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Having my maternal grandmother born and raised in England for the majority of her life, I learned quit a bit about life in England. Just like in the United States, Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is in honor of the birth of Christ. The word Christmas itself comes from the Old English name Cristes Maesse meaning Christ's Mass. Christmas is Britain's most popular day of the year.

The first Christmas card that was ever posted was in England in the 1840's. Since then the Christmas card has become a tradition celebrated around the world. Now there are over a billion cards during Christmas that are sent out throughout England.

Christmas in England brings families and friends together to celebrate the magical day. Having a traditional dinner is customary in England. They celebrate in ways very similar to the United States like...

Decorating their homes
Sending out Christmas cards and gifts to friends and family
Placing a Christmas tree in their home
Listening to Christmas music
Christmas carols
Christmas services at church
Watching the children preform in plays
Shopping
Enjoying a great dinner together followed by dessert

Every year they also have a live broadcast on the T.V. and radio for all from the Queen herself. The Queen's Christmas Message is a tradition in England that is broadcast during the afternoon. Anther thing that they do is the pulling of the Christmas cracker before dinner on Christmas. A Christmas cracker is a brightly colored tube that is tied at both ends. Inside is a toy, small trinket, party hat or other similar item. It was invented by and English baker in 1846.

Similar to Santa Claus, England's version of him is called Father Christmas. He wears a long red or green robe and leaves presents on Christmas Eve. He leaves the presents underneath the Christmas tree or in stocking hung.

The tradition Christmas dinner in England consists typically of turkey and all the fixings. Dessert is a rich pudding that contains brandy, and they also enjoy mince meat pies and Christmas cakes. Dinner is enjoyed midday and for some it is the after dinner that they then open the gifts.

The day after Christmas in Britain is known as Boxing Day. It is called this because it was once a tradition for the boys to go around and collect money in the box. When the boxes were full the boys would break them open and the money would go to those in need. Now a days however they type service people instead of using the box for collecting money. Boxing day is still a public holiday in Britain and many stores us it to sell their Christmas inventory they still have in stock. They sell the items at a discounted price and often turn Boxing Day into Boxing Week.

So an English Christmas is a day to celebrate your family and friends just as it is the same in the United States. It is an honor of the birth of Jesus and a day where they gather in church to give thanks for everything as well. Christmas is a tradition around the world that reminds us to take the time to show our friends and family that they are appreciated and loved.

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