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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From our family to yours, we wish you happy holidays
and we look forward to many happy journeys in 2012.

So, where to next?

VISIT DELTA.COM

— From Hong Kong, China —

歡度佳節

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Originally created in 7th century China, fireworks are in high demand for the Chinese New Year. In 2012, the Chinese New Year will fall on January 23rd.
The Winter Solstice Festival celebrates the shortest day of the year. During the festival, friends and family get together for food, drink and merriment. After the festival, daylight hours grow longer, which is viewed as an increase in positive energy.
Many Chinese families share a traditional Chinese New Year candy box to celebrate the season.
Many Chinese eat Tangyuan—plain or stuffed glutinous rice balls served in broth—during the New Year celebration. This warm, festive dish helps families welcome the winter solstice.
2012 is the year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac. Dragon years favor success, happiness and good luck.

— From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil —

BOAS FESTAS

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Completed in 1970, the Copacabana promenade in Rio de Janeiro is an impressive pavement landscape running four kilometers. Its geometric wave pattern is a festive sight any time of the year.
Rio hosts one of the largest New Year parties in the world. After midnight, everyone flocks to the beaches for their first swim of the year, jumping over seven waves for good luck. They also throw flowers into the sea and light candles in the sand, making wishes for the year ahead.
A lit tree in Rio. Because it is so warm at this time of year, families often hang cotton from trees in their yards to simulate snow.
On Christmas Eve, Christmas tapers (long slender candles) are lit throughout Rome and the rest of Italy in religious observance.
A favorite Italian holiday tradition is the making of elaborate manger scenes or cribs. People will stroll from church to church on Christmas Eve to view the intricate scenes.

— From Rome, Italy —

BUONE
FESTE

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Fish dishes are a popular part of end-of-year celebrations in many Italian regions, featuring local seafood like eel, baccalà (cod), lobster, and clams.
A favorite at parties any time of the year, colorful piñatas are also a part of the Mexican holiday tradition. The piñatas are stuffed with candies and fruits.
The Zócalo in Mexico City is one of the largest city squares in the world and an ideal place to watch New Year's fireworks. The bordering Cathedral is the largest and oldest cathedral in the Americas.
At midnight on New Year's Eve, ringing bells and blowing whistles announce the arrival of the new year.
Known as "El Ángel" to locals, the
110-year-old Angel of Independence statue in Mexico City is a common gathering place for celebrations.

— From Mexico City, Mexico —

FELICES
FIESTAS

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— From Tokyo, Japan —

よいお年をお迎えください

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The Japanese custom of sending New Year's Day postcards (nengajo) is a popular undertaking throughout the country. In fact, close to four billion nengajo postcards are sold in Japan during this time.
In Japan, the first sunrise of the year is called hatsuhinode. Since ancient times, the Japanese people have made it a custom to view this sunrise in celebration of the new year. It is considered ideal to view a hatsuhinode from the water's edge or from a mountaintop—such as Mt. Fuji.
Osechi are traditional New Year's foods packed elegantly in special boxes called jubako. Osechi dishes each have a special meaning, such as bestowing joy or good health in the new year.
Shinto temples are visited during the New Year celebration to pray for good fortune and pay respect to the Shinto gods, known as "kami."

— From Frankfurt, Germany —

FROHE
FESTTAGE

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About 31% of Germany's landscape is composed of vast forests and woodlands. The tradition of decorating one of those trees at Christmas is said to have started here in the 16th century.
Known for their quality craftsmanship and ornate designs, Steinbach nutcrackers have become famous around the world. Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is perhaps the most famous salute to this highly collectible holiday symbol.
On the eve of December 6th, German children traditionally place their boots outside the door, under the bed, or by the fireplace. If they have been good, St. Nicholas will fill their boots with gifts or delicious treats. If they have been naughty, their boots are filled with twigs.
Inaugurated in 1880, Frankfurt's Alte Oper (Old Opera) was almost completely destroyed during World War II. It reopened in 1981 as a thriving multipurpose building with concert halls, a congress center and beautiful décor during the holidays.

— From New York City, United States —

HAPPY
HOLIDAYS

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New York City celebrates many different traditions and customs during the holiday season. Friends and family gather for dinner or to exchange gifts during Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa. Children who celebrate Hanukkah receive chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, called gelt, by their adult relatives.
On Christmas Eve, American children leave milk and cookies by the fireplace for Santa. It is also considered bad luck to be awake when Santa comes to visit.
Ice skating at rinks in Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Prospect Park is a popular tradition during the holiday season.

— From Paris, France —

JOYEUSES
FÊTES

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One of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Eiffel Tower offers an impressive light show during the holidays.
La Galette des Rois, or Kings' Cake, is a classic example of French holiday cooking. The cake has a small trinket baked inside it, and whoever gets the cake slice containing the trinket is dubbed king of that year's feast.
It's a bright time of year for The City of Light, including fireworks displays at major monuments.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

As a global airline, we love bringing the world together.

We invite you to share the holiday spirit by joining our global family
with its many languages and traditions.

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