|
 | about Bupa | press releases
I'm dreaming of a different Christmas
22 December 2008
Christmas stockings, bread sauce, Santa’s mince pie or Rudolph’s carrot, we each have a holiday tradition which makes Christmas special to us but what about other nations’ festive treats? To get into the seasonal spirit, Bupa, the international health and care organisation, looks at its customers around the world and how they may be celebrating festive traditions.
For some, the smell of Brussels sprouts can be offensive, but for the people of Greenland nothing smells more like Christmas than ‘kiviak’ - the raw flesh of an auk (penguin-like bird) wrapped in sealskin, buried under a stone and left to decompose for several months before being savoured as a delicacy on the day.
Venezuelans add a sporting dimension to attending early morning mass at church. In the capital city, Caracas, it has been customary to roller-skate to this service and many neighbourhoods close the streets to cars for a short period.
Most people around the world celebrate Christmas at home with family but for Australians and New Zealanders, Christmas Day is often spent barbecuing at the beach whilst for Christian Japanese, Christmas Day is not spent with the family, but visiting the sick in hospital.
The Finnish seem to come top in the sensible stakes. On Christmas Eve it is usual to visit the famous steam baths for a relaxing soak, while Mexicans are getting ready for a ‘piñata party’ to run for eight consecutive nights. An animal or star-shaped figure made from papier-mache is filled with sweets, hung from the ceiling and spun around whilst someone is blindfolded and given a stick to break the piñata and release the treats.
While the Christmas period is a time to indulge, the excesses of food and drink can take their toll on the body. Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director for Bupa International, said: ““It is the holiday season, so people should enjoy this time of year wherever you may live but it’s important to be sensible and remember that little things can make a big difference.
“For example, drinking plenty of water is crucial, especially if you will be having a few alcoholic tipples. You should ideally have a large glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have; the water not only rehydrates you, but aids metabolism (especially when eating rich foods), and can help to prevent the indigestion and heartburn that often happens at this time of year.
“Taking a walk every day during the festive period is also a good idea, especially if you are eating more than usual and away from work. A brisk 30 minute walk that leaves you slightly out of breath will not only clear the mind, but help to avoid piling on those Christmas pounds”.
Back to the latest press releases
|
