In this issue: The Philippines has the world's longest Christmas celebration, a K-Pop Christmas Mix, & 4 Chinese-inspired recipes to try this festive season.

The Philippines Has the World's Longest Christmas Celebration

Some people are fond of complaining that the holiday season starts too early in the U.S. Christmas garlands sometimes compete with plastic jack-o'-lanterns on store shelves around Halloween. But this Christmas creep is nothing compared with the Philippines. In that country, Christmas celebrations start on Sept. 1.

More than 100 days before Christmas Day, the Philippines (which comprises 7,641 islands in Southeast Asia) transforms into a veritable holiday wonderland. Christmas carols play on the radio while Christmas shows take over television sets. Seemingly overnight, shopping centers display their best Christmas décor. The Philippines grabs the title for the longest Christmas celebration in the world… HowStuffWorks

Various Artists - K Pop Christmas Mix

Something different from the traditional festive songs to get you into the Christmas mood.

Not Your Usual Christmas: 4 Chinese-Inspired Recipes to Try This Festive Season

“When I think of Christmas, there’s always a whole roast—be it lamb or beef—so I thought of adding a Sichuan twist with a special spice rub. Lamb can be quite gamey and fatty, so I decided on a side of cucumber and coriander salad. The dressing [is inspired by] the pickled chilli used in Sichuan cooking: the flavour profile is slightly spicy and tart, which helps to cut through the fat.”… Tatler

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