We all know that Christmas is the most beloved and popular holiday in the UK. Long before December 25th, the British begin actively preparing for this holiday. Since the UK is a country that combines different countries, traditions vary slightly. In this article, you will learn about the most interesting English Christmas traditions.

As mentioned earlier, preparations for Christmas begin exactly one month before it. This is also connected to the ritual of the Advent wreath. Four candles are woven into this wreath, and each Sunday they are lit, one at a time. This means that the closer the holiday gets, the brighter the house becomes.

As for decorations, in addition to all sorts of garlands, candles, ornaments, tinsel, and other such things, evergreens such as ivy, mistletoe, juniper, and holly play an important role. The Christmas tree, which is erected annually in Trafalgar Square, is brought from Norway. This tradition has survived since World War II as a sign of gratitude to the British for their assistance.

And when Christmas itself arrives, the whole family gathers around the festive table. Traditionally, before the feast, a “Christmas Cracker” is set off. It contains a small souvenir and a humorous message. Special Christmas bread is always present on the table, and everyone present is expected to share a piece. Leftover bread is given to pets, birds, and the poor. But of course, a Christmas meal isn’t just about bread. Turkey with vegetables and sweet pudding with candied fruit are also must-haves.

The English have many Christmas traditions, but there are a few that not everyone knows about. For example, the traditional Christmas decoration, the Christingle, is an orange with a peeled core and a candle inside. Christingle means the light of Christ. The orange is a symbol of peace, and the candle represents the love of God. The orange is also decorated with a red ribbon and four sticks, representing the cardinal directions.

Another symbol of Christmas is the well-known candy cane. We know that all children receive one during the holidays. But few people realize that the candy’s shape resembles not only a cane but also the letter J (for Jesus).
And how could we forget the old and timeless custom of kissing under the mistletoe. It’s believed that any girl who finds herself under the mistletoe on Christmas Day deserves a kiss.