Dear Anglophiles: With the holiday season in full swing, your thoughts, like mine, may be drifting across the pond, leaving you wondering about British Christmas traditions. Just what are they, and where did they come from?
Like in the US, Britain’s most popular traditions include a Christmas tree, gift-giving, hanging stockings, and a special dinner, typically with family and/or close friends. Other traditions, both here and across the pond, include sending Christmas cards (though I think that may be a dying tradition . . . Thanks, Internet), attending church, and singing Christmas carols. But what traditions in the US and the UK differ?
Three traditions, unique to the UK, stand out: the annual Queen’s Christmas message, “Christmas crackers,” and dinner foods—especially desserts.
Like in the US, Britain’s most popular traditions include a Christmas tree, gift-giving, hanging stockings, and a special dinner, typically with family and/or close friends. Other traditions, both here and across the pond, include sending Christmas cards (though I think that may be a dying tradition . . . Thanks, Internet), attending church, and singing Christmas carols. But what traditions in the US and the UK differ?
Three traditions, unique to the UK, stand out: the annual Queen’s Christmas message, “Christmas crackers,” and dinner foods—especially desserts.
1. THE QUEEN’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
The annual “Queen’s Christmas message” (or “King’s Christmas message,” depending on the gender of the reigning monarch) is a tradition started in 1932, when King George V addressed his empire in a radio broadcast on Christmas day, urging people to work for peace and to seek “prosperity without self-seeking.” (Sound advice yet today, I dare say!)
Since 1952, the queen has delivered the Christmas message. This year, her message is expected to last about 10 minutes and to air in Britain on television at 3 pm, on BBC1, ITV, Sky 1, and Sky News—as well as on BBC Radio 4.
All right, history buffs, here is the Queen’s very first Christmas message in 1952!
The annual “Queen’s Christmas message” (or “King’s Christmas message,” depending on the gender of the reigning monarch) is a tradition started in 1932, when King George V addressed his empire in a radio broadcast on Christmas day, urging people to work for peace and to seek “prosperity without self-seeking.” (Sound advice yet today, I dare say!)
Since 1952, the queen has delivered the Christmas message. This year, her message is expected to last about 10 minutes and to air in Britain on television at 3 pm, on BBC1, ITV, Sky 1, and Sky News—as well as on BBC Radio 4.
All right, history buffs, here is the Queen’s very first Christmas message in 1952!
And here is the Queen’s Christmas message last year, in 2016. Compare the messages!
2. CHRISTMAS CRACKERS
A “Christmas cracker” is a small, decorated, cardboard tube that breaks apart with a snap, revealing a small prize inside—usually a paper crown or hat or a trinket of some kind. (Think: Cracker Jack prize—if anyone still remembers what those are!) Two people, each pulling on different ends, cause the cracker to break unevenly, and whoever gets the larger piece wins the prize inside. Or, more equitably, each person keeps the prize inside his or her own cracker regardless of who breaks off the larger piece. (Whoo-hoo for equality! Who wants to walk away on Christmas with no cracker prize?!)
As you undoubtedly know, the dear Duchess of Cambridge (the former Kate Middle), Prince William’s wife, comes from the family that owns Party Pieces, a very successful party-supply company in Britain. Click below to see the Christmas crackers offered by Party Pieces in their online store.
3. CHRISTMAS DINNER
The British Study Centres (a group of English language schools) determined that the follow foods are the 10 most common for Christmas dinner in the UK. (There are, however, slight regional variances amongst the menus in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
* Turkey
* Stuffing
* Gravy
* Roasted potatoes
* Cranberry sauce
* Brussels sprouts
* Yorkshire pudding
* Trifle
* Mince pies
* Pigs in Blankets
About half of these foods sounds very familiar to American ears, right? If you're unsure what the more unusual items are, check out Anglophiles United's food glossary, below.
Similar to the US, villages and towns across the UK decorate with holiday lights, a tradition popular in Nordic and other countries too, to brighten the extra long days with cheerful twinkling. London's Oxford Street, a major shopping area, is renowned for its lights, and each year, a different celebrity is invited to switch them on. (This year, on November 7, Rita Ora had the honor.) Below is a video of Oxford Street all lit up!
In fact, much of London is ablaze with lights at this time of year. Check out this video of sites all around central London:
If you read about Christmas traditions around the world, you soon realize how countries, far and wide, have adopted customs or foods or drinks from each other—and Britain is no different. The UK has borrowed from countries as far-flung as the Middle East and Mexico.
Here is an interesting article from The Telegraph pointing out the countries of origin of Britain’s most common Christmas traditions.
HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL THOSE WHO STOP BY ANGLOPHILES UNITED! I APPRECIATE YOU GREATLY!
~ Zella
~ Zella
