'Stiff Upper Lip.' This is the lingering stereotype that has defined the British to the rest of the world. One that sees them as stoic and unemotional people, devoid of normal humanity. Of course, this isn't all that true. While the British can be quite steel-faced most of the time, they still are able to show emotion, most especially during the holidays. People from the UK are quite lively when it comes to Christmas, it's one of the happiest days of the year here. And if you want to join in on their fun, you might want to learn more about their traditions for this holiday.
Stockings By The Bed
Santa Claus is probably one of the few holiday icons that most, if not all of the world know. Even countries that don't celebrate Christmas know about him or, at least, what he looks like. And different countries have
different traditions of anticipating his arrival. In the UK, for instance, they hang their stockings up. Now, you might be thinking, 'what's so unique about that? Other countries do that too!' Well, while other countries hang their stockings by the fireplace, the kids in the UK hang theirs by the foot of their bed. As they sleep soundly on Christmas night, little do they know Santa Claus is already filling up their stockings with loads of goodies.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Popping Open The Crackers
Loud noises are often reserved for welcoming the New Year but the Brits don't mind celebrating Christmas with a bang. Or rather, a pop! In this country, popping open a cracker is one of the more unique traditions they have. A cracker is a big foil-wrapped candy-shaped paper tube with all sorts of goodies inside. It has a string by one of the ends that you pull in order to pop it open. It's like a mini—and safer—firecracker of sorts. And the best part? All the candies, gifts, and other sorts of goodies inside. It's quite a delightful surprise!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoying Some Mid-Day Dinner
Even in a country like the UK, a feast remains essential for celebrating the holidays. And while other countries serve their best holiday food for dinner, the British enjoy theirs mid-day. And boy, what a feast it is! Think a big roasted goose that practically fills up most of the dinner table. Or a heavenly serving of Shepherd’s Pie. What about some mouthwatering Yorkshire pudding dripping with creamy custard? Or an English Trifle with all sorts of wonderful flavors in each delectable layer! Fortunately, you can just as easily prepare and serve these English dishes at home, even if that's on in the UK!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Having Afternoon Tea
Despite enjoying a mid-day Christmas feast, the British will never forget the afternoon tea. Most of the time, they simply serve them with the feast so that the warm and light beverage will help them gulp all of the food down. Other times, they'd serve it separately, as a sort of after-meal quencher to ensure their full stomachs don't go awry. Whichever it is, there's nothing more British than having afternoon tea. And while you might not be able to go to
London's best tea houses or Machester's most delectable cafes, you can still serve and enjoy tea at home on Christmas!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Wearing A Crown
The Brits are known for their royals, right? The British Royal Family are part of what fascinates many people about the UK. However, during Christmas, one of
the country's biggest holidays, everyone gets to be a royal! Or at least, look like one! An adorable British Christmas tradition is to wear a paper crown during the holiday. More often than not, one can already be found in a cracker and you wear them right after popping one open. Or, you can easily make one yourself. It is, after all, just gold foil cut into a crown. It's one of the easier
London-inspired arts & crafts projects you and your kids can make.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Watching the Royal Christmas Message
Speaking of the Royal Family, the Queen herself is part of many British families' annual traditions for Christmas. Like clockwork, the reigning monarch, which is Queen Elizabeth II today, gives a special Christmas speech to all of the UK. It's mostly to give the people a warm holiday greeting as well as to reflect on what the country has gone through in the past year. Most people stop what they're doing and tune in to TV just to see and listen to their sovereign. Fortunately, the Queen's Christmas Speech is often telecast live on the international news network,
BBC. So you can still watch it even if you're not in the UK.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Shopping During Boxing Day
Finally, right after Christmas, on December 26, the UK celebrates what’s known as 'Boxing Day.' It's a special holiday that gives people an extra free day to spend with friends and family. Apart from hearing mass or attending special holiday services, most of what people do is to shop! Among many others, the British have come to know 'Boxing Day' for its aFter-Christmas sales. Most stores and retailers mark their prices even lower to rid of the extra supplies that weren’t bought during the holiday shopping season. And since you’re not exactly encouraged to go out to malls during this time, there are still online stores to shop at!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The British have, surprisingly, some of the most fun and most surprising Christmas traditions. From wearing a crown to popping open some crackers, you'd be surprised at how festive they can get during Christmas. It is, after all, the happiest time of the year!
Of course, if you're already in the UK, you might as well spend Christmas in a
luxury home, right?
