It has become a tradition for people in Great Britain to celebrate Christmas with uniquely British practices and customs. Everyone can always expect a festive season, filled with decorations, Christmas trees, and lots of cheer! Every Christmas, families and friends gather to exchange gifts and enjoy meals as they share memories and appreciate their loved ones’ presence. In this article, we’ll explore the traditional Christmas customs from the UK and discover some of the historic activities, foods, and fun that makes these celebrations so special.
Christmas Trees
The tradition of the Christmas tree in Great Britain started in 1841 when Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, brought the German tradition to Britain from his homeland; it has been incredibly popular ever since! On Christmas Day people decorate their homes with a real or artificial tree, lighting it up and dressing it with decorations. Ornaments range from homemade by the children, to more modern and ready-made ornaments. However, many traditional favorites have remained, such as holly, ivy, ribbon, and mistletoe.
Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner is a highlight of the festive season in the UK. Most households prepare a big feast, and those who don’t usually go out to a restaurant. The meal is most commonly served on a large table adorned with a candle-lit centerpiece. The centerpiece will usually feature different traditional desserts and fruits to symbolize good luck. The traditional Christmas dinner consists of turkey and all sorts of side dishes. Dessert is usually Christmas pudding, a traditional dessert made with dried fruit including sultanas, currants, and raisins soaked in brandy or whiskey. Christmas Day often ends with a teatime snack tray filled with Christmas cake, mince pies, and other sweet treats.
Father Christmas
The tradition of Father Christmas started in the 16th century and was based on the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas. In Victorian times Father Christmas was seen as someone who arrived in the snow and handed out presents to those who had been good. The figure has since transformed into a jolly old man who comes in any weather and gives presents as well as sweets and nuts. One of the most iconic characteristics of Father Christmas is his bright red suit and large white beard.
Christmas Carols
Music has always been a staple part of Christmas festivities in Great Britain. Church choirs, brass bands, and soloists go around singing Christmas carols and popular songs. Although some carols have existed for centuries, others are more modern adaptations of traditional tunes. The favorite carols in the UK include ‘The First Noel’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘Silent Night’, and ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’.
Boxing Day
The first day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day and is celebrated in many Commonwealth countries. During this day, family and friends exchange presents and it’s also common to go out for a shopping trip. It was originally a day where rich people would give boxes of presents to servants, and now it has become a holiday for people to give themselves a treat! Businesses such as department stores, shops, and restaurants are usually open on Boxing Day and offer special promotions.
Christmas Card Exchange
Invented by British civil servant and philanthropist, Sir Henry Cole, in 1843, British people have been sending each other Christmas cards for over 150 years. Many put a lot of effort into designing and customizing the cards they send, often handcrafting them with an individual message for each recipient. Christmas card exchanges happen between family members, friends, and colleagues to wish each other luck and provide a sign of unity.
Charity
Many organizations across the UK, including churches, churches, newspapers, and other charities, work hard every year to support local communities in need. It is not unusual to see members of the Royal family, politicians, and other public figures leading fundraising campaigns. During the season of Christmas, many individuals, companies, and organizations focus on raising funds for those in need. This is a very important part of the Christmas season and it’s inspiring to see how generous people can be.
Other Traditions
Christmas celebrations in Great Britain typically include the preparation of a special Christmas meal, the decoration of the house, the exchange of gifts, and the participation in community activities. Additionally, it’s common for people to spend their free time watching movies, playing board games, and singing Christmas carols. Children also get involved, with their own set of special activities — counting down the days until Christmas by eating sweets from a chocolate advent calendar.
Christmas Characters
Britain’s Christmas characters have an important role to play in the festivities. Father Christmas (sometimes known as Santa Claus) brings presents to children on Christmas morning, while his helper elves repair and make toys. Then, there’s the Christmas fairy who looks after presents and puts them under the tree, and of course, the beloved snowman, who is a constant reminder of winter and all the fun winter activities.
Christmas Events
Christmas in the UK typically involves several festivities and celebrations. There are carol-singing events, Christmas pageants, and of course, the traditional Christmas fairs, with games and festive snacks. Families come together to take part in regional events like pantomimes, sleigh rides, and for a true Dickensian experience, they visit the Victorian-themed markets. They are also likely to attend Christmas concerts, plays, and even midnight masses in churches for a traditional service in celebration of the birthday of Jesus.
Classic Shopping
When it comes to shopping for Christmas, traditional shoppers in the UK typically head to bustling high streets and farmers markets in search of special gifts. It is customary to shop for presents, decorations, and traditional Christmas cakes and treats. Long-standing laws in the UK actually restrict the sale of some goods on a Sunday, like alcohol, fireworks, and DVDs; but most stores are open on Sundays in December, giving people the chance to complete their shopping lists in preparation for their Christmas celebrations.
Celebrating Together
Christmas in Great Britain is a time for families and friends to show their appreciation for each other, with homes full of happy children and adults alike. The best way to celebrate this joyous season is to get together and spend quality time with your family, or to have friends over for a cheerful party. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand dinner party, celebrating Christmas in the UK with those near and far is the best way to spread festive cheer!
Decorations
When it comes to decorations, the UK is undoubtedly full of color and life. Whether it’s the small family events or the large scale celebrations, decorations help to bring everyone together. The Christmas tree, as previously mentioned, has become a very popular part of Christmas in the UK. People usually choose from a real or artificial tree, dressing it up with holly, ivy, and decorations usually made by the children. Houses, gardens, and shop fronts can often be seen bedecked in multicolored fairy lights and snowflakes, helping to bring the feeling of Christmas cheer everywhere.
Christmas Shopping
Christmas shopping is a favorite pastime in Britain and 2020 was no different. Despite restrictions, people still went out and about to get their shopping done, or chose to shop online. For those who did travel, the government increased the number of places that could stay open late, to accommodate for extra Christmas shopping. Shoppers could usually find discounts and deals ranging from toys to food, and the buzz of the busy streets in the weeks leading up to the holiday was enough to make the most hardened miser smile.
