Christmas Day, December 25, is probably the most popular holiday in Great Britain. It is a family holiday. Traditionally all relatives and friends give each other presents. So, before Christmas all the department stores and shops are crowded, everyone is choosing a present.

In general, people get prepared for this holiday very carefully. They decorate their houses in the traditional way. Christmas trees are set up in houses, in the streets and churches. They are always decorated with fairy lights, angels and small toys. In addition, little packets with nuts, candies and special biscuits are hung on the tree. Presents are put around the tree and artificial “frost” is scattered over the branches.

The Germans are believed to be the first to use the Christmas tree in their celebrations and Martin Luther was the first to place a star on the top of the tree. This star represents the star appeared over the stable in which Christ was born.

In Great Britain, the Christmas tree became popular while Queen Victoria ruled the country.

Besides the Christmas tree, holly and mistletoe are used to decorate the house. Branches of holly are put up behind pictures and mistletoe is hung over doors, so the young people have a chance to kiss the girls under it, plucking each time a red berry from the mistletoe. It is said that the girl who was not kissed under it at Christmas would not get married that year.

On the eve of Christmas children hang their stockings, so that Santa Claus could put presents into them: oranges, sweets, nuts and if the child didn't behave properly Santa Claus can put there a piece of coal as punishment.

Santa Claus got his name from a man known as St. Nicholas, who lived in the fourth century. He gave his wealth to the poor and often to children. After he died, the Dutch brought this legend to colonial America. Soon the Dutch name Sinter Klaus became Santa Claus.

Carol singing is an essential part of Christmas. No church or school is without its carol service. Carols may be traditional or with some variations that express different feelings. Carols were used for the first time during Christmas in the fifteenth century.

Usually children come around in the evening to the front doors and start singing carols and people who live in these houses give children candies, nuts, pies and so on, to thank them for carol singing.

A typical Christmas lunch includes turkey with cranberry sauce and pudding. Every young woman in each household helps to stir the Christmas pudding, if she wishes to be married that year. Usually a coin or two are hidden inside the pudding and part of the fun is to see who finds it.

After the lunch they go to the sitting room to listen to the Christmas speech of the Queen, shown on TV.

So, Christmas is a merry family holiday for all the people of Great Britain. Christmas comes but once a year.

How Christmas is celebrated in Britain

December 25th, Christmas Day, is probably the most popular holiday in the UK. This is a family holiday. Traditionally, all relatives and friends give each other gifts. So, before Christmas, all department stores and shops are crowded, everyone is choosing a gift.

In general, people prepare for this holiday very carefully. They decorate their houses in a traditional way. Christmas trees are placed in buildings, streets and churches. They are always decorated with fairy lights, angels and little toys, as well as little bags of nuts, candies and Christmas biscuits. Gifts are placed around the tree, and artificial snow is scattered along its branches.

The Germans are believed to be the first to use the Christmas tree in their celebrations; Martin Luther was the first to decorate the top of the tree with a star. This star symbolizes the star that appeared over the stable in which Christ was born.

In Great Britain, the Christmas tree became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria.

In addition to the Christmas tree, holly and mistletoe are used to decorate the home. Holly branches are hung behind pictures and mistletoe is on doors, so that the young man has a chance to kiss the girl every time she plucks a red mistletoe berry. It is believed that a girl who is not kissed under the mistletoe at Christmas will not get married that year.

On Christmas Eve, children hang their stockings so that Santa Claus can put gifts in them: oranges, candies, nuts, and if a child misbehaves, Santa Claus can put a piece of coal in the stocking as punishment.

Santa Claus gets his name from a man known as St. Nicholas, who lived in the fourth century. He often made donations to the poor and very often to children. After he died, this legend was brought by the Danes to colonial America. Soon the Dutch name "Sinter Kluas" became Santa Claus.

Caroling is an important part of Christmas There is not a single church or school that does not sing a Christmas carol. A Christmas carol can be traditional or with some variations to express different feelings. The Christmas song first appeared in the fifteenth century.

According to tradition, in the evening, children come to the front doors and begin to sing; people living in these houses, in order to thank them for singing, give the children lollipops, nuts, pies, and so on.

A typical Christmas dinner includes turkey, cranberry sauce and pudding. Every young woman, if she wishes to get married this year, helps make the Christmas pudding. Usually they hide a couple of coins in the pudding and wait impatiently to see who will find these coins.

After breakfast, everyone goes into the living room to listen to the Queen's Christmas speech on TV.

So Christmas is a fun family holiday for all the people of Great Britain. Christmas only comes once a year.

Skurikhina Anastasia. Egorkinsky school, Egorkino, Shumerlinsky district, Chuvash Republic, Russia
Essay in English with translation. Nomination People and society.

Christmas in England

Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December in England. The shops are open every day and there are beautiful Christmas trees and decorations in the windows. People go out and buy presents. There are a lot of nice things in the shops, so you can find very good presents.

There is a Christmas tree there in every house and the family decorate it together. In the evening they drink hot chocolate by the Christmas tree and talk about Christmas miracles. Children write letters to Santa Claus. In the letters they tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas and promise to be good in the coming year.

On Christmas Day the whole family is together. In the morning of the 25th of December children find a lot of presents in their stockings. Then the family has Christmas dinner. There is always a turkey and Christmas pudding on the table. I Like this holiday.

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in England. The shops are open every day and have beautiful Christmas trees and decorations on display. People go and buy gifts. There are a lot of good things in the stores, so you can find very good gifts.

Every home has a Christmas tree and the family decorates it together. In the evening they drink hot chocolate by the Christmas tree and talk about Christmas miracles. The boys write letters to Santa Claus. The letters tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas and promise to be good next year.

On Christmas Day the whole family is together. On the morning of December 25th, the children find many gifts in their stockings. Then the family eats Christmas dinner. There is always turkey and Christmas pudding on the table. I like this one

If you have heard about England as a damp, cloudy, rainy and dull place, then you should visit this state at the height of the Christmas holidays. It becomes a real wonderland. The English are turning from prim and practical into generous and cheerful, a festive mood reigns in every home, and even the weather tries to play along with people - as a rule, on December 24 and 25 there is a slight frost and fluffy snow flakes fly by. Celebrating Christmas in England is a real fairy tale associated with interesting customs, traditions, and history. We'll talk about this today.

A little history

Preparation for the celebration

How Christmas is celebrated in England, what traditions and symbols there are, we will look at below. To begin with, it should be said that official preparations (Advent) begin a month before the main holiday. On this pre-Christmas fast, you can hear from every resident the phrase: “Have a Happy Holiday Season,” which literally translates as “Happy holiday season.” Such a greeting itself says that Christmas in England is not a matter of one or two days. For example, many families prepare so-called Advent calendars in advance. The product consists of 24 “days”, behind each there is a small door, and there is a small poem dedicated to the holiday. Every day you can only open the door that corresponds to the current date. Children really like these symbols of Christmas in England - they happily count down to the brightest and most memorable holiday. During this period, houses are also decorated and other attributes for the upcoming event are made. However, let's talk about everything in order.

Candles

Many Christmas symbols in England are not made and used on December 25th, but during the official preparations. The same applies to wreaths with candles. The product itself is made of juniper and 4 candles are inserted into it around the circumference - 3 purple and 1 pink. The very first of them is lit 4 weeks immediately before the holiday. Every subsequent Sunday, one purple candle is lit in homes - a symbol of the liturgical shade of fasting. The pink one is allowed to be activated only on the third Sunday. This is a symbol of the fact that the joyful coming of Christ into this world will soon take place. But on December 25, the wreath is “headed” by the fifth candle - white. What everyone had been waiting for for so long happened. As we see, people prepare for the holiday in advance; they reverently await a day like Christmas in England. The photos posted in our article will allow you to feel all the extraordinary atmosphere that reigns not only in every home, but also in the soul of every person.

The ringing of bells

Have you ever wondered why the doors of many houses are decorated with wreaths or items with bells on them? Christmas in England is impossible without this attribute. This tradition dates back to the pagan winter holidays. At that time, it was believed that when winter comes, the Sun and Earth die, and in their place an evil spirit comes and tries to dominate. To drive him away, it was necessary to make any loud sounds - scream, sing, just make noise. Many similar Christmas traditions in England are still strong today. But today the Birth of Christ is marked by the ringing of bells. The custom exists not only in England, but here it symbolizes the greeting of Christ and the ringing for the dead devil.

There's no Christmas without a tree

Christmas traditions in England have appeared over the years. For example, the first Christmas tree was installed as a symbol of the holiday here back in the 30s of the 19th century. This custom gained real popularity in 1841, when Prince Albert and Queen Victoria presented a luxurious Christmas tree as a gift to children. Today it is installed in almost every home, and the top is crowned with a silver star or fairy. By the way, there is a very interesting sign here - exactly 12 days after Christmas, all toys, garlands, and decorations should be hidden until the next holidays, otherwise the year promises complete failure.

Mistletoe branch and other vegetation

The pictures will show you how beautiful these attributes look. Christmas in England is invariably associated with decorating the house with sprigs of holly, ivy, etc. This symbolizes the will of a person, his desire to hold on to the Almighty to receive strength and support. And mistletoe branches are usually hung in doorways. There is a tradition according to which a man and a woman, meeting under such vegetation, must kiss. In addition, the symbol also has mystical properties. It is believed that such decorations drive out all evil spirits and bring happiness to the house.

Christmas log

It was used many years before the appearance of the Christmas tree. Such a log was prepared a year before the holiday. They chose a large tree in the forest, cut it down, removed the branches and left it there all year. At Christmas, only the head of the family had the right to bring a log cut from this tree into the house. Now it was necessary to treat him very carefully and attentively. The log was watered with wine, honey, and sprinkled with grain. Then they threw it into the hearth and set it on fire. The wood had to burn for 12 nights and days. It was believed that the resulting ash had magical properties - it protected against evil spirits and treated diseases. They wore it in bags around their necks and scattered it around their home. Today in England such a log has been replaced by a thick candle. The more sparks the head of the family sees from her, the happier the year will be.

What is served at the table?

We continue to look at how Christmas is celebrated in England. A festive dinner with the family is the culmination of the entire celebration. To have a better idea of ​​this moment, take a look at the pictures. Christmas in England is always a rich table, because whatever it is, it will be like that all year. On this day, they serve special Christmas bread, baked according to unique recipes. It is decorated with greenery and ritual patterns. And when the product is cut into pieces, not only everyone present should taste the delicacy, but also the beggars, to whom they then give a good share of the bread, and the birds and domestic animals. A button, a ring, and bean grains are baked in such a product, and then they tell fortunes. If you got a ring in a piece - for marriage, a button - for poverty, beans - for success and happiness.

Christmas in England always means roast turkey with vegetables and pudding. Candied fruits and dried fruits are added to the latter, and before serving to everyone present, it is doused with cognac or rum and set on fire. What a spectacle! If you ever celebrate Christmas in England, be sure to save the photo so that you can later tell everyone about such glorious and unusual traditions.

Stockings and Santa Claus

When Christianity was introduced, the tradition of giving gifts on this day was associated with the presentation of gifts to little Jesus by the magicians of the East. That is why gifts are most often prepared for children. And the kind and red-cheeked Santa Claus, a grandfather with a white beard, in a red high hat and a fur coat of the same color, delivers them to the kids. On Christmas Eve, children hang stockings or socks over the fireplace, and in return they always leave pie, milk, cookies for the “Christmas grandfather”, and carrots for the reindeer from his team. Otherwise, you won’t see any gifts!

Christingle and candy cane

Christingle is a traditional Christmas product not only in England, but throughout the UK. The name translates as “Light of Christ.” To create such an attribute, they take an orange (that is, a round world), clean out the middle, and put a candle there (it lights the way, as the love of the Lord does). Then the orange is decorated with a red ribbon (a symbol of blood) and 4 sticks are stuck into it, which “look” in all directions.

The candy cane is another symbol of Christmas. As a rule, it is a white sweet with red stripes and a mint or cinnamon flavor. The caramel is made in the shape of the letter J (Jesus). All children receive such sweets from their parents for the holidays.

Gifts and Boxing Day

As we have already said, Santa Claus brings gifts to children. But how does the child notify him of their desires? Christmas in England also means traditional writing of letters containing all the child's requests. The letter is thrown into the fireplace and burned. It is believed that the smoke carries all the words to the addressee. Gifts in England are given to all family members not randomly, but according to a pre-cast lot.

The British love not so much to receive gifts as to give them. During such holidays, they forget about thrift and practicality, one might even say they become wasteful. However, this only applies to relatives. For this occasion, in England there are special Christmas loans from banks, because not everyone has enough cash to make the dreams of a loved one come true. This is how Christmas is celebrated in England - many nations might even envy it!

And December 26 is the second day of the celebration, dedicated to St. Stephen. In England, a few days before the holiday, large boxes and donation boxes are installed in front of churches, and on Boxing Day they are opened and the contents are distributed to the poor and all those in need.

How Christmas is celebrated in England

This holiday in today's England is the most commercial event, thanks to which all sellers and directors of shopping centers and supermarkets “eat” safely and without problems for the next year. Since the end of September, residents have been “attacked” from all sides with catalogs, booklets with all kinds of discounts, promotions, and sales.

Advertisements for goods and services do not disappear from TV screens; kilograms of relevant coupons and flyers are sent by mail. However, the main thing is that behind all this commercial tinsel, the majority of the population still does not forget about the true origin of the holiday, its purpose.

On Christmas Eve, a huge number of people go to Trafalgar Square, where the largest Christmas tree in England is erected. There are performances for children and adults, songs, dances, pantomimes, and fairs.

Christmas sales

All stores begin to prepare for this time in September-October. Buyers can truly expect the most significant discounts of the year. The display cases are gradually filled with souvenirs and holiday attributes - angels, deer, Christmas tree garlands, etc. However, do not forget that the real discounts will begin immediately after Christmas, when you no longer need to buy anything in a crazy hurry, but you can take a good look at everything and ask the price, visit various retail outlets. If you ever decide to spend Christmas in this unique country, you will never regret it. You have never seen so many traditions and customs!

However, always value the traditions of your people, respect their history and customs!

In Great Britain Christmas is celebrated on the 25th th of December. It is one of the most important public holidays. The Queen gives her Christmas message which is broadcast on television, radio and the Internet.

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree – a traditional gift from the people of Norway – is displayed in Trafalgar Square.

Decorations in the city

Shops and shopping centers put up Christmas lights and decorations as millions of people in Britain do the Christmas shopping. Christmas services are held in churches and Carol singers perform in the streets and public places, raising money for charity.

Indoor Christmas decorations

People decorate their homes at Christmas. They put up lights and illuminated Christmas figures outside their houses. Rooms are usually decorated with garlands, candles, wreaths and different Christmas plants such as mistletoe, holly and red amaryllis.

In the living room people put up a Christmas tree which is traditionally decorated with lights, bells, candy canes and tinsel. Beautifully packed presents are put under the Christmas tree. The traditional colors of decorations are green, red and gold.

Christmas dinner

At most Christmas families come together for a dinner. A traditional Christmas meal in Britain includes roast turkey with potatoes and vegetables with special desserts such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and traditional fruit cake. Coins which are usually added to the cake are believed to bring good luck to anyone who reveals them.

One of the main holidays

In Great Britain, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. This is one of the most important public holidays. The Queen reads out her Christmas message, which is broadcast on television, radio and the Internet.

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is installed in Trafalgar Square - a traditional gift from the people of Norway.

Decorations in the city

Shops and shopping centers are usually decorated with lights and garlands as millions of Britons shop on Christmas Eve. Churches hold Christmas services, choirs sing Christmas carols on the streets and in public places, raising money for charity.

Home decorations

People decorate their houses for Christmas. Glowing garlands are hung outside and illuminated figures are placed. The rooms are typically decorated with garlands, candles, wreaths and various Christmas plants such as mistletoe, holly and red amaryllis.

A Christmas tree is placed in the living room, which is traditionally decorated with lights, bells, candy canes and tinsel. Beautifully wrapped gifts are placed under the tree. Traditional colors for Christmas decorations are green, red and gold.

Christmas dinner

Most families get together for Christmas dinner. In the UK, Christmas is traditionally served with roast turkey, potatoes and vegetables and special desserts - pies, Christmas pudding and traditional fruit cake. Coins are often added to Christmas cake batter as they are believed to bring good luck.

Christmas Day is the holiday in Great Britain. It is a family holiday. Traditionally all friends give each other presents. Before Christmas all shops and supermarkets are crowded, everyone wants to buy a present.

People decorate their houses in the traditional way. Christmas trees are usually put up in houses. They are always decorated with light and angels. Little packets with nuts and candies are hung on the tree.

The Germans believe that they were the first, who started celebrating Christmas and Martin Luther was the first, who put a tar on a top of a Christmas tree.

I love this Holiday. When I was a little girl, I believe at Santa Claus. I always write letters to Santa Claus. Now, I don`t believe at Santa Claus, but I love this holiday.

On the Eve of the Christmas children hang their stockings, so that Santa Claus could put presents into them.

Santa Claus was a person whose name was St. Nicolas, who always gave presents to poor children. After he died, the Germans brought this legend to America. Soon, St. Nicholas became Santa Claus.

Carol singing is a traditional part of Christmas. In the evening children come to the door of a house and sing for a person who lives in this house. Then he or she gives children nuts and candies. If I live in Great Britain, I will sing that songs too.

So, Christmas is a lovely holiday for all the people in Great Britain. I love this wonderful holiday. Christmas is my lovely holiday in the world. I think that people in our world love this fantasticholiday too.

Translation:

Christmas is a holiday in Great Britain. This is a family holiday. Traditionally, all friends give each other gifts. Before Christmas, all department stores and shops are crowded, everyone wants to choose a gift.

People decorate their houses in the traditional way. Christmas trees are usually at home. They are always decorated with lights and angels. Small bags of nuts and candies hang on the Christmas tree.

The Germans believe that they are the first people to celebrate Christmas, and Martin Luther was the first to decorate the top of the tree with a star.

I love this ancestor.

When I was a little girl, I believed in Santa Claus. I always wrote letters to him. Now, I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I love this holiday.

On Christmas Eve, children hang up their stockings so that Santa Claus can place his gifts in them.

Santa Claus got his name from the man known as Saint Nicholas, who gave gifts to poor children. After his death, this legend was brought to America by the Germans. Soon Saint Nicholas became Santa Claus.

Christmas carols are an important part of Christmas. In the evening, children come to the house and sing, and in gratitude, the people living in it give them nuts and sweets. If I lived in the UK, I would sing Christmas songs with the guys.

So Christmas is the favorite holiday of all people in Great Britain. I love this wonderful holiday. Christmas is my favorite holiday in the world. I think people from all over the world also love this holiday.

Saidova Polina