Take part in Scottish traditions
Come along to the Scottish Highlands! Where Christmas and Hogmanay bring a mix of old traditions and new celebrations. As winter winds sweep through the rugged landscapes, Scots gear up for a special time packed with unique Scottish traditions. Discover the festive season and traditions that make this time of year in Scotland special.
Christmas in Scotland
In Scotland, Christmas is a time for family, friends and festivities.
During the Christmas season in Scotland, people love to eat two special dishes, Scotch Broth and Clootie Dumplings. Scotch Broth is a tasty meat soup that warms you up. Clootie Dumplings is a sweet dessert made with dried fruit, spices and suet. Eating these dishes brings back memories of festive celebrations that have been happening for a long time. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the festive season and feel connected to Scottish traditions.
Christmas was banned for 400 years
Did you know Scotland once banned Christmas celebrations? In the 1600s, the Scottish Parliament stopped Christmas festivities because they saw the holiday as too tied to Catholicism and a bit too rowdy. It wasn’t until 1958 that Christmas became a recognised public holiday again. Thankfully, things have changed and now Christmas is a time for celebration in Scotland just like in many other places around the world.
Winter Solstice
Long before Christmas became a prominent holiday, ancient pagans celebrated the winter solstice as a time to mark the return of longer days. They brought greenery into their homes to symbolise life and vitality during the dark winter nights. Mistletoe, in particular, held special significance for its associations with fertility and renewal. Today, we continue this tradition with mistletoe hanging in doorways, inviting couples to share a kiss underneath it.
The Yule Log
Another old tradition from the pagan solstice celebrations was the Yule log. Burning the Yule log in the fireplace symbolised bringing light and warmth back into the home. People would keep the charred remains for protection throughout the year. This tradition evolved into the Scottish custom of placing candles in the window at Christmas.
Burning Rowan
Burning a twig from the rowan tree is a special Scottish Christmas tradition. The rowan tree is believed to bring protection and burning a twig helps clear away bad feelings and encourage harmony among family, friends and neighbours.
No working on Christmas Day
In Scotland, the tradition of working on Christmas Day has become a thing of the past for many, replaced by a host of other endearing Scottish traditions that continue to endure. Among these is the practice of baking unleavened Yule bread for every family member. This time-honoured ritual involves placing a small trinket within the dough. The person who discovers it in their portion is believed to have good luck throughout the coming year.
Spend Christmas at Eagle Brae
Stay with us over Christmas or New Year and you’ll receive a warm welcome! Your cabin will be decorated with a real Christmas tree and fir foliage wreath on your front door. You’ll also receive our Eagle Brae welcome hamper, packed with goodies, such as Rockrose gin, beer, shortbread and oatcakes. Our log cabin village is open for week-long bookings throughout the festive period. However, our festive holidays are highly sought after. You may have to book far in advance to secure a Christmas week.
A Scottish Hogmanay
As Christmas festivities wind down Scots turn their attention to Hogmanay. Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration that rivals even the most extravagant of global festivities. We love celebrating the New Year with our guests at Eagle Brae. We light a big fire in the huge Eagle Brae fire pit. Everyone joins us for champagne around the cosy fire. If the skies are clear the 1000s of stars create an amazing backdrop to our celebrations. And, if we are really lucky, the Northern Lights produce a light show like no other.
First Footing
Hogmanay has ancient roots in pagan and Viking traditions. One of the traditions is called First Footing which means the first person to come into your house after midnight is supposed to bring good luck for the next year. They might bring a small gift like coal, shortbread or whisky to bring warmth and cheer.
Auld Lang Syne
Then there’s the Auld Lang Syne sing-along. Everyone holds hands and says goodbye to the old year and welcomes the new one. The poet Robert Burns famously made this tradition. Is so special that even people all around the world join in on New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight. It’s a fun and heartfelt way for Scots to celebrate the start of a brand new year.
For more Scottish Hogmanay traditions check out our Hogmanay in the Highlands blog.
So, wrapping up our journey through Scotland’s festive charm, Christmas and Hogmanay here is more than just dates in the calendar. They are traditions in the Highlands, passed down through generations, make the festive season special.
If you are looking for a festive trip in the Scottish Highlands why not plan your Christmas or New Year 2024 getaway at Eagle Brae? Let the wonderful Scottish traditions at Eagle Brae create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Book now for a winter getaway you won’t forget.
