A European Christmas in America

Think of Christmas and you can't help but think of family and traditions. What better time to celebrate our ethnic heritage than by introducing the yuletide traditions of our ancestors to our families this year?

Here are a few upcoming events that might inspire you in your holiday preparations.

The Croatian Heritage Museum and Library located in Eastlake, Ohio (in the Cleveland area) will be hosting an exhibit entitled Croatians Celebrate Christmas from November 25, 2007 to January 6, 2008. The opening reception will be held on November 25, 2007 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and will feature wine and cheese along with traditional Croatian music by Joe Cenin. Among the traditional Croatian items that will be offered for sale include Croatian Christmas cards, bonboni, licitarska srca (the Croatian gingerbread hearts pictured above), ornaments, pšenica, embroidered towels and a book of Croatian Christmas customs. Exhibit hours are Fridays from 3:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 1:00-5:00 p.m. Other hours available by special arrangement.

Can't make it to Ohio? Order your own Christmas items from Heart of Croatia Gifts.

The American Hungarian Foundation in New Brunswick, New Jersey will be hosting their 19th Annual Festival of Trees from December 2, 2007 to January 27, 2008. This annual holiday showcase includes Christmas trees with decorations representing various ethnic groups. The purpose of the exhibit is to allow many ethnic groups in the museum's "cultural community to share their traditions and creative talent". The opening reception, with ethnic food and music will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

If you incorporate any traditional Christmas customs into your holiday this year, please write and let us know.

Time to get planning now. Advent is just around the corner...