Happy Holidays from Around the World Returns
For the past several years, we’ve been asking embassy representatives for their favorite holiday traditions that our readers could explore from home. This year, we’re mainly focused on our favorite tradition from Iceland, Jólabókaflóðið, which helps us celebrate Great Reads from Around the World.
So join us as we explore literature, and cultures, from around the world in our third annual holiday round-up, featuring responses from Iceland, Finland, Indonesia, Austria, Uruguay, Malta, Philippines, Spain, Norway, Japan, Canada, Ecuador, Lebanon, Greece, Singapore, Poland, and Lithuania. With so many holidays and traditions, there's at least one for everyone.
Explore the full list in Happy Holidays from Around the World 2024.
Thanks to all the embassies who sent in book recommendations, Great Reads from Around the World has a large and diverse selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's literature, graphic novels, and even a podcast! Here are some of the highlights:
First addition:
Thanks to Maltese Ambassador Dr. Godfrey Xuereb who was the first ambassador to submit his recommendation to Great Reads from Around the World.
Newest Addition:
The Embassy of Zimbabwe is our newest addition with four books (including a trilogy).
Most Recommendations:
The Embassy of Poland sent in a whopping TWELVE recommendations (and one is a boxed set!) The Spanish Cultural Center sent in seven, followed by the Philippines who sent in six. The Embassies of Iraq, Jordan, Lithuania and Zimbabwe sent in four each.
Most popular: As of this newsletter's sending, the most popular book among our readers (as indicated by sales) is the submission from the Embassy of Eritrea, To Asmara, by Thomas Keneally.
Are You Included?
All embassies are invited to submit their nominations for Great Reads from Around the World. Our goal is to have every country and territory represented.
Reminder: All purchases made through our Diplomatica's Bookshop.org store, whether from Great Reads from Around the World, the Diplomatica Library, or your own selections, support Diplomatica's content and programming. Thank you!
Things We Love... Ukraine House ornament
Not only does the Embassy of Ukraine boast its location in one of the most historically significant buildings in Washington, the country’s Ukraine House in Kalorama, which serves as the country’s cultural center similar to those of the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain and the Mexican Cultural Institute, previously served as the Embassy of Yugoslavia, and later the Embassy of Serbia.
Leased by Ukraine House DC Foundation in 2021, and christened by President and First Lady Zelenskyy, Ukraine House bills itself as “a home away from home for many Ukrainians by birth and Ukrainians by choice.”
For the 2024 holiday season, Ukraine House has introduced its first annual Christmas ornament. According to the organization, the ornament is “a beautifully crafted symbol of Ukrainian resilience, culture, and holiday warmth.”
We love that the sale of every ornament directly supports Ukraine House’s cultural and humanitarian projects, and the wonderful programming they offer throughout the year.Read more about the ornament.
Still looking for last-minute gifts? See Things We Love…Gmundner Keramik.
Diplomatica does not receive any compensation or gifted items for featuring the Ukraine House ornament.
What Else We're Reading:
US shows off $1 billion Mexico City embassy after years of delays Associated Press
Diplomatica's Embassy Calendar is a curated list of events happening at, or organized by, embassies, cultural centers, ambassadors' residences, and other diplomatic properties in Washington, D.C., and online. In lieu of embassy events, we're sharing special DC-area holiday traditions for your enjoyment.
December 28th - Diplomatica Zoo Lights Outing Join Diplomatica readers and supporters for an outing to the Smithsonian's Zoo Lights. This is a family-friendly event where we'll stroll through the holiday lights display among good friends and cheer. There is very limited parking and often traffic. Public transportation is strongly encouraged. The Zoo is walking distance from the Red Line Woodley Park and Cleveland Park stations; and the L2 bus stops directly at the Zoo. While there is no charge to join Diplomatica, the Zoo does require tickets for this event. Buy them here, and let us know if you'll be joining.
The Capitol Christmas Tree, hailing from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, reflects both the natural beauty and cultural identity of its home state. Decorated with handcrafted ornaments by Alaskan children and artists, the tree symbolizes unity and environmental stewardship. Situated on the Capitol’s West Lawn, it serves as a national focal point for holiday celebrations. Learn more.
One of our annual must-stops during the holiday, the US Botanic Garden has outdone themselves again. The plant-based replicas of iconic DC landmarks are a particular favorite. The outdoor gardens, illuminated with festive lights, offer a tranquil space for evening visits, which are increased for 2024. Free to the public, with a lovely shop to satisfy even your most discerning phytophile. Learn more.Love Public Transit? Visit the WMATA Pop-up Holiday Shop at the MLK Library to show your support with transit-themed gifts (including an "ugly" sweater that plays music and lights.) Closes December 21. More information.Looking to explore a bit? Explore Philadelphia's European-style holiday market until December 24th. The birthplace of American democracy is an easy trip from DC or NYC and more than worth your time. Look for Diplomatica's Travel Guide to Philadelphia coming in 2025.Do you have an event you'd like to have considered for Embassy Calendar? Please get in touch. Note: embassies cannot pay to have their event featured.