| While the majority of Americans spend their | | | | being brightly decorated and cheerful. Also, with |
| Christmas holiday in either their own home or the | | | | many winter days being sunny and crisp, it is a |
| home of a close relative, there is a growing | | | | perfect time of the year for taking in the sights |
| number of couples and families who are choosing | | | | of Athens. |
| to get a first hand experience of what Christmas | | | | A Christmas holiday in Sweden actually begins on |
| is like in other countries. | | | | December first, which is the start of the Advent. |
| Choosing to spend the Christmas holiday in | | | | In order to combat the darkness and dreariness, |
| another country is a wonderful way to partake of | | | | which is what it is like in this country in December, |
| the rich traditions that are found in other cultures. | | | | the Swedes illuminate their homes with beautiful |
| To learn about the history behind those traditions | | | | candles. Either traditional candles or electric ones, |
| is a way that is much more meaningful and deep | | | | they are set in their windows to welcome guests |
| than what you can learn simply by reading a book | | | | and bring cheer. |
| or even viewing a television special. | | | | Traditionally, a few days before the special day, |
| Of course, you don't have to travel abroad in | | | | the Swedish bring out the Christmas holiday |
| order to experience some unique and wonderful | | | | decorations. They enliven their homes with angels, |
| Christmas traditions. There are many families who | | | | Santas and other festive holiday ornaments, as |
| choose to celebrate their Christmas holiday in a | | | | well as the lights. This is also the time when the |
| domestic resort location such as Hawaii, Florida or | | | | traditional tree is brought into the home and |
| Colorado. There are even those who decide to | | | | beautifully decorated with white lights, colored |
| enjoy the festive atmosphere in places like Las | | | | ornaments and garlands, with gifts placed beneath |
| Vegas, Disneyland or Walt Disney World during | | | | it. |
| this time. | | | | The smorgasbord is something that you will |
| One destination that has become more popular | | | | definitely be able to experience if you decide to |
| over the years is Greece. Spending your | | | | pass your holiday in Sweden. It is one of the |
| Christmas holiday in one of the many traditional | | | | most wonderful traditions in the country and will |
| Greek villages can be a treat that is difficult to | | | | allow you to enjoy a wide variety of favorite |
| find in any other location. In Greece, your holiday | | | | Swedish delicacies. |
| might be spent enjoying the nightlife and visiting | | | | No matter where you choose as the best place |
| stimulating clubs, colorful bars and quaint | | | | for you and your family to have your Christmas |
| restaurants. | | | | holiday in, the most important aspect of the |
| Shopping is another major activity you can enjoy | | | | season is to enjoy the people you celebrate with |
| if you decide to have your holiday in the Greek | | | | and appreciate the customs and traditions of the |
| Islands. During the season shops are at their peak, | | | | culture you are surrounded by. |