The English had many festivals during the winter, way before the birth of Jesus and some of our (now) Christmas traditions even go back to that time. Here are a few of the things you might come across if you visit England in the run up to Christmas: Christmas CardsThe Christmas craze begins weeks before, when Christmas cards are sent off to relatives, friends, loved ones and business contacts. According to the history books this particular tradition dates back to 1840, and every year more than one billion Christmas cards are sent in Great Britain - December is decidedly not the easiest month to be a postman in England.
The Nativity Play
Another eagerly awaited event in the run-up to Christmas is the nativity play: each year hundreds of thousands of school children act out the story from the Bible about the birth of Christ. They dress up as Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the shepherds and the three Wise Men - and occasionally children get to do ox and donkey costumes.
Another eagerly awaited event in the run-up to Christmas is the nativity play: each year hundreds of thousands of school children act out the story from the Bible about the birth of Christ. They dress up as Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the shepherds and the three Wise Men - and occasionally children get to do ox and donkey costumes.
The Christmas Pantomime
Equally popular are the pantomimes: cheerful musical interpretations of classic fairy tales that are performed by professional or amateur actors . Pantomimes became popular in England in the 1500s. There are Pre-Christian roots to the pantomime, most notably the playing of men by women and the other way around. This probably stems back to the pagan winter festivals, where roles were reversed in plays: males would play females; masters, servants and children would play parents.
Equally popular are the pantomimes: cheerful musical interpretations of classic fairy tales that are performed by professional or amateur actors . Pantomimes became popular in England in the 1500s. There are Pre-Christian roots to the pantomime, most notably the playing of men by women and the other way around. This probably stems back to the pagan winter festivals, where roles were reversed in plays: males would play females; masters, servants and children would play parents.
The Christmas TreeNot the oldest of traditions, the Christmas tree may have originated in Germany, but it is very popular in England, too. Legend has it that the first Christmas tree in England was the one Prince Albert, the spouse of Queen Victoria, placed in their royal home. There are lots of trees in public places as well, the most famous being the huge one in Trafalgar Square.
MistletoeThe English don't stop at pine trees: holly and mistletoe are equally essential natural Christmas decorations. Mistletoe's popularity obviously has something to do with the custom of kissing the person with whom you stand underneath it - a tradition that allegedly dates back to ancient Roman times, when enemies who met under it were said to have to give up their rivalries.
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Click on the flags and find out about their traditions.
HOW TO MAKE A DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS PUDDING
(Follow the recipe step by step)
Spanish people eat twelve grapes on New Year's Eve when the clock strikes midnight but what do British people do?
They join hands and sing AULD LANG SYNE
You will find further information about the origins of Christmas, evolution of Santa or about the Christmas Tree clicking on this link
Do you fancy some listening comprehension exercises about Christmas gifts?
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Click on the flags and find out about their traditions.
HOW TO MAKE A DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS PUDDING
(Follow the recipe step by step)
Spanish people eat twelve grapes on New Year's Eve when the clock strikes midnight but what do British people do?
They join hands and sing AULD LANG SYNE
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