Christmas in Scotland

Throughout December families decorate their houses and put up their Christmas trees. Most people buy their Christmas presents, wrap them and put them under the tree.

On Christmas Eve, before they go to bed, children leave out a snack for Santa and his reindeer. Usually milk and a biscuit for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer. Santa will come down the chimney during the night to leave presents so he will probably be hungry.

Children hang a stocking at the bottom of their beds or on the fireplace and Santa fills the stocking with small gifts. He leaves the bigger gifts under the tree.

In the morning we get up early and open all of our gifts. Some people go to visit relatives or go to church.

We have a big dinner on Christmas Day. Traditionally we eat: turkey, roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts, stuffing, carrots, chipolata sausages, cranberry sauce and gravy.

During dinner we pull Christmas crackers. One person holds one end of the cracker and another person holds the other end and then pulls. The cracker makes a loud banging noise when it splits in two. Inside there is a joke, a paper hat and a small toy.

After our huge Christmas dinner we have a special Christmas pudding made of dried fruit and nuts. It also contains lots and lots of alcohol. Some people pour brandy over it and set the brandy alight before serving it.