As with most other major celebrations, different locations and cultures have many traditions surrounding the turn of the year. Many New Year customs can date from a long time ago and have been handed down through the centuries, while others can be far more modern inventions. So depending on where you are in the world on New Year's Eve, you might be celebrating in ways which might seem strange to people in other countries. Fireworks   Digitalbuzz Today many major events all over the world are celebrated by letting off fireworks, and this is certainly true at New Year. One of the most famou... [More]

Finland is a truly wonderful country, with plentiful amounts of forest and lakes providing the backdrop for some spectacular scenery. In the winter, when the snows come, the sights are even more stunning. Because there is so much to enjoy in Finland, we thought we’d delve into the country and find out a little more about it. So here’s nine things you probably didn’t know about the Scandinavian nation… 1. Don’t miss Aurora Borealis    Imgur The Northern Lights can appear on more than 200 nights of the year in Finland – meaning it is visible on near... [More]

For any true Christmas junkies, when it comes to really entering into the festive spirit Sweden really does make the most of it.  Traditionally in Sweden, Christmas lasts for almost two whole months! From the first Sunday in Advent through to 13th January (or the 29th day of Knut as the Swedes call it) there's a unique blend of Swedish and foreign customs that make Christmas a very special time of year.   Wiki Pre-dating the arrival of Christianity in Scandinavia, in Sweden Christmas is celebrated on the 24th of December rather than the 25th. For many people there it's no longer abou... [More]

Cooking the ultimate Christmas dinner is something that most of us would love to know how to do. Whether that means a glorified TV dinner for one or a spectacular feast for the entire extended family there's a few simple handy tips and tricks that can turn even the most inexperienced cook into a festive master chef.   Stylist Preparation, preparation, preparation Any top chef will tell you that when cooking any type of meal preparation is the key. So to make sure that you enjoy your Christmas day it's important to make sure that you decide on your menu well in advance.   Supermarkets... [More]

Having a memorable Christmas means giving friends and family something they can look back on fondly in the years ahead.  Making Christmas a memorable occasion can mean anything from spending time with loved ones to giving the gift of a lifetime. Here are five of the best ways to make Christmas really memorable. 1. Decorate your home   Nothing says Christmas quite like relaxing in a room alight with the cosy glow of candles and fairy lights in the company of a well decorated tree and festive red and green plants such as poinsettia and amaryllis. However to make give a truly Christmas ... [More]

Everyone loves Christmas and wherever you go in the world you're more than likely to find that the locals have got their own way of getting into the festive spirit.   Some places like Germany have a long and deep tradition of making it a really special time of year and any visitor to the country will find that most cities and towns there will have wonderful Christmas markets.    Christmas, or Weihnachten as the Germans call it, involves a whole host of different customs and traditions from a wide range of origins. Here are just some of the wonderful ways that make a German Chris... [More]

The island of Taiwan may only measure fewer than 14,000 square miles – just slightly bigger than Belgium but smaller than Switzerland – but that doesn't stop 23 million people living there. Most definitely not a part of China (a common mistake that many people make), Taiwan was actually the first democratic country in Asia.    Flickr Renowned for being the place to go for budget electronics, the chances are that you're reading this on a device that was made there! However, as one of the most densely populated parts of Asia, Taiwan has so much more than just cheap electron... [More]

Whether it's traditional reds and greens or more contemporary blues and metallic hues, when it comes to Christmas decorations everyone has their own way of doing things.  Although many people have their favourite family decorations that come out of the loft every year some places in the world take the opportunity to show that money is no object. Combined with a creative imagination here are just some of the spectacular results on offer. A golden Christmas tree   Disneymovieslist While most people's idea of a Christmas tree is a Nordic fir with baubles, lights and tinsel, this opulent... [More]

For those in need of a little help to get into the Christmas spirit, London's favourite festive pop-up event, Winter Wonderland has returned to Hyde Park for another Yuletide bonanza. Open daily until the 3rd January 2016 (except for Christmas Day), the event is free to enter and is open from 10am to 10pm. From festive-themed rides to visits to Father Christmas himself, here are just some of the attractions to enjoy at Winter Wonderland. Christmas markets   Skibbereeneagle For those looking for the perfect Christmas gift there are over 200 chalet-style stalls open every day offering plent... [More]

If you've enjoyed the recent deluge of Scandi-dramas that have been hitting our screens over the past twelve months or so, you'll know what a fantastic combination of picture-perfect natural beauty and cities brimming with culture and nightlife Norway has to offer.   Imgur Famous for its Northern Lights and breathtaking fjords, the 'Land of the Vikings' is an ideal getaway for lovers of the outdoor life.  Here are some of the best Norwegian cities to visit for the ultimate winter getaway: 1. Tromso   Imgur Renown for being one of the best places in the world to see the aurora bo... [More]