Christmas in Great Britain

Created by:Semitko Nikita Form 7 “A”

In Great Britain the hustle and bustle of the season begins well before Christmas and there is barely anytime for a break until the Twelfth night. There is preparation going on of foods, the sending of Christmas cards, the decorating of houses and churches, and the readying of gifts keep everyone busy even the youngest family members.

On Christmas Eve youngsters hang up their stockings on the ends of the beds or by the chimney so that when Father Christmas comes he can leave them something.

On Christmas morning the family traditionally opens their presents and prepares for a big feast which typically is served just after midday.

The table gleams with the best china and glassware, and at every place on the table there is a cracker. The meal begins with a toast, followed by the popping of the crackers. At Christmas dinner, a plum pudding is served with little treasures hidden inside that bring their finders good luck.

After the meal they sit down in front of the Television for the traditional Christmas speech of the British Monarch.

Some churches in Great Britain have a Christingle service. This is a carol service of Scandinavian origin at which every child received an orange and candle wrapped in a red ribbon. The candle represents Jesus and the ribbon stands for the blood of Christ and the love of God embracing the world.

From:http://www.santas.net/britishchristmas.htm

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