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Traditions, British Christmas
 Christmas
is Britain's most popular holiday and is its tradition date back
hundreds of years. Many Christmas customs which originated in Britain
have been adopted in other countries like the United States.
The first ever Christmas card in England was in the 1840s, when the
first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began and the practice soon
became an established part of the build up to Christmas. Christmas
decorations in general have even earlier origins.
Holly, ivy and mistletoe are associated with rituals going back
beyond the Dark Ages. The custom of kissing beneath the mistletoe is an
ancient pagan tradition.
The Christmas tree was first used by Prince Albert, husband of
Queen Victoria, who introduced one to the Royal Household in 1840.
Popular at Christmas time are pantomimes, Carols, Christmas puddings,
assortment of nuts, Christmas Crackers and Yule Time chocolate logs
Christmas Day sees the opening of presents, Christmas dinner
traditionally is a roast turkey, with stuffing and roast potatoes. This
is followed by mince pies and Christmas pudding flaming with brandy,
which might contain coins, traditionally this was a sixpence.
'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of
Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long
white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he
brings them presents the night before Christmas.
In English-speaking countries, the day following Christmas Day is
called Boxing Day. This word comes from the custom which started in the
Middle Ages around 800 years ago, churches would open their alms boxes
(boxes in which people had placed gifts of money) and distribute the
contents to poor people in the neighbourhood on the day after Christmas.
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