Holiday Traditions of England

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in England

Christmas is Britain's most popular holiday and is characterized by traditions that date back hundreds of years. Many Christmas customs that originated in Britain have been adopted in the United States, blending history and festivity into a magical season.

The First Christmas Card

The very first Christmas card was sent in England in the 1840s, and this practice soon became a cherished part of the Christmas tradition. Today, over a billion Christmas cards are sent every year in the United Kingdom, many of which are sold to support charitable causes.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations in England have ancient origins. Holly, ivy, and mistletoe are tied to rituals that date back before the Dark Ages. The custom of kissing beneath mistletoe stems from an ancient pagan tradition. The Christmas tree, however, was popularized by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, when he introduced one to the Royal Household in 1840.

Since 1947, the country of Norway has presented Britain with a large Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar Square in London. This annual gift is a token of gratitude for the Anglo-Norwegian cooperation during the Second World War.

Pantomimes and Carols

Children in England enjoy attending pantomimes during the holiday season. These are lively, song-and-dance dramatizations of well-known fairy tales that often encourage audience participation.

On Christmas Eve, groups of singers may visit their neighbors to sing carols, spreading holiday cheer. Children typically hang stockings on the fireplace or at the foot of their beds for Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, to fill with gifts. Family presents are also placed under the Christmas tree.

Christmas Day Traditions

Christmas Day is marked by the opening of presents and, for many, attending church services. The traditional Christmas dinner often features roast turkey, goose, or chicken with stuffing, along with roast potatoes. For dessert, mince pies and Christmas pudding are served, the latter of which may contain coins or lucky charms for children. The pudding, usually prepared weeks in advance, is customarily stirred by each family member while making a wish.

Later in the day, Christmas cake is enjoyed—this is a rich, fruit-filled cake covered with marzipan, icing, and sugar frosting. Another festive tradition is pulling Christmas crackers, which were invented by a London baker in 1846. These colorful paper tubes contain small gifts, party hats, and jokes or riddles. When pulled, they make a popping sound as their contents are revealed.

The Queen's Christmas Message

A longstanding tradition on Christmas afternoon is watching the Queen's Christmas Message, which is broadcast on radio and television. In this message, the Queen addresses the nation and reflects on the past year, offering words of hope and goodwill.

Boxing Day

The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day in Britain. It gets its name from the old custom of giving a Christmas Box—containing gifts of money or food—to deliverymen and tradespeople who had provided good service throughout the year. This tradition has evolved into the custom of tipping postmen, milkmen, and other service providers around Christmastime.

Of Special Note: Mistletoe

Mistletoe, considered sacred by the British Druids, was believed to possess miraculous powers. Among the Romans, it was a symbol of peace; it was said that when enemies met under mistletoe, they would lay down their arms and declare a truce. This tradition evolved into the modern custom of kissing under the mistletoe, and England was the first country to use mistletoe during the Christmas season.

Holiday Traditions in ENGLAND

Video by Anglophenia

Traditional Recipes From ENGLAND

During the holiday season, English families enjoy a variety of traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. These festive recipes are an essential part of the Christmas celebration, bringing warmth and flavor to the holiday table. Here are a few authentic English holiday recipes:

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1. Roast Turkey with Stuffing

Roast turkey is the centerpiece of many Christmas dinners in England. It’s served with stuffing, gravy, and all the trimmings, making it a delicious and hearty meal to enjoy with family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (about 10-12 lbs)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 lemons, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the stuffing:

• 1 loaf of bread, cubed and slightly stale
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 apple, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey dry and rub the softened butter under the skin. Season generously with salt and pepper inside and out.
2. Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon halves, onion quarters, and rosemary sprigs.
3. For the stuffing, combine the cubed bread, onion, celery, apple, dried cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, melted butter, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss well to combine.
4. Place the stuffing in a buttered baking dish and set aside. (You can also stuff a small amount into the turkey cavity if desired.)
5. Roast the turkey in the oven, basting occasionally, for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. While the turkey is resting, bake the stuffing in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Carve the turkey and serve with the stuffing, gravy, and your favorite sides.

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2. Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding, is a classic English dessert that is rich with dried fruits, spices, and brandy. It is traditionally prepared weeks before Christmas and served flaming with brandy on Christmas Day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup suet (or grated butter)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 1/2 cup mixed peel
• 1 apple, grated
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup dark ale or stout
• 1/4 cup brandy (plus extra for flaming)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the suet (or butter), breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, dried fruit, mixed peel, grated apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. Add the beaten eggs, ale, and brandy, and mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Grease a pudding basin and spoon the mixture into it, pressing down slightly. Cover with a piece of greased parchment paper and foil, securing tightly with string.
4. Steam the pudding by placing the basin in a large pot with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot and steam for 6 hours, checking the water level occasionally and topping up if needed.
5. Once steamed, allow the pudding to cool completely before storing in a cool, dry place. It can be stored for up to several weeks.
6. To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming for another 2 hours. Warm some brandy, pour it over the pudding, and ignite carefully for a dramatic flaming presentation.

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3. Mince Pies

Mince pies are small, sweet pies filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and brandy or rum. These delicious treats are a must-have during the holiday season in England and are often served with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter, diced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the flour and butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and pulse to combine.
2. Mix the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the flour mixture. Pulse until the dough starts to come together. If necessary, add a little more water.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out circles to line the muffin tin and slightly smaller circles for the lids.
6. Fill each pastry case with a spoonful of mincemeat and place a pastry lid on top, pressing the edges to seal.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Allow the pies to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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4. Christmas Crackers

Christmas crackers are a fun and festive part of the English holiday meal. While not edible, they are pulled by two people, making a "crack" sound and revealing small gifts, a paper hat, and a joke or riddle. Crackers add a festive touch to the Christmas table and are a delightful tradition enjoyed by families across England.

Although you can buy Christmas crackers ready-made, making your own adds a personal touch to the holiday. Simply purchase cracker kits, fill them with small treats or trinkets, and decorate with festive paper and ribbons. They're sure to bring joy and laughter to the table!

These traditional English recipes bring the warmth and flavor of the holiday season to your home. Enjoy preparing and sharing these dishes with your loved ones during Christmas celebrations!

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