce site.
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