Christmas in English—Speaking countries is one of the most important holidays of the year. They prepare for it more carefully than for the New Year. Of course, they celebrate it differently from ours. Most Christian denominations celebrate Christmas according to the old Julian calendar — on December 25 th.
Great Britain USA Canada
In the UK, families most often celebrate Christmas together. Most families have a Christmas Tree (or maybe even two). The decorating of the tree is usually a family occasion, with everyone helping. Children write letters to Santa Claus listing their requests, but sometimes instead of putting them in the post, the letters are tossed into the fireplace. In the UK, the main Christmas Meal is usually eaten at lunchtime or early afternoon. It's normally roast turkey and vegetables like carrots, peas, Brussel sprouts, bacon and sausages. Dessert is often Christmas Pudding. Christmas in the Great Britain
The United States of America has many different traditions and ways that people in celebrate Christmas, because of its multi-cultural nature. The traditional meal for Western European families is turkey or ham with cranberry sauce. Families from Eastern European origins favour turkey with trimmings, cabbage dishes, and soups; and some Italian families prefer lasagna. People in America like to decorate the outsides of their houses with lights and sometimes even statues of Santa Claus, Snowmen and Reindeers. Christmas in the USA
Most Canadians makes installations of special dolls of Mary, Joseph, little Jesus, angels, in front of their homes. Canadians serve roast turkey, vegetables, mashed potatoes and sauces at the holiday table. Canadians' favorite Christmas desserts are plum pudding and fruit cake. Christmas cookies are given to each other as small souvenirs. Canadians call December 26th Boxing Day. On this day, stores offer the biggest discounts on goods, so the whole country goes shopping. Christmas in Canada
Santa Clau s Christmas Tree Holly Mistletoe
Presents Angels Bells Gingerbread Man Christmas Stocking
December 24 is Christmas Eve, a day when many English-speaking people choose to sing Christmas carols. It is customary to decorate houses and streets. It is customary to leave sweets and drinks for Santa Claus or Father Christmas so that he can refresh himself. In England these are pies with dried fruit and brandy, in America biscuits and milk. The Christmas table is a very important attribute of the holiday. Families prepare traditional dishes and gather together to celebrate Christmas. Christmas Traditions
Of course, the main symbol of Christmas is a spruce, pine or fir (Christmas Tree). The tradition of decorating a coniferous tree originated in Germany, and became popular thanks to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria of England and a German by birth.
Bells, candles, figurines of angels and stars, gingerbread men are very popular among Christmas decorations. Christmas Decorations
Christmas crackers in the form of large candies are common in the UK. They usually put some kind of symbolic gift inside (jewelry, small toys, a mini-postcard with a wise quote). It is customary to break firecrackers. Two people are just pulling at different ends of the "candy“.
The Christmas table is a very important attribute of the holiday. Families prepare delicious traditional dishes and gather together in the afternoon or evening to celebrate Christmas. In the UK, it is customary to serve turkey, sausages in bacon and pudding, in the USA — ham, roast beef, sweet pies, marzipan.
Mistletoe The "Christmas mistletoe" or "Kissing Branch" was the main traditional Christmas decoration in England before the spread of the Christmas tree in the second half of the 19th century.
A kiss under a Mistletoe Branch In America, there is an amazing and interesting tradition at Christmas - kissing under a branch of mistletoe. It is believed that this brings love and happiness, and if lovers kiss, then they will definitely get married in the new year.
Christmas is an amazing, kind and joyful holiday. Being in an English—speaking country on Christmas days is a great chance to get to know the traditions better.
Merry Christmas!
