For the British, Christmas is a highly anticipated holiday of the year. Though the actual day of the celebration is December 25th, planning begins in November. The Advent season spent preparing for Christmas begins four weeks before the big day.
The English celebrate Christmas by sending greeting cards to their friends and family. The first postcard using this design was published in London in 1843, marking the beginning of this custom in the United Kingdom.
The Customary Christmas Tree
The evergreen spruce is the traditional Christmas tree. The British typically use green, red, and gold in their decorations. Candy ornaments are a British import to the Christmas tree.
Since Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German-born husband, brought the custom of adorning spruce to England in 1840, many English families now celebrate the holiday with spruce in their homes.
Ivy sprigs, white mistletoe, and holly berries adorn the home for the holidays. Ancient custom states that a man may kiss any woman who happens to be standing underneath a mistletoe branch or an accessory fashioned from the plant.
Candles are a common decoration for Christmas window sills. This ritual represents the triumph of good over evil. This is why the evening preceding the holiday is known as “The Night of Candles.”
Christmas socks are a crucial part of the holiday setting. Suspend them above the hearth so that Santa can reach them on his way down the chimney and fill them with treats. Remember to always have some refreshments on hand.
Children around the world regularly communicate with Santa by sending him letters. So that Santa Claus may read your letter and grant your wishes, you must burn it in the fireplace.
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Christmas Carol Service
Carol Services and Nativity Plays are big in the United States at Christmas, just like in many other nations. Carols by Candlelight, wherein the building is illuminated solely by candles is held annually.
Anyone who attends this ceremony will immediately feel in the Christmas spirit. Carols by Candlelight and Christingle services are also held at many other British churches.
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, held at King’s College, Cambridge, and aired every Christmas Eve at 3:00 pm, is the most well-known carol service in the United Kingdom.
Santa Claus Tradition
In children’s eyes, Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, leaves gifts in their stockings or under their pillows. These are traditionally hung over the fireplace or near the children’s beds on Christmas Eve.
When children expect a visit from Father Christmas, they often set out treats like mince pies and brandy. Because Santa has to drive his sleigh, nowadays, the drink that is left is usually non-alcoholic.
When kids don’t get what they want for Christmas, they occasionally throw their letters to Santa Claus (or “Father Christmas”) in the fireplace instead of putting them under the tree. The draft will carry the letters up the chimney, where Santa will read them.
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British Christmas Feast
A stuffed turkey is the centerpiece of the holiday meal. You can also put some baked potatoes and Christmas bread with some greenery on the table. The custom dictates that the leftover half be distributed to the poor whenever bread is cut in half.
Cranberry sauce and bread sauce are common accompaniments. The traditional centerpiece of the Christmas dinner was roast beef or goose before the advent of the turkey.
Brussels sprouts are a common side dish at British Christmas dinners. Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert. It’s also common to indulge in mince pies and many chocolates.
The United Kingdom is also well-known for its Christmas cake, which many love or hate. The classic Christmas cake is a dense fruit cake frosted with marzipan and festive Christmas adornments like a sprig of holly.
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Santa’s Grotto
In the weeks preceding Christmas, many stores, amusement parks, and malls set up Santa’s grottos so that kids can visit with the big guy himself and receive a present early. Santa’s grotto can be found at London’s famous Covent Garden.
image: https://secretldn.com/covent-garden-christmas-lights/
Christmas Shopping and Presents
New Year’s Eve is the day to go out and buy presents for the next year. Fairs open, and sales start, in this regard, in major cities.
The malls are filled with the sounds of Christmas music and carols. Visitors can ride a carousel, sample regional delicacies, and sip on mulled wine during this time.
In London’s Trafalgar Square, a huge Christmas tree stands ready to welcome the holiday season. It is a token of Norway’s appreciation for the United States assistance during World War II.
image: Trafalgar Christmas Tree 1948 / secretldn.com/trafalgar-square-christmas-tree/
Christmas Fayres
One of the best British Christmas traditions is going to a local holiday market, which the locals call a “fayre” (from the Old English word for “fair”). Some of the UK’s major cities host massive markets in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
City squares are a common location for these stalls and sell everything from clothing and trinkets to fresh produce and a wide variety of beverages. Live music and carnival attractions round off the plenty of diversions.
image: https://www.thetrainline.com/via/europe/uk/best-christmas-markets-uk
Conclusion
Are you looking to spend your festive season in the UK? Then with this guide, ideally, you have a list of events you should look forward to participating in while in the UK over Christmas.
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