Christmas is Britain's most popular holiday and is characterized by traditions which date back hundreds of years. Many Christmas customs which originated in Britain have been adopted in the United States.
The first ever Christmas card was posted in England in the 1840s, and the practice soon became an established part of the build-up to Christmas.
Christmas decorations in general have even earlier origins. The Christmas tree was
popularised by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, who introduced one to the Royal Household in 1840. Since 1947, the country of Norway has presented Britain annually with a large Christmas tree which stands in Trafalgar Square in commemoration of Anglo-Norwegian cooperation during the Second World War.
Carols are often sung on Christmas Eve by groups of singers to their neighbours, and children hang a stocking on the fireplace or at the foot of their bed for Santa Claus (also named Father Christmas) to fill. Presents for the family are placed beneath the Christmas tree.
Christmas Day sees the opening of presents and many families attend Christmas services at church. Christmas dinner consists traditionally of a roast turkey, goose or chicken with stuffing and roast potatoes. This is followed by mince pies and Christmas pudding flaming with brandy, which might contain coins or lucky charms for children. (The pudding is usually prepared weeks beforehand and is customarily stirred by each member of the family as a wish is made.)
The pulling of Christmas crackers often accompanies food on Christmas Day. Invented by a London baker in 1846, a cracker is a brightly coloured paper tube, twisted at both ends, which contains a party hat, riddle and toy or other trinket. When it is pulled by two people it gives out a crack as its contents are dispersed.
Another traditional feature of Christmas afternoon is the Queen's Christmas Message to the nation, broadcast on radio and television.
The day after Christmas is known in Britain as Boxing Day, which takes its name from a former custom of giving a Christmas Box - a gift of money or food inside a box - to the deliverymen and tradespeople who called regularly during the year. This tradition survives in the custom of tipping the milkman, postman, dustmen and other callers of good service at Christmas time.
Well, Christmas ... The home has great meaning for me. I think we just had when I was really little. When my parents divorced, learned to live with another male person, and I got used to different rhythms, but now that I am aware of things I think Christmas is a false thing, where people who do not speak, people who are upset and even people who insult each other, exchange messages home to wish happiness and the like. I think this is completely unnecessary. There are many people who tell me that at Christmas and we're all sensitive people fall on their conscience and come to say these things, but that does not please me! I can not enjoy Christmas. Well, it was a pleasure to come read the post. Greetings. Assinado: Sílvia Fangueiro 10º MKT
ResponderEliminarAt least you liked the post...
ResponderEliminarOne day you will enjoy Christmas, too. I hope so...
When I have my one family, I think I would enjoy Christmas, when I have my son. Childrens are the life of Cristmas :)
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