Where In The World Are You Celebrating The Holidays?

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Heading south to Jaipur, "The Pink City of India," eBay member Alka is finalizing millennium plans. "We are going to spend New Year's eve in a camp on a lakeside in our state, Rajasthan, which is famous for its natural beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, arts and crafts, and music," Alka says. Listing gemstone jewelry and home furnishings from India are also on her agenda.

Next on our itinerary is Israel. While some people in Israel, the United States, and elsewhere will be celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights known as Chanukah (December 3 to 10), Hillel, from Tel Aviv, says New Year's is the popular holiday for him and his family. He plans to "party, party, party!" Hillel will be selling CDs and records while bidding on presents for his wife and baby.

Moving on to Cairo, Egypt, Ussama will be celebrating Ramadan, a month-long Muslim event beginning December 10, devoted to fasting and inner reflection. "People spend time in mosques and pray during this time, and at night many kids buy lanterns and light them to celebrate these holy days," he says. "We also visit relatives and neighbors and enjoy good food. Christmas is also celebrated in Egypt. Every 30 years or so Christmas occurs during Ramadan and it will be great to have both celebrations at the same time." Ussama is selling Egyptian artwork in papyrus sheets. "U.S. eBay members should shop early when buying from Egypt," he says. "Remember that items take a lot longer to arrive when they have to come from half way across the world."

From Cape Town, South Africa, which eBay member Uwe says is "one of the nicest places in the world," a roast Goose is on the menu for December 24. Uwe currently sells exotic automobiles and is looking at listing additional items in the coming year because "I see lots of opportunity to sell items from South Africa."

Michael, in Harare, Zimbabwe, will be traveling to Cape Town for his own New Year's celebration with family."The holidays will be extra special this year, and I am already looking on eBay to buy toys for my children," he says.

In Vienna, Austria, Harold is readying his holiday plans. "I'll be at home on Christmas day with my family and my parents, and on New Year's Day, and I'll be on holiday in the Austrian mountains with my wife and my son. Traditionally in Austria, people stay at home on Christmas day with their families and there is a big dinner. At night, devoutly religious people celebrate Mass. Many people will be on holiday from December 25 to Jan 2 for skiing," Harald says. Harald will be shopping on eBay for Pez, WWII items, and perfume miniatures.

In neighboring Munich, Germany, Iris is getting ready for a celebration with her family in the Austrian Alps. "Traditionally in Germany, on December 24, dads and children put up the Xmas tree while Mum is in the kitchen preparing food and cookies. 'Food' usually is fish or 'Weisswuerste mit Brezen', a typical Bavarian sausage dish you eat with sweet mustard. Around 6 to 7 p.m. a bell rings, and that is the sign for the children, that the Xmas Angel (called Christkindl) has left presents underneath the tree. *Poof* the angel is gone and the children open the door to the living room, where the tree is in full light (usually grandpas or dads do this secretly)." Iris says big lunches take place on December 25 followed by walks in the afternoon and returning home for Christmas cake and coffee. She says she will be buying computer games, computer parts, and antique furniture on eBay. She will be selling computer games to make room for the new ones she's been buying.

Noelle, who calls Paris, France home, will be counting down the seconds to the new year watching fireworks and drinking champagne in front of the Eiffel Tower with friends. "Each town in France will have millennium fireworks," Noelle says, "but before the Millennium parties begin, I will be looking on eBay for unique gifts and Christmas ornaments."

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