Christmas Traditions in Britain

English traditions are quite different from Portuguese ones. For instance, English children don´t put shoes near the chimney. They hang stockings to receive Santa Claus presents, sometimes near the chimney, but usually at the foot of their bed. Christmas is a very special date for children.

Now have a look at other Christmas traditions in Britain. First, Christmas food. You usually have roast turkey and brussels sprouts. You pull crackers, too. Youve got jokes, puzzles and paper hats in them. Roast turkeyA crackerBrussels sprouts

Christmas desserts You also eat Christmas cake, and little cakes called mince pies. Then, you have Christmas pudding. Before you eat the pudding, you pour brandy over it. Then you set it alight. Christmas cake Mince pies Christmas pudding

Carol singers Before Christmas Day, some people go into the streets and sing carols. Carols are Christmas songs. The carol singers go from house to house. People often give them money or food.

A popular carol Jingle bells Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh. Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh. Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh, O'er the fields we go, Laughing all the way. Bells on bobtails ring, Making spirits bright. What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight. Oh!

Christmas decorations People decorate their houses with plants, especially holly and mistletoe. If two people stop under a mistletoe branch they must kiss. Holly Mistletoe

The Christmas tree In many homes there is a Christmas tree. You decorate it with angels, candles, bells, balls, stars, lights, presents and snow.

Santa Claus Santa Claus comes from Greenland in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Santa Claus has a long white beard and wears a red suit. He lands on the roofs of houses and comes down the chimney to bring presents for the children.

Christmas cards

The end