What Are Some Holiday Traditions in England?

When you think of England during the holidays, images of snow-covered countryside landscapes, warm fires, and cozy pubs come to mind. But what are some of the traditional holiday customs and traditions that take place in England? Here are some of the most popular holiday traditions in England:

Christmas Crackers

Christmas crackers are a favorite holiday tradition in England. These are small paper tubes filled with small toys, jokes, and paper hats. At the start of the meal, everyone grabs their cracker and pulls it open with a loud snap. Inside, they’ll find a small toy or trinket, a joke, and the paper hat. Everyone wears the paper hats throughout the meal, making for a fun, festive atmosphere.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It’s a day set aside for relaxation and time spent with family and friends. Traditionally, employers would give their employees a “Christmas Box” filled with gifts and food, but nowadays it’s more of a day to watch football or take a long walk through the countryside.

Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding is a rich, dense dessert filled with raisins, currants, and other dried fruits. Typically, it’s served flaming with brandy poured over it. It’s believed that the pudding should be made on the Sunday before Advent and cooked for several hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Mince Pies

Mince pies are small, sweet pastries filled with mincemeat, a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. They’re usually served warm with a dollop of whipped cream. Mince pies have been a popular holiday treat in England since the 16th century and are still enjoyed today.

The Christmas Tree

Just like in the United States, England also has a tradition of putting up a Christmas tree during the holiday season. The tree is usually decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel. It’s often the centerpiece of holiday celebrations and is a symbol of the holiday spirit.

Overall, England has many fantastic holiday traditions that add to the already magical atmosphere of the holiday season. From Christmas crackers to mince pies, these customs are a celebration of family, friends, and togetherness.