CHRISTMAS IN SLOVENIA 25th DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS MEAL (BOŽIČ): fried chicken with roast potatoes and/or rice, green salad with pumpkin oil; apple pie and buhteljni (baked sweet dumplings)

CHRISTMAS IN SLOVENIA The Christmas and New Years holiday season is a time that everyone awaits with special joy: children, because of the presents they expect to receive (from the three good men: St. Nicholas, Father Christmas and Grandfather Frost); adults, because they know they will bring people joy with their gifts, because giving is indeed a rewarding experience. Above all, Christmas is a family holiday. All rejoice at that time and not only during the midnight mass but also elsewhere Holy Night is sung to calm the mind and heart.

The Advent season is also the time for making nativity scenes, a popular winter hobby in Slovenia, although it is a relatively young tradition. The first documented nativity scene in Slovene was made in 1644 by the Jesuits in Ljubljana, but none of the original figurines have been preserved. Nowadays, in rural and urban areas alike, people create nativity scenes in their homes, where they are set in the corner of the homes living area, commonly known asbohkov kot or 'Gods corner'. In recent times, live nativity scenes have become increasingly popular: they are set in natural environments, with actors, sheep and cattle. The best-known living nativity scene is at Postojna Cave. Those staying in the capital may well enjoy the nativity scene at the Franciscan Church on Prešeren Square, which appears to be Ljubljanas favourite nativity scene, attracting the most visitors each year.

One of the most enduring Christmas traditions is the Christmas tree, the decoration of which has undergone many changes. Actually, the Christmas tree that we know today only came to Slovenia after the First World War. Before that, people in cities and the countryside used to embellish the trees with chains, flowers and wreaths made of coloured paper; added to this were apples, walnuts and hazelnuts. In the corners of the living room, they also hung up straw braids decorated with produce such as beans and corn. Nowadays, homemade decorations are a rarity.

Decorations may be an integral part of the celebration, yet Christmas time is foremost a time of gift giving. Interestingly, gift giving in Slovenia has a tradition that is less than seven decades old, and even that mostly in urban areas; in the countryside, they only gave symbolic gifts such as walnuts or hazelnuts. However, giving presents ultimately is not as important as spending time with people we love.

SNOWMEN WORKSHOP

OUR HOUSES WELCOME YOU! Our parents love to attend workshops with their children. I wonder what the houses hide… Lots of expectations and warmth at the fireplace.

PIN-UP SANTA AND CLIPPED SNOWMEN

WHO IS GOING TO GET MY POSTCARD? Children have a great imagination. Their creations are always unique and special.

CYLLINDER IMPRESSION Teacher Jelka is full of creative ideas. Impression postcards were admired by children.

STANDING IN A ROW TO TRY BY THEMSELVES In the end, they were very proud of their achievements. Everyone wanted to make his/her own postcard.

WOW! BIGGER THEN US! Our classroom looks nicer with these handsome snowmen.

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS WITHOUT A WREATH?

MORE CRAFT – WOODEN SANTAS

PRESENTS ARE WAITING …red bows for decoration. Red Santas for joy and…

MERRY CHRISTMAS!