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The English Christmas season starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, usually around November 27 to December 3. This time is called Advent. People in England mark each Sunday with candles, a wreath or a calendar.
Many of the Christmas traditions in the U.S., Canada, Australia and other English-speaking countries came from England. The tradition of sending Christmas cards to friends and family began in England. Many Christmas carols are originally English. Even the phrase “Merry Christmas” became popular after the English author Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol.
In England, Santa Claus is also known as Father Christmas. He travels to each house on Christmas Eve to fill children’s stockings. He also puts presents under a decorated Christmas tree. English children often leave food for Father Christmas and his reindeer.
On Christmas Day, families have a large dinner of turkey, potatoes and parsnips.
Many families serve Christmas pudding for dessert. Christmas crackers are very
popular at Christmas dinner. Crackers are decorated paper tubes filled with toys, a
paper hat and a joke. Two people pull on each end. When the cracker splits, it makes a loud pop!
Some English families attend church on Christmas Day. Many will listen to the Queen on TV or radio when she gives her Christmas Day speech.
The day after Christmas is also a holiday in England. It is called Boxing Day. Originally, Boxing Day was a time to give servants and other service people a gift. Today, Boxing Day is celebrated with shopping trips and watching sports.
Christmas pudding is also known as plum pudding. It is a traditional English cake.
The first Christmas card was made in England in 1843.