Tis The Ugly Sweater Season! Advent 2021: Day 2

Celebrities and Christmas has gone hand-in-hand ever since the first Christmas. I mean Jesus was the first holiday celeb if you think of it. A lot of folks knew all about him and he was just a few minutes old. 

So for day 2 of this Advent, I thought we'd look at celebs who did their best to rock the ugly Christmas sweater.

Jimmy Fallon's annual 12 Days of Ugly Christmas Sweaters has been an inspiration for my sharing of the horrid holiday jumpers. I don't watch The Tonight Show any more. But I've been keeping the tradition alive for the past couple of years with my wife. This year, I'm also sharing the fun with you!

GMA's Michael Strahan paying homage to holiday treats and sweets.

The Lord of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne celebrating in his own way.

King James sporting some Ugly Pajamas.

Here's Matt Damon rockin' an ugly sweater vest for the holidays.

Leave it to Gwen Stefani to turn an ugly sweater into a stylish pair of overalls.

After years of trolling Hugh Jackman, Wolverine got revenge on Ryan Reynolds by having Jake Gyllenhaal tell Deadpool that his holiday party required an Ugly Christmas Sweater. The Free Guy was the only one to wear a sweater and he got teased big time!

Things got meta for director Sophia Coppola who wore a 'Lost in Translation' inspired ugly sweater.

I wonder what Frosty is smoking in his pipe. I pretty much know what Snoop Dogg is smoking.

I think Katy Perry wins the award for the Ugliest Sweater of All-time!

As my Advent gift for you today, here's a look at the top 10 ugliest Christmas sweaters worn by celebs during the 2020 holiday season!  Note- this has no sound.

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: The U.S. of A.- The Coca-Cola Santa (Advent 2020, Day 25)

It’s December 25th! Christmas! We made it through another Advent.

To finish everything up, we take a look at the most well-known Santa of them all- the Santa Claus of the Coca-Cola Corporation. 

Santa Claus had been in existence way before Coca-Cola left their mark on the Christmas icon. Mostly, how America and other parts of the world viewed Kris Kringle was based on Clement Moore’s 1823 poem ‘A Visit From St. Nicolas’ AKA: Twas The Night Before Christmas. But as we’ve seen, some parts of the world view Santa as this terrifying figure. 

In 1931, Coca-Cola decided that it was time to make Coke the official beverage of Christmas. To do that, the company decided to modernize Santa and they built an entire advertising campaign around this new version of a classic. Thus Coke hired Haddon Sundblom to commission a series of paintings in which Santa enjoys a cold refreshing bottle of cola instead of the traditional milk and cookies. 

Taking inspiration from Moore’s poem, Sundblom turned Santa into the ultimate vessel of happiness and joy with his rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes and infectious smile. The red robe was replaced with a sleek red fur suit. His clunky boots were replaced with galoshes that offered more traction on icy roofs and inside those pesky chimneys. Perhaps the most lasting detail Sundblom added to the modern Santa was replacing the bishop like crown with a red stocking cap tipped with a fluffy white puff. 

Coke’s campaign worked. Sales of the fizzy stuff sky-rocketed. To this day, Coke manages to outsell just about all other beverages (except alcohol) for the holidays. And yes, there are still some families that will leave Santa an unopened classic green bottle of Coke with his cookies. Hopefully, they remember to leave out a bottle opener. 

Of course, I am going to share with you a cookie recipe made from Coke. My favorite version is Cherry. So enjoy my last Advent present for 2020 with this recipe for chocolate Cherry Coke cookies.

Until next year- Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: France- Papa Noel (Advent 2020, Day 24)

After a brief visit to Italy, we head directly Southwest to France. When it comes to Santas from around the world, Pere Noel/Papa Noel is the one I think of the most. (Well, besides the obvious, of course.) Maybe it's because in the third grade I was Pere Noel for that year's holiday program at my school.

There's really only a few subtle differences between Papa Noel and Santa Claus. Both wear red. But Noel's outfit is topped off with a red robe. Instead of reindeer, Pere Noel's WAGON is led by a donkey named Gui- which means mistletoe in French. 

Instead of cookies, the children of France leave out carrots and oats for Gui to snack on while Papa Noel distributes his presents. The children put the donkey nums in their shoe. So most gifts given by Papa Noel are small; things such as candy, fruit and coin money. If you were really good, Papa will also bring you a small tree for your household to decorate!

I did think it was notable to mention Louisiana's Santa. With Cajun country being influenced highly by French culture, the people of the bayou are also visited by Pere Noel. But instead of a wagon lead by a donkey, when this Santa heads to the Pelican State, he rides a sleek boat pulled by 8 massive alligators!

There are tons of cookie recipes from culinary heavy France. But I don't think I could truly cover cookies from around the world without sharing with you a recipe of that countries most iconic cookies- macarons!

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Italy- La Befana (Advent 2020, Day 23)

Thus far in our Advent, it’s been quite misogynistic. Today’s chapter seeks to add a little estrogen to this Madman’s countdown to Chirstmas. We head to Italy for today’s version of Santa. Though our story actually takes place in Israel on the cusp of the very first Christmas.

Our main character is known as La Befana. And she’s got 2 origin stories. One sweet and one rather tragic. 

In the happier tale, La Befana is an old lady who one night while sweeping her house is approached by the three Wise Men for directions to the Christ child. She points them in the right direction and takes up sweeping again; but not before forgoing the chance to visit Baby Jesus with the Magi. Later on, La Befana changes her mind and with broom in hand, she heads out to find the Christ child. But she is unable to find the babe. So La Befana wanders the world in search of Jesus while leaving good little children toys and fruit. (The brats get coal, garlic or possibly onions.)

Now for the tragic version. La Befana is a beautiful young woman with a young son whom she loves very much. One day, the child up and dies causing La Befana to become maddened with grief. La Befana grows old just constantly sweeping as the act reminds her of rocking her child to sleep. 

On the night of the first Noel, La Befana hears of the birth of the Savior. In a delusional state, La Befana believes that the baby is her missing child. So, La Befana goes to the manger, but Jesus and his family have moved on. La Befana later finds Jesus as an infant and realizes that it’s really the son of God instead of her child. Jesus takes pity on her and bestows a blessing of being the godmother of all. 

Why La Befana decided to relocate to Italy for her gift giving is unclear. In fact, the legend of La Befana is a relatively new tradition, having only really been universally adopted by the boot shaped nation around the turn of the 20th Century. Some do speculate that La Befana is based on ancient Roman legend. Yet why it took almost 2000 years to morph into a story about an old woman is anyone’s guess. But what I do know is that it’s best not to try to stay up to watch her dropping off your gifts. Sneaky little Italians will get a swift bump on the noggin with her broom.

For today’s cookie, I am sharing with you a sugar cookie recipe with a twist. Made with ricotta cheese and lemon, this classic from Betty Crocker offers up 2 traditional tastes of Italy. Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Guam- Operation Christmas Drop (Advent 2020, Day 22)

Today's Santa doesn't wear red. Instead, he wears camo and green fatigues. 

 Our featured Santa also doesn't fly in a sleigh lead by 8 tiny reindeer. Instead, he flies in a C-130!

Technically, this day's Santa isn't really an individual but more of a Force. The U.S. Air Force to be exact. But to the people of Guam's Kapingamarangi atoll, they are as much a traditional Santa if not more than the jolly fat man.

Operation Christmas Drop began in 1952. A routine training mission right before Christmas became a holiday tradition when the islanders ran out of their huts to wave at the passing plane. The air crew noticed and quickly, they foraged around with enough supplies to fill a small crate. They attached a parachute and the first ever Christmas by cargo took place.

The tiny island is often besieged by typhoons. At the time of the first drop, it was without electricity. So the supplies offered were considered a major blessing. Now nearly 70 years later, the entire island of Guam takes part; donating valuable items such as fishing nets, canned goods, rice, building materials and clothing for the islanders. Each container is filled with about 400lbs of supplies. And for the kiddies of Kapingamarangi, toys, candy and school supplies are loaded into each box. 

It is said that for the natives, part of the fun is scouting for locations where the supplies feel as cargo drops aren't an exact science. Sadly a few cratesfall into the Pacific. But that often means a later surprise as items will wash ashore well into March and April.

The drop is the U.S. military's oldest continuing full mission. Other nearby units have gotten into the given spirit with donations and supply runs. Even the air forces of Japan and Australia have participated. Though the nation of Micronesia has decided to opt out of this year's drop due to COVID-19, the United States has promised to continue on with mission #69- just with some added safety precautions.

Operation Christmas Drop has become such a widespread tradition, a Netflix movie of the same name was recently produced. Debuting in November, the fictionalized account stars 17 Again's Kat Graham and The Hunger Games' Alexander Ludwig. From what I can tell, it appears that Netflix is attempting to encroach into Hallmark holiday movie territory...

For today's Advent gift, I bet you thought I couldn't find a cookie recipe from Guam. Well, you lose! Today's recipe is a traditional Guam treat that has undergone some slight variation due to U.S. occupation of the region since World War II. 

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Thailand- Elephant Santas (Advent 2020, Day 21)

Thailand is a mostly Buddhist country steeped in ancient traditions. But Thailand is also one of the most cutting edge Asian countries to become Westernized in the past 50 years. With this mix of old and new, a lot of Thailand's beliefs about Christmas have morphed in some very unusual ways.

1. The Thai people believe that Santa Claus is the father of Jesus. Every year, Santa celebrates his son's birthday by giving all of the children of Thailand toys. 

2. Christmas trees don't go inside. Some of this is due to superstitious belief in upsetting nature's balance as preached by Buddha. So the trees are artificial instead of cut down. But a lot of the reason behind the Christmas tree being set up outside is because Thai families compete to see who can own the largest tree possible. One company called Bangkok Christmas Decoration Exporters Ltd. manufacture trees as tall as 60 feet in height! 

3. If you thought your grandma was overdoing it with a dozen live poinsettias at her house- she's got nothing on the people of Thailand. They will literally flood their homes with hundreds of fragrant bouquets made of endless varieties of flowers. The florists of Thailand work triple-time to keep up with orders that must be filled before December 24th. The floral arrangements of Pak Khlong Talat are considered some of the best in the country. And some families will travel hundreds of miles just to obtain a couple of floral pieces to decorate their home.

But I think my favorite holiday tradition that I've learned about in Thailand is the elephant Santas! This tradition began about 16 years ago. An elephant rescue camp sought to bring awareness to the abuse and ecological threat towards elephants while bringing a smile to the faces of some lucky students. 

Just before the children of The Jirasartwitthaya school in Ayutthaya depart for a short holiday break, they are visited by the elephants of the Ayuttahaya Elephant Palace. Wearing Santa hats, the elephants deliver candy and toys to the children before doing a few tricks that they've learned in their new sanctuary. The elephant finish the festivities by hoisting children with their trunks to help them decorate the highest parts of a Christmas tree. Then they elephants head back home for some fruit and other goodies in celebration of a job well done!

For a job well done for you visiting Thailand with me, here's a recipe for Pandan Coconut Cookies. You will need to head to an Asian grocer for Pandan. But it's so worth it!

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Iceland- The Yule Cat (Advent 2020, Day 20)

Every Christmas, gigantic feline terrifies the island nation of Iceland. But it does not seek revenge on the naughty. No. This kitty cat will devour you whole if you do not have new clothes.

Enter the Yule Cat! Iceland's frightening excuse to make the countries boys and girls demand clothes for Christmas. I'm not really sure where the legend of the Yule Cat started. Of the top of my head, I'd say that it was dreamed up by the Icelandic clothes consortium. A quick search on Wiki states that I'm not that far off from my assessment. 

According to 19th century records, farmers would try to 'encourage' their workers to reap the annual wool harvest quicker. Those who speed up would be rewarded with a brand new wool suit. Those lazy employees would be eaten by the Yule Cat. 

Over time, that legend was passed along to the kiddos of Iceland. While the Yule Cat still lurks the streets, his harsh reputation has lessened as many Christmas traditions over time have. Instead of eating children, the Yule Cat has settled for eating the Christmas Eve supper of youngsters who don't get clothes for the holidays. 

Hopefully, the Yule Cat doesn't eat the cookies left for Santa. Like these traditional treats known as Marens Kornflexkokur. 

These might sound tricky. But they only call for 5 ingredients and only take about 15 minutes to make!

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: South Africa and the Legend of Danny (Advent 2020, Day 19)

 

Today’s Advent post isn’t about a Santa. But I couldn’t pass it up! It involves Santa. And it involves cookies. And I gotta warn ya- this story is dark! 

So, consider this your trigger warning!

Being the Legend of Danny, this story is about a boy named Danny, naturally. His grandmother baked a large batch of cookies for Santa Claus. She tells Danny not to eat the cookies. But of course Danny eats the entire batch.

So far, this seems like a typical anecdote. Now here’s where things turn grim. Upon finding that Danny ate all the cookies, grandma beat Danny to death. As a result, the children of South Africa are warned to be good. Not because Santa won’t come visit them. But out of fear of being killed by a grandparent! In hopes that the kiddies get the message, Danny’s ghost wanders the countryside every holiday season, haunting those little mischief makers.

I hope you all enjoyed this morbid cautionary tale. I don’t know why there’s so many Christmas stories out there that are so morose. Krampus. The Little Match Girl. Ernest Saves Christmas. I guess this is where where get that line from that old holiday tune about hearing scary ghost stories during our Christmases.

Since you might need a stiff drink after reading today’s Advent, here’s a traditional cookie recipe from South Africa that calls for wine. 

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Greenland: Juulimaaq (Advent 2020, Day 18)

Kids need to stop trying to stay up late to see Santa. According to the people of Greenland, all you have to do to meet the real St. Nick is to travel to the small village of Sragle Bay near Uummannaq. 

It is there that Santa lives in his workshop and some very lucky children get to visit him and his elves there every year! Well, actually, it turns out that elves are invisible to non-magical children. But you can still arrange to be some of the few who get to see the Santa of Greenland, known as Juulimaaq in his home on Ice Street.

Juulmaaq looks exactly as he’s depicted in American and British culture. The red suit, white trim to match his snowy white beard and black boots. Only, with Juulmaaq, this flair is all about the glitter. It is said that every inch of Santa’s suit (and beard too!) glitters with fairy dust!

With Juulmaaq being the one true Santa, he makes his regular deliveries every year with one special difference. Every Christmas Eve, Juulmaaq rides inside of an Air Greenland helicopter and heads over to Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk to deliver toys to the children who can’t come home for Christmas. (Remember how the children of Colombia think that Baby Jesus flies in a helicopter. Maybe Juulimaaq uses the same one!!) 

After the toys are all doled out, Juulimaaq takes off for his annual trip around the globe.

Oh and for those of you wondering. Juulimaaq does utilize the North Pole. That’s where his toy warehouse is located.

Santas From Around The World: The Southern United States- The Holiday Armadillo (Advent 2020, Day 17)

Since we are on Day 7 (actually Night 7) of Hanukkah, I wanted to return to the festival of lights to showcase a recent addition to the melding of Jewish and Christian holidays known as Christmukkah. Without further ado, here’s the HOLIDAY ARMADILLO!!!

From the TV Show Friends, the Holiday Armadillo is Ross Geller’s attempt to bring his son Ben a visit from Santa. But being so close to the holidays, Ross can’t find a Santa outfit to rent. The next best thing he can find is a gigantic armadillo concert. So instead of St. Nick, Ben is visited by the Holiday Armadillo, Santa’s half-Jewish friend who covers all of the Southern States… and MEXICO!

Things obviously get even more kookier as Chandler shows up as Santa! Ross, who was trying to use the time as a chance to introduce his son to Hanukkah, wants Chandler to vamoose. Naturally, Ben wants the Armadillo to leave instead. But a wise Chandler agrees to stay but only if the Holiday Armadillo will tell him AND BEN of the first ever miracle of lights!

And then Superman arrives on scene!

It’s something you must see to believe…

For today’s recipe, this is very similar to one my grandmother used to make. They’ve got a great sugary crunch factor. Plus, they have an eggy-custardy flavor that I just adore. Enjoy this Southern Butter Cookie recipe from Southernliving.com.

Santas From Around The World: Mexico- Los Reyes (Advent 2020, Day 16)

On Day 5 of this Advent, I mentioned that while the children of some countries in Central and South America receive gifts during the holiday season, they do not get those prizes from Santa. Our featured country of Mexico is one of those lands. Instead of St. Nick, they get their prizes from The Wise Men!

Known as Los Reyes, the Wise Men or Magi give the children of Mexico presents on January 6th, Epiphany (AKA Dia de Los Reyes). Epiphany represents the day the wise men found baby Jesus and gifted him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. See on December 25th, the people of Mexico celebrate Christmas, with a trip to church and a big fiesta. But the gift exchange doesn’t happen until that last day of the holidays! January 6th!

The event ends almost a month long celebration of the birth of Christ. Small gifts of fruit and trinkets are given to all children who participate. A lucky kiddo finds a gift of money hidden from sight. Other fun and games result in the winning of prizes. But the one prize every child wants to find is the baby figure placed inside the oval shaped Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake). The winner of that present gets to be the host and guest of honor of another big party held later in February. 

Since the Wise Men gave Jesus the first ever Christmas gifts, it makes sense that they are the main gift givers for the holiday season. As areas of Northern Mexico become integrated with those American states that border the Rio Grande, some Mexican children do get gifts from Santa on December 25th. But that tradition is so new, that most boys and girls from that country have never even heard of St. Nicolas.

When you think of the cookies of Mexico, there’s really only 1 choice- the Mexican Wedding Cookie! Though many food historians think that the cookie actually originated in the Middle East. Since we’ve already had a very similar cookie in this Advent with the Russian Tea Cake, I am sharing with you a totally new different cookie recipe. 

I present to you- Hojarascas. These light flaky cookies represent the leaves of autumn, of which they are named after. They pack a cinnamon punch, which I greatly enjoy in Mexican desserts. 

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Denmark, Norway and Sweden AND The Marvel Universe- Odin (Advent 2020, Day 15)

 

Today’s post is quite godly. But not in that Jesus, Mary and Joseph sort of way. The version of Santa we are looking at today is Odin- the Allfather. You know, of Norse mythology and all that. Still doesn’t ring a bell? You know, Thor’s dad (played by Sir Anthony Hopkins) from those Marvel movies? 

Ah, I thought so!

According to Norse mythology, Odin is all-knowing and all-seeing. So he knows whether one of his subjects has been bad or good. Also, the magic gifts that Odin bestows upon those he favors, such as the hammer Mjonir to his son, Thor is made by dwarves and elves. Plus many characters would ask Odin to give them gifts in order to fight epic battles such as Sigmund with his magic sword. According to myth, Odin does his gifting by riding in a flying sleigh lead by the 8-legged horse named Slepnir or sometimes a pair of goats. Odin does this during the time of the Wild Hunt- also known as the 12 days of Yule. 

Still not convinced that Odin is a version of Santa? Odin’s Nordic title of Allfather translates into English as Father Yule. Or Father Christmas. 

 

Still not buying it? Fine. In the 1991 Marvel Holiday Special, it was revealed that Odin in a big purple cloak, was really Santa! There, now you have proof that Odin isn’t a version of Santa, he’s actually the genuine article!

Well as you let that sink in, here’s a recipe from Scandinavia.

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Iran- Amu Nowruz (Advent 2020, Day 14)

Not all Santas come during the Winter. No, I am not talking about the Easter Bunny or Great Pumpkin. For today’s version of Santa Claus, we head to Iran during the verge of the first day of Spring. 

Our main character is called Amu Nowruz. He appears on the day of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Thus Amu Nowruz’s name literally translates as ‘Uncle New Year.’

Amu Nowruz appears with a controversial black-face character known as Haji Furuz. Haji Furuz is a sort of Iranian minstrel, who parades the streets begging for money while banging his tambourine.

The spring equinox marks a special time of romantic tragedy, The Iranian New Year is the only time that Amu Nowruz and his wife Nane Samra are able to be reunited. That’s because Samra is the daughter of a frost deity and Nowruz is a descendant of fair weather beings. Imagine their love story as if Romeo & Juliet was penned by Mother Nature. 

Amu Nowruz is depicted as elderly silver haired gentleman who wears a beat-up Astrakhan hat and carries a long staff and cloak. Excited to be reunited with his bride, Amu Nowruz brings presents for the kiddies he meets on his way to his annual day-long rendezvous. The pair regale the children with the story of Nowruz before the ill-fated lovers must part once again for another 364 days.

I have a heart for Iran and it’s people. Several of my cousins are from Iran. They were smuggled out of that country by the great-uncle after which I am named, on the cusp of the Ayatollah overthrowing the American backed country. And that’s where I am sharing a holiday tradition from my family.

Every year, the mother of my cousins would make her family’s traditional baklava. More of a pastry that cookie, it’s still really delicious. It’s traditionally made with rosewater. But if you can’t find it, vanilla extract will work just as well.

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Bavaria- Krampus (Advent 2020, Day 13)

I’ve grown to become a fan of Krampus. A holiday staple of Central Europe, Krampus is the antithesis of Santa Claus. A half-goat, half-demon creature, Krampus kidnaps bad little children on Christmas Eve and takes them to clean in his workshop. Whether Krampus returns the children to their homes after they make his work area spotless is up for debate as some nations traditions state that Krampus eats the kiddies afterwards.

The legend of Krampus has been around since before the birth of Christ. Folklorists consider the character to be a sort of boogey man cautionary tale to naughty children. Then in the 17th century, Krampus was added many European holiday traditions as the yin to Santa’s yang as part of the Festival of St. Nicolas which occurs every December 6th. 

Krampus’ time almost came to an end in the middle of the 20th century. Far right regimes sort to eliminate the evil influence on the holidays. And their plan almost worked until Krampus began a sort of renaissance around the turn of the 21st century.

A series of comic books, horror movies and pop culture kitsch has brought Krampus back into the forefront. Now a European holiday season isn’t complete without the soot hued monster.

There’s a number of countries I could glean a cookie recipe from. But when I think of Krampus, my mind goes straight to the Black Forest of Bavaria. So for my Advent gift for you today, enjoy this delicious Gingerbread cookie recipe that can double as an ornament or decoration!

Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Cyprus- Ai Vasilis (Advent 2020, Day 12)

Ever wonder how Santa delivers presents to all the good little boys and girls of the world in just one day? Well, here’s a secret: Santa can do it because he spreads his gift giving duties out over the course of December and early January. 

That’s the case with the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus. Here, Santa is known as Ai Vasilis- SAINT BASIL, and he visits children every New Year’s Eve, right after the calendar changes to a new number and the kiddies have gone to bed.

From what I can tell, Ai Vasilis looks and acts pretty much like the traditional Santa of the United States. But his diet is a little more sophisticated than cookies and milk. In Cyprus, Santa passes on the carbs and goes straight for some vino.

The children of Cyprus start their Christmas morning with the cutting of the Vasilopitta or ‘Santa’s Cake.’ In the Vasilopitta, a small coin is hidden and the child who finds it is granted good luck for the rest of the year thanks to a blessing granted by Ai Vasilis while he pounds a goblet full of adult grape juice. It’s then that the children of Cyprus head over to their holiday tree to open their presents from mom and dad. 

The gift giving continues on January 6, Epiphany Day. The children visit their grandparents with an offering of a small song. In return, the grandparents gift the children with a gratuity of money. Now, in my opinion, this is just a trap to get the kids to visit grandma and grandpa. But I must admit that I love getting cash as a present! It’s the most personable gift a person can give. And it eliminates the fear of getting something you didn’t want for Christmas like underwear or Marvel Comics…

So for my advent gift for you today, here’s a twist on the traditional Koulourakia. But instead of Orange Blossom Water, which can be tricky to locate, this one calls for orange zest. So, from Food52.com, here are Cyprus Almond Macaroons. Enjoy!

Santas From Around The World: Nigeria- Father Christmas (Advent 2020, Day 11)

Sadly, this will probably be the only time you see an African nation on this Advent. It’s not because of any bias on my part. But due to the fact that many African nations do not acknowledge Santa Claus or even celebrate Christmas. Many Northern African nations such as Chad are primarily Muslim. Then there are nations like Uganda, that due to devastating civil wars, famine and drought, are too poor for material possessions. Their holiday time focuses on going to church and spending time with family.

Nigeria is one of exceptions to the rule! Nigeria is roughly about half Christian, with most of them living in the South. It’s also a very prosperous nation thanks to a number of tech and medical research companies that have headquarters in Lagos and Abuja. So what is a Nigerian Santa Claus like?

Known as Father Christmas, the Santa of Nigeria is typically black. He looks a lot like a cross between a bishop on a a chess board and the Pope. He wears white priestly garb with a red robe and red pointy hat, fringed in gold. And he carries with him a long staff. Father Christmas doesn’t come into people’s homes on Chirstmas Eve. Maybe that’s because it’s not safe to guide his flying reindeer through the throngs of fireworks displays that go on throughout the night.. Instead, On Christmas Day, Father Christmas and his helpers are stationed throughout Nigeria. After receiving a new pair of clothes from their parents on Christmas morning, the whole family attends church. Only after the service, which can last 2-3 hours long, then do the kids get to find Father Christmas and receive their presents. Gifts are typically crackers, filled with candy, paper hats and other small toys.

I’m not sure what the families of Nigeria eat for the holidays. But I know from working with a woman from that country, their family gatherings normally center around a goat or lamb that has been slaughtered and stewed, served with rice, peas and a variety of vegetable and fruit sides. One of the desserts that is often served is called chin-chin cookies. Man, are those deep-fried biscuits yummy.

As my Advent gift for you today, here’s a recipe on how to make ‘em. Enjoy!