As with many countries around the world, holiday traditions differ even though the name of the holiday might be close to or remain the same. Of course, this time of year in the USA, thoughts turn to the holiday season of Christmas and New Year’s. For many families here, putting up and decorating the Christmas tree might start as soon as the weekend of Thanksgiving. Stringing outside lights along front porches and windows, following the angles on roof lines to show as much color and light as possible.
Some families go all out to populate the area and lawns around their homes with lit-up decorations of reindeer, snowmen, nutcrackers, twinkling lights, and light displays that intermittently blink with many different colors in time with the Christmas music played on a loud speaker by the homeowners. It is not uncommon for people to come from miles around to drive through certain neighborhoods to see the annual Christmas lights they are known for.
Of course, gift buying, wrapping and giving of gifts is a huge part of the holiday celebrations. There are also special foods and decadent desserts, handmade pies, cakes, and cookies, and snacks – along with holiday meals that may only be made at this time of year. There will be enough food for several sports teams, or for the extended families who may travel across the country to see their loved ones for the holidays.
I was raised in a small farming community in the Midwest of the United States, our family tradition meant Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, presents shared and opened on Christmas Morning, and enjoying my mother’s special sugar and cinnamon breakfast rolls with bacon and orange juice. The rest of Christmas Day was spent playing games with my brother and four sisters, wearing the new flannel pajamas my mother made for each of her six children each year. Then the family would get dressed in our best “Sunday go-to-meetin’ clothes” (a colloquial expression) and go to our grandmother’s house to join aunts, uncles, and cousins for a huge Christmas Dinner. The cooks in each family would bring this most special dish to share and tables and kitchen counter space would be full of wonderful fare. The food was extra delicious and the memories unforgettable!
In my home, my family’s Christmas Day Dinner has to be a traditional Prime Rib Dinner with special side dishes. The first year I fixed this meal, my family insisted the menu must become a tradition for every year after that.
I am totally bragging but have to say that my very first Prime Rib did come out of the oven looking pretty much like this photo – no kidding! It was a triumph and so, so tasty and delicious!
My interest in and love of Türkiye and its culture, cuisine, customs and traditions made me curious to learn about what happens there in the holiday season we call Christmas. Over the centuries, the diversity of the population in Türkiye has become an amalgam of many cultures. So, it was my full expectation that the “traditional” Christmas would be different in Türkiye but still contain some familiar aspects.
Although the majority of the Turkish population is Muslim, the festive spirit of the holiday season is still vibrant and alive, particularly in the Christian minority as well as for many expats and tourists. Christmas in Türkiye does, however, lean towards the commercial aspects of the holiday rather than the religious side. It is a blend of Western influences and local traditions. Decorations of fairy lights and statues of Santa Claus are a common sight in the streets of towns and cities, in homes, and in stores and shopping malls. Santa Claus (known in Turkish as Noel Baba) is a popular figure. The tradition of giving gifts also exists but is more associated with New Year’s Eve than Christmas.
The date of December 25 does not hold the same significance in Türkiye as it does in many Western countries. It is not a public holiday and is treated as just another normal day. But many Christians will attend Christmas services at their churches. The Christmas tree is more commonly referred to as the New Year’s tree (in Turkish, Yilbaşi Ağaci). Most Turks celebrate the New Year holiday with much more fervor than Christmas.
While Istanbul may not be the first city you think about for a Christmas vacation, you will be surprised to know this Turkish city lights up like London, New York, Germany, or France – any popular Christmas decoration. Churches which sit right beside mosques are decked up for Christmas with shopping streets like Karaköy and Eminönü full of Christmas energy.
There are nine activities recommended to do during Christmas in Istanbul:
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#1 – Walk around Istanbul:
The history and culture in Istanbul is legendary. Walking the streets of this city is the best way to explore its past and see its diversity. During Christmas, the streets, parks, and neighborhoods are less crowded yet beautifully decorated, making them even more enjoyable.
#2 – Enjoy the Christmas lights in shopping malls: malls:
Shopping malls in Istanbul celebrate Christmas the right way. Large trees are decorated and placed in the center of the mall and Christmas lights add cheer. Special programs are organized for families, allowing them to celebrate the holiday spirit together.
#3 – Savor Christmas delicacies:
Food is a big part of Christmas celebrations worldwide. It is no different in Istanbul. The city’s restaurants serve meze, a traditional starter that can actually double as a whole meal. You can also add Salep, a mixture of milk or boiling water, cinnamon and a special flour to your Christmas dinner plans.
#4 – Go skating on an ice rink:
Christmas is about family and there are few better ways to celebrate your loved ones than going on an adventure. You can go skating at an ice rink in Istanbul’s Uniq Istanbul Event Center. It is available throughout the winter and is especially fun during Christmas with amazing lights and Christmas music.
#5 – Cruise through Istanbul:
Cruising through the Bosphorus Straits gives a distant and beautiful view of Istanbul dressed in Christmas colors. Cruises are available for groups of up to 12 people. The package includes hotel pickup, sunset views, 2-1/2 hours on the water, the finest Turkish wine and beer, and a delicious selection of appetizers.
#6 – Watch Istanbul light up from the Pierre Loti Café:
The sky looks different on Christmas in Istanbul. The lights shine brightly making the night sky glitter like gold. The Pierre Loti Café is perfect for witnessing Istanbul’s glowing best at Christmas. Located on a hill in the Eyüp Cemetery, the terrace of the café provides unbeatable views of the Istanbul skyline at Christmas.
#7 – Go partying in Istanbul’s nightclubs:
Night clubs in Istanbul organize Christmas-themed parties. They are perfect for getting into the festive spirit, meeting new people, and dancing the night away. There are many nightclubs in Istanbul, but the Groundy Club in Kadiköy is well-known for its parties and DJ’s.
#8 – Shop at the Istanbul International Women’s Christmas Bazaar:
Christmas shopping in Istanbul is a major thing thanks to the Istanbul International Women’s (IWI) social organization. It supports foreign women living in the city. The organization hosts the Christmas Bazaar where you can buy anything as well as contribute funds to the organization.
#9 – Book a buffet at an international hotel:
Istanbul is home to several international hotels offering special Christmas meals. Traditional and popular European, Asian, and American dishes are part of the menu. Since it is a buffet, you can enjoy a bit of everything!
Source: https://www.tickets-istanbul.com/travel-guide/christmas-in-istanbul/. (Go to this link for details and more information on each suggested activity.)
The Story of Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas: Did you know that the tale of Santa Clause actually originates from Turkey? The real Santa Claus, who we know as Saint Nicholas, was born around 280 A.D. IN Patara, close to Myra in what is now Türkiye. Renowned for his kindness and devotedness, Nicholas became the central figure of many legends. Some believe he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and the sick. His story was told and became known far and wide, eventually evolving into the Santa Claus we know of today.
How to say “Merry Christmas” in Turkish: “Mutlu Noeller”. This phrase literally translates to “Happy Christmases” to reflect the joy and happiness of the holiday season.
Note: To learn about celebrating New Year’s like a Turk, click on this link for the blog piece about this holiday: https://northamericaten.com/celebrating-new-years-in-turkey-d44/.
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Copyright (c) by North America TEN and Mary Bloyd.
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A retired corporate manager, Mary lives in Centerville, Ohio. She loves cooking for family and friends. Taught by a professional chef how to use spices and herbs, makes stocks and mother sauces, she developed a curiosity about different foods and cuisines. After discovering the wonderful storytelling in Turkish dizis and films, Mary became interested in and has written numerous articles about Turkish cuisine, culture, and traditions. She loves to travel, is a creative writer and poet, editor of books and articles, and is currently working on her first book, a personal memoir.
