My household is pagan. Not the showy kind of pagan, the quiet kind. If I didn't say anything, you would never know.

The tree? It's a shelter for wee folk who don't want to be out in the cold. It stays up until February to give things a chance to warm up a little. We decorate it because everyone likes pretty things whether they are human or not. The mistletoe? A reminder of the green man who dies every autumn and is reborn every spring. It's hung by the door to invite abundance into the house. Presents? They represent the gifts the earth mother gives us as we celebrate another year.

It's amazing how much different faiths can have in common sometimes.

Past that we just party hard around the solstice. We listen to silly/roudy songs, drink (sometimes too much), eat sweets (definitely too much) and generally are grateful for each other's company. Last year we marathoned the old Pokemon anime and did a drinking game: one shot per groan, two per "awwww". We are trying to convince a friend who has lost his wife and mother (!) in the same year to join us this year, but he probably will be with his brother instead.

We don't really have any religious songs as those generally end up too serious for our liking. Also why does it always have to be Celtic flavored? Pagans are everywhere! Anyway, The closest one to a religious song that sometimes makes it in is Jack in the Green by Coyote Run.
https://youtu.be/Q6vNHj48Wvc?t=37s

Stuck in the Smokehole of Our Tipi is a household favorite. Yes, especially Silly "Christmas" songs make it in even though it's not actually Christmas we are celebrating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkwlR6EnOps

Whatever you're celebrating (or not) have an awesome winter!

Ooh, yay! What a nice surprise! Thanks to you and skimmie for conceiving of the idea for thread, and to misteryo (and any other additional contributors) for helping spreading the festivities even more widely!

Now the real question for me: Am I going to unwrap this right away, or wait till xmas proper...? (Heh, who am I kidding? As if I'd have that much self control...) ;)

Santa seems to think you've been good this year. He left a present in your stocking!

There's so much surprise in this giveaway that you can win even when you think you're not in. ;)

Santa left a present in your stocking. :)

That's really a great thread, thanks for organising it @PaterAlf and @skimmie :)
I'd be in, in case my post is eligible for the giveaway :D

Well, I don't really have a Christmas tradition to share, mostly because I'm from an Atheist family, which doesn't mean that we don't celebrate Christmas, however it's more of a nice family gathering than anything else.

The most "traditional" thing would be the Christmas dinner. While do have a really delicious raclette or fondue now and again, most years we have a bifg fish plate with a wide variety different types of fish (of course accompanied by horse radish)

Usually we have:
- trout
- peppered mackerel
- halibut
- northern wolffish
- different smaller "salads" with herrings/bismarck herrings

and of course some matjes salad "housewife style", usually served with (parsley) potatoes but you can also eat it on bread:

You'll need:
- matjes fillets
- onions
- apples, preferably sour apples
- pickled cucumbers
- crème fraîche
- sour cream
(alternatively you can use yogurt)
- lemon juice
- sugar
- salt
- pepper

Mix the crème fraîche and the sour cream (or just have the yogurt ready), then cut the cucumbers and the onions into cubes, cut the apples into fine slices. Sprinkle the apple slices with lemon juice.
Add the cucumbers, apples and onions to the cream sauce (or the yogurt), season to taste with sugar, salt and pepper. Put it into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Then serve it with the matjes fillets and parsley potatoes or some bread :)

Santa seems to think you've been nice this year (nicer than the guy in the music video at least). He's left a present in your stocking!

I haven't been participating in this thread for quite of while, but I'm following it constantly. Big hooray for skimmie & PeterAlf 6 their generosity.

Santa appreciates your willingness to learn about other countries' Christmas traditions. He left a gift in your stocking. :)

Phew, I'm glad I'm not getting shot by Santa this year haha

Thank you Skimmie and PaterAlf for your generosity!

WOW!!
Thank you for the amazing present.
Kudos to both you and skimmie for organising this lovely GA.
Also I wish all fellow GOGLins a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year.

Santa likes pagans too. He left something in your stocking. :)

Well under my friends we adopted this mix because Digimon is an essantial part of the Childhood and our geekness unites us so we think this song is educational and beautifull at the same time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iralBKFbeVk
Oh and I would definately say not no to another present.

Santa seems to approve of your Christmas spirit! And also, chocolate. Lots of it. He left a present in your stocking!

Santa loves a nice family gathering. He left a present in your stocking!