Happy Holidays From SanMar Canada

First things first, we want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season full of joy and celebration.

We hope you have a safe break, and are able to take a moment to pause and enjoy the magic of the holidays as you ring in the New Year.

People around the world celebrate the holiday season with many different traditions and customs depending on what part of the world they come from.

At SanMar Canada, we’re lucky to have a workforce made up of different cultures, so we caught up with a few of our colleagues to see what Christmas Eve looks like in their culture:

“Christmas Eve at home in Ireland is all about family and friends. Many people take the day off work to do some last-minute shopping, prepare tomorrow’s dinner or relax at home. The streets of Dublin are usually packed with carolers and buskers as everyone enjoys the celebrations. All pubs must close at midnight, so after a few pints in the local, it’s time to head home and off to bed.”

– Seán O’Regan, Ireland

“I grew up in Azerbaijan, and Christmas isn’t as widely celebrated there as it is here in Canada, or in many countries in the European Union. However, we do celebrate, and as opposed to a Christmas Eve/Christmas Day celebration, the build up to the New Year is the main holiday, with great food, great drink and great company right into the first week of January.”

– Elkhan Shikhaliyev, Azerbaijan

“As soon as the “-ber months” arrive, Filipinos start celebrating Christmas with carols and food. It’s no wonder The Philippines is known for celebrating the longest Christmas season in the world. After Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass), Filipinos also look forward to freshly cooked bibingka and puto bumbong – signature Filipino holiday treats that are sold in the streets to fill the bellies of hungry churchgoers.”

– Imelda Ramos, The Philippines