One of the most fascinating things about models is that they come from all over the world, from countries large and small, each with unique holiday traditions.
Germany
St. Nicholas Eve kicks off the holiday celebrations in Germany on December 5, when children place a shoe or boot outside their door and anxiously wait for morning to discover what St. Nicholas left them: Good children get treats while naughty ones get twigs!
But the most important aspect of a German Christmas is the tree. Since children aren’t allowed to take part in decorating it, the tree isn’t put up until Christmas Eve. Once it’s ready, a bell is rung and the kiddies are allowed into the room to enjoy a reading of the Christmas story, music, sparklers, and gifts. The festivities conclude with an evening feast and celebration that continues well into Christmas Day. As models like Heidi Klum, Toni Garrn, Julia Stegner, and Claudia Schiffer say, Frohe Festtage, or Happy Holidays!
Canada
Christmas celebrations in Canada are very similar to those in the U.S., however, Canadians truly have a white Christmas, typically getting 12 to 14 feet of snow! We can’t help but think of the cute snow angels models like Coco Rocha, Jessica Stam, Daria Werbowy, and Noot Seear must have made growing up!
But unlike Americans,most of the holiday celebrations are held on Christmas Eve in Canada. Many attend a midnight mass where they are served tourtiere, or pork pie, and then head home to participate in a grand feast. And of course something sweet is a must during all the holiday celebrations! Children and adults both enjoy special treats known as Barley Candy (crystallized sugar) and Chicken Bones (cinnamon candies filled with chocolate), which are made by local candy companies during the Christmas season.
Russia
Since Russia still adheres to the Julian calendar (which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in Western nations), Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7. On Christmas Eve, many people fast until the first evening star appears in the sky, or until after the evening church service. The following dinner, known as the Holy Supper, is a grand celebration, however meat is not allowed. Traditionally, 12 different foods symbolic of the 12 Apostles are served during the dinner celebration.
Other Russian Christmas customs include the blessing of individual homes as well as children going house-to-house singing Christmas carols! We’re sure that models Natalia Vodianova, Sasha Pivovarova, and Natasha Poly made the most adorable little carolers when they were younger! ~ Kristin White
