1. CHRISTMAS Traditions in Great Britain

2. CHRISTMAS Christmas day is on the 25th of December
Christmas day and boxing day (December 26) are traditionally days when families spend time together at home.

3. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Evergreen plants are used as Christmas decorations - the most popular ones being holly, ivy and Poinsettia.

4. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
A WELCOME WRATH of evergreens is placed on front of doors and dates back to roman times when a garland signified good luck

5. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Mistletoe is a plant that grows on the branches of trees.
Victorians bound the mistletoe to make a "kissing ring."
Each time a gentleman caught a lady under the mistletoe, he was allowed to claim a kiss.
When the branches were bare, the kissing had to stop!
It is still customary to kiss someone under the mistletoe

6. THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Evergreen fir trees are usually adorned with lights (as symbols of eternal light and hope) and decorations.
They were made popular in Britain by Queen Victoria’s husband in 1840

7. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
Christmas presents are put under the Christmas Tree and opened on Christmas day.

8. CHRISTMAS CARDS
Christmas (and New Year) cards are given at Christmas time.

9. CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
From 1870 children have hung up Christmas stockings at the ends of their beds or along the mantelpiece

10. The stockings (or sacks) are filled during the night by Father Christmas whilst the children are asleep, ready for Christmas Day

11. Children write letters to Father Christmas to let him know what they want. Usually they "post" these letters a few weeks before Christmas Day by leaving them in the fireplace for Father Christmas to collect

12. FATHER CHRISTMAS
Santa has flying reindeer and a sleigh and travels all the way from Reindeer land in the Frozen North

13. He has to climb down chimneys to bring children toys.

14. So Father Christmas is kept well fed.
Children leave him mince pies and something to drink.
Children also leave carrots or apples for the reindeer.

15. CHRISTMAS DINNER
It is traditional to have turkey with stuffing, sprouts, carrots, peas, and bacon/sausages for Christmas dinner,

16. and Christmas plum pudding and/or mince pies with rum butter for desert

17. The Christmas pudding has brandy poured over it and is lit
The Christmas pudding has brandy poured over it and is lit. The flaming pudding is brought to the dinner table. A coin is often placed in the pudding - bringing "good luck" to the person who finds it

18. CHRISTMAS CRACKER Christmas crackers were invented in London in 1846
Christmas crackers are usually pulled round the dinner table before the meal starts.

19. Christmas crackers have paper hats and small toys.

20. Away in a Manger This is a traditional English Christmas carol

21. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

22. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

23. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there

24. Thank you very much!