Rick Steves' European Christmas

Rick Steves' European Christmas is a captivating one-hour travel special that was released in 2005. The show is presented by Rick Steves, the acclaimed American travel expert known for his travel guidebooks and public television show, where he helps viewers to explore the unique cultural treasures and hidden jewels of Europe.

In this special, Rick ventures beyond the usual tourist areas and delves into the heart of winter customs and traditions of Europe. In light of the uniqueness of the holiday season, Rick offers a deeper look into the enchanting, joyful, and sometimes contradictory customs held closely by different European countries during the holiday season. He aims to evoke the spirit of Christmas, from its religious and historical origins to present-day celebrations.

Featuring an exceptional lineup of seven diverse European countries, Steves' European Christmas ventures through villages and cities in England, Germany, Norway, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. The program beautifully blends elements of travel, culture, and tradition, offering viewers a chance to see how each country brings its unique flavor to the Christmas holiday.

From exploring the ethereal beauty of England's tranquil countryside adorned with traditional decorations to experiencing the 'Kriskindl' markets of Germany in their full festive splendor, the special treats its viewers to explore a side of Europe rarely shown. The audience gets to witness the warm, cozy Christmas traditions of Norway contrasted with the vibrant and grand festivities of France topped off with the solemn midnight Mass, the spiritual highlight of Christmas.

In Italy, Rick showcases the centrality of the Nativity scene, or presepio, as a focal point of Italian celebrations, while Austria sees a perfect blend of reverence and revelry. Amid Switzerland's wintry landscapes, the viewers are introduced to a unique form of ringing in the New Year.

The show is sprinkled with regional variations, local foods, folk traditions, and rich history. It is not only focused on Christmas but also details other winter holiday traditions, like the triumphant return of light in the Norwegian Solstice and the celebratory Sankt Nikolaus parade in Austria.

Rick Steves' European Christmas also emphasizes the historical circumstances that have shaped and influenced these traditions. The show provides essential context to understanding the origination of these customs and their connection to the region's past. For instance, viewers learn how England's modern Christmas practices are heavily influenced by the Victorian era, paving the way to how we celebrate Christmas today.

At the core of the show is the spirit of warmth, unity, love, and the sense of rustic charm that the European holiday season exudes. The Merry Christmas spirit seeps through every minute of the show, painting a vivid picture of a joy-filled European Christmas. The ceaseless carol singing, the charming nativity re-enactments, the heartwarming family dinners, the ceremonious church services, and the sparkling Christmas lights that adorn every street corner all contribute to creating the perfect Christmas setting.

One of the highpoints of the show is Rick's enthusiastic and affable personality combined with his deep understandingand extensive knowledge of European history, traditions, and people. His traits bring an unconventional perspective on Christmas customs, making the journey all the more exhilarating and insightful. Guided by Rick's narrative, the show not only entertains but also informs, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of diversified European cultural scenes and a newfound appreciation for the holiday season.

Apart from bringing the sights, sounds, and tastes of a genuine European Christmas, Rick Steves' European Christmas is also beautifully shot. The high-definition visuals and superb camera work capture the quintessential charm of Europe in winter – snowy landscapes, houses decorated with colorful lights, the hustle and bustle of Christmas markets, and the peaceful serenity of country churches, contributing to the overall viewing experience.

Rick Steves' European Christmas from 2005 is an ideal festive viewing for those who love travel, culture, and tradition, and want to explore the heart and soul of European celebrations. It walks you through a multi-cultural tapestry of traditions, delivering the intrinsic warmth of the holiday season across various European societies. Even if one cannot physically travel, this show offers a beautiful virtual journey through the festive spirit across Europe. It is more than a show; it's an experience that brings European Christmas spirit to your living room.