Everyone at B. Chaney wishes you a wonderful Christmas season!

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Many know these as words from an old Christmas carol, but they were first written in a poem from the heart of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He wrote these words soon after hearing of his son’s severe wound while fighting in the Civil War, and just a few years removed from his wife’s tragic death in a fire that also disfigured the poet as he tried to save his wife.

The holidays often bring up extreme emotions; some good and some painful. The B. Chaney Improvements construction staff hopes you and your family are in a good season of life. For those who aren’t, they hope the joy of Christmas will shine through in a way to boost your spirits. They truly wish you a merry Christmas, a joyous holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year!

This is also a great time for them to say “thank you” to all of their clients, who made 2023 a special year. They look forward to serving them again in the future. We hope the new year is a prosperous one for all, with “peace of earth, good-will to (all) men (women and children).”

And while you’re waiting for Santa and the New Year to arrive, enjoy reading about the way others celebrate Christmas around the world and holiday trivia.

Christmas Traditions from Other Countries

GERMANY

In Germany, it is traditional for children to decorate their Christmas lists with pictures and then leave them on the windowsill overnight. Then, the Christkind delivers gifts at Christmas. Also in Germany, it’s a tradition to leave a shoe or boot outside the front door on December 5, so that Sinterklaas will put small presents in their shoes for the following morning (Saint Nicholas Day).

GREAT BRITAIN

Mistletoe was first hung as a Christmas decoration in Great Britain. However, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is thought to have originated in other parts of Europe.

JAPAN

Children in Japan receive their Christmas presents on their pillow during Christmas night. Many Japanese families serve fried chicken as their traditional Christmas meal.

RUSSIA

Here, Christmas is celebrated on January 7, and Babouschka brings gifts to children. Babouschka, meaning old woman or grandmother in Russian, is based on the biblical story of the woman who didn’t give a gift to the baby Jesus. So, to repent, she gives gifts to children. Wonder why we celebrate Christmas on December 25 anyway? Here’s where the tradition came from.

Christmas Trivia

1. Which country did eggnog come from?

2. What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?

3. How many gifts in total were given in The Twelve Days of Christmas song?

4. What popular Christmas song was actually written for Thanksgiving?

5. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?

6. The movie Miracle on 34th Street is based on a real-life department store. What is it?

7. In the song Frosty the Snowman, what made Frosty come to life?

8. What do kids in Sweden leave for Santa?

NOTE: The answers are listed below.

Merry Christmas!

To find out more about B. Chaney Improvements, contact their Charleston, SC-area office through this website or email them at bchaneyimprovements@gmail.com to talk about your 2024 building project. You can also reach them by phone at 843.388.4334.

B. Chaney Improvements builds custom homes, major additions and does home improvement throughout South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Those areas include Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Awendaw, North Charleston, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. 

Click here to view the B. Chaney portfolio of building projects and renovations.

Christmas Trivia Answers

1. England
2. Angel
3. 364
4. Jingle Bells
5. Germany
6. Macy’s
7. An old silk hat
8. Coffee