Many of the Christmas traditions around the world originated in the countries of the UK: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
In England, Father Christmas brings joy and cheer during the winter. He has a long white beard and wears a green robe and crown of holly.
Well-known Christmas carols like “Deck the Halls” were first sung in the UK.
The tradition of sending Christmas Cards began in England in 1843. This is a picture of the actual FIRST Christmas Card!
And the hanging of mistletoe is one of their oldest and most popular traditions.
Christmas Crackers were invented in the UK in 1847 & are still a fun part of British Christmas celebrations. These brightly decorated cardboard tubes are pulled apart with a cracking noise. Inside you’ll find a small prize, a joke or riddle, and a paper crown. The tradition of wearing the festive crown dates back to the Saturnalia celebrations in Roman times.
Also, Boxing Day is celebrated in the UK on December 26th. It is traditionally the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a “Christmas box”, from their bosses or employers. Today it is observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Commonwealth nations.
Happy Christmas!
Don’t miss all the Holidays Around the World articles. Merry Christmas! >^..^<
