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🎄 German Christmas Markets: A Celebration of Tradition and Magic! 🎅 From the historic charm of Nuremberg to the sparkling stalls of Cologne, German Christmas markets offer a unique blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and festive spirit. Each market transforms its surroundings into a magical winter wonderland where fairy lights dance on cobblestone streets, carols fill the air, and visitors from around the world immerse themselves in the joy of German culture. ✨ Did you know that Germany is home to over 2,500 Christmas markets? 🎁 From big cities to small villages, each market has its own charm and brings communities together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Whether it’s the delicious aromas of roasted almonds and Glühwein or the joy of finding handcrafted treasures, German Christmas markets truly capture the spirit of the season. 🌟 Have you ever visited a German Christmas market? Share your favorite memories in the comments! #GermanCulture #ChristmasMarkets #HolidaySeason #Germany #TraditionAndJoy

Alright, holiday enthusiasts, let’s settle this once and for all—eggnog: love it or leave it? 🎄🥂 Are you raising a glass to this holiday classic or giving it a pass? Comment below with your verdict! #TheBarbeauGroup #TulareCountyRealEstate #KingsCountyRealEstate #FresnoCountyRealEstate #HomesForSale #LivingInVisalia #Visalia #Kohlee

From holiday markets to festive tree displays, here's some activities to get you in the holiday spirit in Seattle:

🎥📖Day 16: Experience the Magic of Christmas Markets: A Festive Celebration of Joy and Community! 🎄🏬✨ 🎄 Christmas markets are a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit and create cherished memories with family and friends. These festive gatherings offer a vibrant atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, delicious treats, and unique handmade crafts. From artisan hot chocolate to one-of-a-kind ornaments, each market has its own charm that reflects the local community. 🎄Unique Fact: Did you know that the tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the late Middle Ages? They were originally held in Germany to provide locals with much-needed supplies during the harsh winter months. The first documented Christmas market took place in Dresden in 1434, where townspeople gathered not only to shop but also to socialize and celebrate the season. 🎄 Where’s YOUR Favourite Xmas Market?? Share your favourite Christmas market & perhaps a photo of you at it! Also, what’s your must-have treat or stall at them?

Have you ever stopped to think about how diverse New Year’s Eve traditions are? In many countries, the dinner table plays an important role in welcoming the new year. Yet, the way we celebrate varies widely across the globe. For example, in much of Europe, New Year’s and especially Christmas dinner is an important part of family gathering. In many countries you have to cook something special for this occasion. 🗝️Every year a roasted turkey is a must in UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. 🗝️Seafood is often on the table in Sweden. 🗝️If you celebrate New Year in France, most likely you will have oysters, fois gras and La Bûche de Noël on the table.   🗝️If you are in Italy you need to prepare 5-course meal for the entire family – my experience says – at least for 3 generations. Then there’s the case of "borrowed" traditions. In my childhood in Soviet Russia, where pre-revolutionary New Year’s and, of course, Christmas traditions were fully erased, a new approach appeared. It was widely popular to check in female magazines a Chinese zodiac symbol for next year. These articles suggested what should be in menus, how to decorate a table, even what colors to choose for clothes. What’s the takeaway? When we gather for New Year’s, food isn’t just food—it’s a reflection of culture and history. In some regions, New Year’s Eve may be less about food and more about community gathering. Do you have a New Year’s dinner tradition you’d like to share? Let’s add to the list—drop your comments below! Photo by Aswathy N on Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day- things to do and see! 🍀 St. Patrick's Day festivities can infuse the day with both cultural richness and a sense of community. Here's a strategy to maximize the celebration: 🌟 Begin with a local event. Many towns host parades and community gatherings. Begin your day with the local flair, experiencing the vibrant floats, music, and performances often dedicated to Irish culture. 🌈 Broaden your cultural knowledge while having fun. Dive into the history of St. Patrick's Day, perhaps through a book or documentary. Sharing this newfound knowledge can spark engaging conversations. 🎶 Embrace Irish music. Whether it means attending a live concert, listening to traditional Irish tunes, or even learning a jig or two, music is a powerful way to connect with the essence of the celebration. 🥘 Explore Irish cuisine. Try your hand at cooking traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, or soda bread. Share your culinary adventure or the final results in your post! 🤝 Connect with your Irish roots or create new traditions. If you have Irish ancestry, consider delving into your heritage, or if not, create new traditions with friends and family. 🏡 End the day reflecting on the connections made, the joy shared, and the memories created. Wrap up your post by emphasizing the spirit of unity that St. Patrick's Day can foster. #StPatricksDay #IrishCulture #CommunityCelebration In sharing your St. Patrick's Day activities, you offer a blend of personal involvement and cultural appreciation that resonates universally. It's about more than just a day on the calendar; it's an opportunity to celebrate heritage and community everywhere.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! This week, we're thankful for our incredible WACKER employees who go above and beyond every day, and sometimes, they even have holiday tips to share! Check out Kerry Rickerd's video below to learn how to safely prepare the perfect turkey. Wishing you and yours a safe and joyous holiday. Have a holiday tip you want to share? Let us know in the comments! #Thanksgiving #HolidayTips #Teamwork

One of the most brilliant experiences I ever designed and facilitated was.......my own 50th birthday party! Maybe it sounds weird to have facilitated my party - but I kind of did, and it was amazing! If any of you have read Priya Parker's brilliant book 'The Art of Gathering', you'll recognise some of the themes. I hadn't read it then but when I recently discovered the book, it really brought back the memory of that night. So if you're facilitating an event, here are my top tips: 1. Make the purpose clear - in this instance, this was easy: to celebrate my 50 years on the planet with dear ones 2. Create a vibe with a venue to match - I made it Gatsby style, designed invitations with that look and feel, and hired the most fabulous venue: Winton Castle, outside Edinburgh. People came in all manner of 1920s finery and we filled the wonderful building with elegance and pizazz! 3. Help people to connect - one of the first things I did was to facilitate a semi-circle where people lined up according to how long they'd known me (my mum at one end and friends' partners that I had never met before, at the other!). People needed to chat to each other to find out how long they'd known me and so the ice was broken. 4. Create fun and more connection through a shared activity - a live Charleston lesson was one of the centrepieces of the evening which had everyone up on their feet and laughing their heads off 5. Make it personal - I handwrote a card to every guest which they found next to their place at the dinner table, thanking them for coming and letting them know how dear they are to me 6. Make it memorable - we had a live 1920s style band, fireworks over the moat, a cake that I cut with a sword (!!) and an array of fabulous outfits 7. Include people in the execution - whether it was asking guests to bring photos of themselves with me, or asking a friend to perform an ABBA song with me, or my stepmum to take photos, I got people involved in the evening What an incredible night it was! So if you're tasked with running a gathering - however big or small, for a team, group, organisation or bigger still, follow these tips and you won't go wrong. #deeplyhuman #community #facilitation ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Deeply Human Culture Club is the global community I run for people who share a belief in the need for organisations to be more of a force for good, both in terms of the work they do and the cultures they create. We gather every two months online for an hour. I do my best to create connection both 1-1 with folk when they join, and collectively when we gather. I always give a 5 minute 'grab a coffee' type connecting chat at the start. The purpose is clear. Members have the opportunity to lead sessions. And even though it's online - people find it an injection of inspiration that day. If you think you'd like to join us, DM me for more info and let me know your Deeply Human credentials!

Embracing the Holiday Spirit: How Marketing Shapes Our Traditions! 🍀🎉 As we gear up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, it’s interesting to observe how marketing influences our holiday traditions! 🌈✨ From festive parades to the iconic green beer, these traditions have been shaped by clever marketing strategies over the years. 💡 Did you know that the modern-day celebration of St. Patrick's Day traces back to as early as 1631 when the Church established a Feast Day honoring St. Patrick? 🍀 This Patron Saint of Ireland, who passed away in the fifth century, laid the foundation for the festivities we know today, albeit centuries later! According to a fascinating article from The New York Times, the evolution of St. Patrick's Day traditions is a testament to the power of marketing. 📈 The tradition of drinking green beer, while now synonymous with St. Patrick's Day festivities, is actually a relatively recent addition. After a clever marketing push from Budweiser in the 1980s, this vibrant libation became a staple of celebrations worldwide 🍺✨ Whether it's through parades, themed merchandise, or iconic beverages, marketing continues to add a splash of excitement to our festivities! 🎉💚 #StPatricksDay #HolidayTraditions #MarketingMagic Read more about The True History Behind St. Patrick’s Day by Ashley Ross at Time

🍀☘️ St. Patrick's Day Alert! 🍀☘️ As Sunday approaches, so does the festive occasion of St. Patrick's Day! Whether you're planning to revel in the greenery of parades, enjoy traditional Irish fare, or simply embrace the spirit of the holiday, it's crucial to remember to celebrate responsibly. While St. Patrick's Day is often associated with merriment and perhaps a pint or two, it's essential to prioritize safety, especially when it comes to drinking and driving. Every year, far too many lives are affected by the tragic consequences of driving under the influence. This St. Patrick's Day, let's make a collective commitment to keep our roads safe for everyone. Here are a few simple tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration: Designate a sober driver: If you're planning to drink, designate a trusted friend or family member as the designated driver before the festivities begin. This ensures that everyone gets home safely. Utilize alternative transportation: If you don't have a designated driver, consider using alternative transportation options such as taxis, rideshare services, or public transit. Many cities offer discounted or free rides on St. Patrick's Day to promote responsible drinking. Arrange for accommodations: If you're celebrating away from home, plan ahead and book accommodations nearby. Staying overnight eliminates the temptation to drive after consuming alcohol. Be a responsible host: If you're hosting a St. Patrick's Day gathering, ensure that your guests have safe transportation options available. Offer non-alcoholic beverages and encourage guests to pace themselves. Intervene if necessary: If you see someone who is about to drive under the influence, intervene and offer them a safe alternative, whether it's a ride home or a place to stay for the night. Remember, the choices we make on St. Patrick's Day can have long-lasting consequences. Let's celebrate this festive occasion responsibly and ensure that everyone gets home safely. Wishing you all a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day!