Optometrist Steve Finch competes with neighbor Buddy Hall over Christmas lights. Buddy's house becomes visible from space using Christmas lights. Steve's family faces various disasters from Buddy's lights. Buddy steals Steve's Christmas tree and car in a race bet. Steve and Buddy reconcile and build a winter wonderland together
Christmas pudding originated in medieval England with dried fruit and suet. First recipe for Christmas pudding was written by Eliza Acton in 1845. Early recipes included dried fruit, suet, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs and spices. Pudding was traditionally boiled in cloth before Victorian era
"Joyeux Noël" is said just before Christmas, not weeks in advance. Advent calendars feature luxury treats and gourmet products. Christmas trees are traditionally put up on December 24th
Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth, with December 25 as the official date. The term "Christmas" is of recent origin, while "Yule" may have pagan roots. The date was first identified by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221. Christmas began with specific liturgy in the 9th century
Barcelona experiences mild Christmas weather with temperatures averaging 15°C during the day. Main Christmas market, Fira de Santa Llúcia, has been operating since 1786. December is drier than October and November with blue skies
New Year celebrated with fireworks at Red Square from December 31st to January 1st. Orthodox Christmas begins on January 7th with decorated public spaces