Christmas is a special time for treats. We might make some to indulge ourselves, some to give as presents, and, of course, some to treat Santa and his reindeers.

If I had to choose where to spend Christmas, I would choose Spain. Spaniards celebrate the longest Christmas season I know of. Though seasonal shopping and decoration hanging start here well in December, later than other places in the world, celebrations really encompass the whole twelve days. Are you ready for your Spanish Christmas?

Thanksgiving in Canada can be traced back to Martin Frobisher in 1578. He came from England in search of a way to get to the Orient by going north. While he never found the passage, he did establish what later became Newfoundland and Labrador. His celebration of making it all the way from England to his new home became the first Thanksgiving in North America. More settlers joined Frobisher, and as the settlements expanded, people continued to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Ancient cultures had mid-winter celebrations that tied in with the solstice and with fertility rites. These usually included a feast because they would slaughter some of their cattle. By doing this they would reduce the amount of feed that their cattle needed over the winter and the beef would last longer over the cold months. The Yule Log comes from one light festivals held by the Scandinavian people to keep watch for and welcome the sun back.