Atlantica - 01.11.2001, Side 12

10 A T L A N T I C A
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We all have our own peculiar way of celebrating the holiday
season, from baking fruit cake that nobody ever seems to eat,
to cooking spaghetti on the 24th (don’t ask). Regardless of our
traditions, by December kids busy themselves with writing up
wish lists, parents max out credit cards from too many trips to
the mall and suddenly everyone seems to be sucking on a
candy cane.
Whether you’re an over-the-top Christmas enthusiast or more
of a Scrooge, you’re sure to enjoy reading how different cities
celebrate the holidays. If nothing else, it might just put you in
the Christmas mood.
Amsterdam:
On the evening of December 5th, Dutch children await the
arrival of Sinterklaas, the patron saint of Amsterdam, who
sails from Spain bearing gifts for the kiddies who’ve behaved
during the year. Along for the ride is Zwarte Piet (Black Pete),
whose skin has darkened from squishing through all of those
sooty chimneys with bags full of gifts.
London:
At the beginning of December, the Christmas lights flicker on
Regents Street and so begins the official festive season in
central London. Normally celebrating a seasonal theme, the
lights stretch all the way from Piccadilly Circus and along
Oxford Street, illuminating these bustling streets for the
Christmas shoppers.
Frankfurt:
There’s more to Frankfurt than book fairs and banking. During the holiday season, an impressive tree is
placed in Römer square, and the historic German houses located in Römer sparkle with decorations. And
of course there’s plenty of ‘apple wine’ to drink in the holidays.
Washington:
The US capital’s holiday season is kicked off in early
December with the lighting of the national Christmas
tree by the president on the Ellipse, just across from
the White House, a tradition that began with President
Woodrow Wilson in 1913. This year’s ceremony will no
doubt hold special meaning.
Boston:
Bostonians jump-start Christmas the day after
Thanksgiving with the first performance of the Boston
Ballet’s Nutcracker, on November 26th. The Yuletide
season hits full stride in early December, when more
than 15,000 holidaymakers gather in the Boston
Common for the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting
ceremony. For a more romantic light show, stroll down
nearby Marlborough Street where historic gas lamps
mist the bumpy brick sidewalks with a soft glow and
the leafless branches of magnolia trees are strung with
an assortment of white lights.
Christmas Cities
Capital Christmas: The Washington Monument stands sentry over
the White House Christmas tree.
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