Christmas is a magical time – no one can argue with that! Romantic walks along the streets which are ablaze with lights and decorations, Christmas markets and fairs where we can search for unique gifts and drink mulled wine. In our homes, we bake traditional cakes and biscuits and wonder about which Christmas tree to get; real, artificial or the latest designer tree?
Here we have gone on a short geographic journey to find out where some of the well-known Christmas traditions came from and how to greet people in that language.
While treating family and friends to gingerbread and decorating the Christmas tree, we could wish each other ?Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr?, because many of the Christmas traditions originated in Germany, and a little later became known all around the world.
Putting up the mistletoe, and perhaps even believing in its sacred power, we could use the greeting ?Gl?delig jul og godt nyt?r? in Danish, and after that, when kissing under the mistletoe, do not forget to say ?Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year?, because this one is classical British custom.
If, by any chance, our Christmas housework elves want to give a helping hand, we should thank them in Swedish saying ?God jul og godt nytt?r?, and in a really nordic style, because these little pixies descended from north.
As to Santa Claus, of course just after he leaves all the gifts, we can thank him by saying ?Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta!? since he came all the way from Lapland, and still has long journey ahead.
To the postman, who delivers to eCorrector?s mailbox all the Christmas e-cards and greetings, we wish ?Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku?. According to Polish custom, we should also prepare umpteen extra place-settings for any “unexpected guests” during the Christmas Eve virgil super, in case somebody knocks at our door.
This time of year we see have the opportunity to see how big and multi-lingual our network of translators and native speakers is, now over 40 languages. Maybe instead of sending template SMS wishes, you can choose a different language to greet each family member and friend this Christmas and in case of any miscommunication, we can help with translation…as always!
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