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Christmas in Latvia
People in Latvia believe that Santa Claus brings presents on each of the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas Eve. Usually the presents are put under the family Christmas tree. (What a good idea to spread Christmas out longer!)
Latvia also claims to be the home of the first Christmas Tree! The first documented use of a evergreen tree at Christmas and New Year celebrations is in town square of Riga, the capital of Latvia, in the year 1510. Lots of people think the Christmas Tree first came from Germany, but the first recorded one is in Latvia! You can find out more about the Riga Tree from this great website: www.firstchristmastree.com
In Latvian Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Priecïgus Ziemassvºtkus'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.
The special Latvian Christmas Day meal is cooked brown peas with bacon (pork) sauce, small pies, cabbage and sausage.
Thank you to Kristine Mace of the Riga Tourist Office for her help in giving me information on Christmas in Latvia!