Christmas in the United Kingdom: Tradition and Culture -

Abstract

Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most significant celebrations in the United Kingdom. It serves as a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, and reflect on the past year. While the holiday has ancient roots tied to pagan and Christian traditions, it has evolved into a multifaceted celebration that showcases a mixture of customs from various cultures. Families in the United Kingdom often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents. Most families have a Christmas Tree in their house. The decoration of the tree is usually a family task, with everyone helping, the tree should look decorated and lighted. Christmas Trees were brought to the UK by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Prince Albert was German, and thought that it would be good to use one of his ways of celebrating Christmas in England. Most villages, towns and cities are decorated with Christmas lights over Christmas. Often a famous person switches them on. The most famous Christmas lights in the UK are in Oxford Street in London. Every year they get bigger and better. Thousands of people go to watch the big ‘switch on’ around the beginning of November.

Christmas in the United Kingdom is a season of rich traditions, vibrant celebrations, and social gatherings that reflect a blend of historic customs and modern-day practices. From unique culinary delights to traditional décor, the festive period offers a comprehensive glimpse into British culture and society. This paper explores various aspects of Christmas in the UK, including its historical origins, significant customs, contemporary practices, and regional variations.

Historical Background

The celebration of Christmas dates back to the early days of Christianity, with the establishment of December 25th as the birth date of Jesus Christ. The spread of Christianity throughout the UK during the Roman and medieval periods helped to solidify Christmas as a key religious festival. Pagan winter solstice celebrations significantly influenced Christmas traditions, introducing elements like holly, ivy, and feasting.

By the Victorian era, Christmas saw a resurgence in popularity, driven by figures such as Charles Dickens, whose novel “A Christmas Carol” emphasized themes of charity, family, and community, contributing to a more sentimental view of the holiday. These influences shaped the modern Christmas celebration seen in the UK today.

Key Customs and Practices

Decorations

Christmas decorations in the UK are an essential part of the holiday atmosphere. Houses are adorned with Christmas lights, wreaths, and garlands, while Christmas trees, often adorned with baubles and tinsel, are central to many homes. The practice of hanging stockings by the fireplace for Santa Claus is also prevalent, with children eagerly anticipating the gifts that will be found within on Christmas morning.

In the UK, it doesn’t snow very often, but people always want to know if it will be a ‘White Christmas’. The British definition, used by the UK Meteorological Office (who say if it has been a White Christmas in the UK or not!), is that a single snow flake has been seen falling in the 24 hours of Christmas Day! This doesn’t happen a lot in the UK!!! You can find out more on the UK’s ‘Met Office’ site… (goes to another site)

One sure way of getting some snow into Christmas in the UK is by watching the popular cartoon ‘The Snowman’, which is about a boy’s adventure when his snowman comes to life. The animation was first shown on UK TV on Boxing Day in 1982. It’s based on story book of the same name by the children’s author and illustrator Raymond Briggs. For many families, it’s now a ‘must watch’ over Christmas. In the animation, it was sung by Peter Auty, a choir boy at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. However, the song became very famous in 1985 when it was used in a Christmas TV advert for the ‘Toys “R” Us’ chain in the UK. This time, it was sung by a choir boy called Aled Jones. The song has been recorded by lots of different people and groups and is now a real UK ‘Christmas classic’!.

Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner is often a lavish affair, featuring a roast turkey as the centerpiece, accompanied by stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables, and, traditionally, Brussel sprouts. Dessert typically consists of a rich Christmas pudding, often doused in brandy and set alight for a dramatic presentation. Mince pies, made with spiced fruit filling, are also a seasonal staple, enjoyed throughout the festive season.

In the UK, the main Christmas Meal is usually eaten at lunchtime or early afternoon on Christmas Day. It’s normally roast turkey, roast vegetables and ‘all the trimmings’ which means vegetables like carrots & peas, stuffing and sometimes bacon and sausages. It’s often served with cranberry sauce and bread sauce. Traditionally, and before turkey was available, roast beef or goose was the main Christmas meal. One vegetable that is often at Christmas in the UK are brussel sprouts.

Trifle is also a popular dessert at Christmas. It’s made in a large bowl and consists of a layer of sponge cake (or sponge fingers) at the bottom of the bowl (which is often soaked in sherry or brandy) then there’s a layer of fruit (normally suspended in a fruit flavored jelly) and it’s topped with a layer of custard and then whipped cream. In Scotland there’s a variation called ‘Tipsy Laird’ which uses whiskey to soak the sponge and the fruit are raspberries.

Carols and Music

Caroling is a cherished tradition, with groups of singers visiting homes and local communities to spread festive cheer. Classic Christmas carols such as “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells” are commonly sung, with many attending church services on Christmas Eve to participate in traditional hymns. The BBC’s “Carols from King’s” broadcast from King’s College, Cambridge, is a beloved annual event that draws viewers across the nation.

There are some customs that only take place, or were started, in the UK. Wassailing is an old anglo-saxon custom that doesn’t take place much today. Boxing Day is a very old custom that started in the UK and is now taken as a holiday in many countries around the world.

At 3.00pm on Christmas Day, the Royal Christmas Message is broadcast on TV, radio and online in the UK. The tradition of a Royal Christmas Message started in 1932 by King George V. Queen Elizabeth II gave her first Christmas Message in 1952. It was first broadcast on TV in 1957. The speech is now pre-recorded a few days before Christmas. It’s actually broadcast first in New Zealand and Australia (at about 5am UK time) as they start Christmas Day earlier!

Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is a central part of Christmas celebrations in the UK. Many families participate in the tradition of exchanging presents on Christmas morning, with children excitedly unwrapping gifts left by Santa Claus. The practice has evolved, with many opting for “Secret Santa” exchanges within workplaces and friend groups, adding a modern twist to the tradition.

Children believe that Father Christmas or Santa Claus leaves presents in stockings or pillow-cases. These are normally hung up by the fire or by the children’s beds on Christmas Eve. Children sometimes leave out mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas to eat and drink when he visits them.

Regional Variations

While there are common customs across the UK, regional variations add richness to the celebration of Christmas. In Scotland, the celebration of Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) often overshadows Christmas, which was historically less emphasized due to Protestant Reformation influences. Conversely, in Wales, Christmas is marked by the “Plygain,” a traditional service involving singing in the early hours of Christmas Day.

In Northern Ireland, the mixture of cultural influences from both British and Irish traditions sees a unique celebration style, where the occasion blends merriment with reflection on peace and community. The diversity of customs across different regions enhances the overall tapestry of Christmas celebration within the UK.

Contemporary Influences and Future Trends

In recent years, Christmas in the UK has witnessed transformations influenced by global culture and commercialism. The rise of online shopping has altered traditional retail practices, leading to the phenomenon of Black Friday sales. Additionally, the influence of American culture has introduced new customs, such as the increased popularity of themed Christmas parties and extravagant decorations.

Environmental awareness has also impacted contemporary Christmas practices, with a growing emphasis on sustainability. More families are opting for eco-friendly decorations, conscientious gift-giving, and locally-sourced food for their Christmas dinners.

Conclusion

Christmas in the United Kingdom is a celebration that encapsulates a variety of traditions and practices, interwoven through centuries of history. From its origins steeped in religious and pagan customs to modern adaptations influenced by global cultures, Christmas offers a rich tapestry of celebration that resonates with people across the nation. As society continues to evolve, so too will the practices associated with this beloved holiday, ensuring that Christmas remains a significant and cherished time of year for generations to come.

References

Dickens, Charles. A Christmas Carol. Chapman & Hall, 1843.
Oborne, Peter. “A British Christmas: Traditions, Customs, and Foods.” The Journal of British Cultural Studies, vol. 18, no. 2, 2023, pp. 145-162.
Roberts, Sam. “Christmas in Wales: From Plygain to Presents.” Welsh Historical Review, vol. 9, no. 1, 2022, pp. 83-101.

BBC News. “The Growing Trend for Sustainable Christmases.” BBC, December 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news