In the Netherlands, the tradition goes that Sinterklaas lives in Madrid, wears a red clerical robe and a bishop’s mitre, and has servants called ‘Zwarte Pieten’ (Black Peters).
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The celebration of Christmas has distinct variations around the world, with many of these local traditions arising from particular historical circumstances.
Buddy is a sucker for the silly season.
danperezfilms/flickr
Christmas is here again, and we’re excited for decorating, parties, and summer getaways. But before we dive into the silly season, let’s first make sure our pets are properly taken care of.
Want to build resilience in children? Tell them family stories of courage.
The virgin birth at the heart of Christianity has many corresponding versions in other ancient traditions.
Detail from a panel by Conrad von Soest, 1403. Wikimedia Commons
Biblical scholars and theologians have long discussed, debated and disputed the virgin birth of Jesus, with some arguing that there is no imperative to link it to the doctrine of the Incarnation.
That big pile of presents under the Christmas tree just seems right.
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Most modern Christmas films angle for comedy with a touch of schmaltz, but literary Christmases frequently tap into the anxiety and sadness that can accompany the “happiest time of year”.
From schmaltzy to savagery, we dissect the classic Christmas flick.
Love Actually, Universal Pictures.
Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences, BA (Hons), MSc, PhD, CPsychol, HE Cert (Couns.), PG Dip (Couns.), FHEA, FRGS, MBACP (Accred), University of Bristol
Director of the Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy & Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity