According to tradition, Christmas in England is a family event. Many people get up early, because during the night Father Christmas (or Santa Claus) has left presents for children. In Britain, Father Christmas comes into the house through the chimney and leaves his little presents in big socks (“Christmas stockings”) which children hang up on Christmas Eve, beside the fire, at the end of the bed or around the tree.
For those who respect the traditional ritual of Christmas Day, after breakfast people put on their best clothes and go to a morning service at church. After church it’s back home to eat Christmas dinner or Christmas lunch, which is eaten around 1 p.m. The two essential elements of Christmas lunch are stuffed turkey and Christmas pudding.
Christmas presents are usually unwrapped either in the morning or after lunch.
A traditional feature of Christmas afternoon is the King’s Christmas Message. At three o’clock in the afternoon, the King gives his Christmas Message to the nation which is broadcast on the radio and television.
These days, while many of the essential traditions are still very much alive and well (Christmas stockings, turkey, pudding, presents), Christmas church services attract fewer people, and new traditions have grown up. For example, watching a movie with family, going to friends or relatives’ houses, or going for a drive or a walk in the park or countryside.
Enjoy Yourselves!
Richard