GET past the window shopping, the street decorations and all the paraphernalia and Christmas is really a festival. But what does that mean? Take a deep breath, stand back and have a look at what all these people around the globe have to say about this season of celebration.

Christian site Re:Quest offers everything from information on the history of Christmas cards and how to make them, to what is and how to make a Christingle. It's a very inspiring site.

Going global at Christmas may mean putting your feet up at a far away resort. However, visit the 2camels site for a wonderful look at the history of the celebration and how it turned from Medieval pagan to Christian. They also offer great travel links to help you celebrate the festivities abroad.

If your eyes can adjust to the bright red background, visit Holidays.Net for a short, simply written of how Christmas came to be around the globe.

Curious as to how the Swedish people celebrate Christmas, and what it means to them?

The Smorgasbord site's claim is that The Sweden Information Smorgasbord is the web's largest single source of info in English on Sweden, Swedish provinces, nature, culture, lifestyle, society and industry and has been rated 8/10 by Internet World'. They love food, have mastered the art of smorgasbord, and perhaps it is just the place for you to really get in the mood for Christmas.

If you really want a hot rather than a cold Christmasvisit the Lafayette Travel site to see what a Cajun Christmas has to offer. Festivals of light, parades, home visits and lots of food seem to be the foundation. It would certainly give you a flavour of their culture.

German Christmas Markets have become a favourite destination for British tourists in the weeks up to the festive period. They are a buzz with people and stalls, selling many traditional handicrafts ideal for presents.

Don't be concerned about the cold weather; warm mulled wine known as Glhwein is an integral part of the markets and is guaranteed to keep that winter chill at bay. There is a market-specific website which explains the Christmas market phenomenon and has a directory of which cities are holding their markets.

The German Christmas Market concept has even spread to the UK and cities such as Manchester and Edinburgh, which have been holding the markets for several years now. Read about Manchester's market and Edinburgh Christmas events.

Readers Holidays is a great way to book your trip to a market in Europe.

Closer to home, one of the most natural' ways to celebrate the season is to plant a tree. For a gift that keeps growing, why not treat yourself, or someone you know, to a native tree to plant. At the Native Tree Shop, you can access the Woodland Trust's special site for purchasing native trees or shrubs and holly is one of the options.

Planting native trees is good for conservation, provides valuable habitat for wildlife and can help safeguard native woods. Prices start at 9.95 for four saplings, including packing, posting and delivery within 14 days. All proceeds help the charity Woodland Trust, which works to protect and care for UK's native woodlands.