The most important days of Christmas in Britain

24. december – Christmas Eve

This day is the most important one for us. We sit down at a Christmas Eve table and unwrap presents under the Christmas tree after dinner. The English only recorded the greatest glory of the day. They sing carols, wrap presents, and children hang Christmas stockings on the end of the bed or on the ledge of fireplace the night before bed.

In Britain presents are brought by Father Christmas, who runs down the chimney into the house on the night of December 24-25 and put them into stockings on a fireplace or bed. What does not fit in them is placed under the Christmas tree. Of course, only if the children were obedient all year.

25.december – Christmas Day

This is the day with a big "D" in England. The celebration begins in the morning when everyone gathers by the Christmas tree and unwraps the presents. The main dish of this festive day is Christmas dinner but this meal is starting to be served around lunch. It consists of roasted turkey, which is served with baked potatoes and vegetables, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

The turkey is followed by the traditional Christmas pudding. However, it is not pudding as we know it, but something like a fruit cake with raisins, cherries and nuts. This cake is eaten topped with real pudding, similar to the one we are used to. Christmas Crackers are torn in the evening. According to tradition, a Christmas cracker is given to everyone at the Christmas table next to their plate. It is a paper tube, which bursts like a weak firecracker when torn. They tear them up after Christmas dinner by two people who grab them at one end and one of them pulls. A paper royal crown or a small plastic toy and a piece of paper with a "dry" English joke will fall out. For example: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite! Or : How do snowmen get around? They ride an icicle.

26.december – Boxing Day

This day is also a public holiday. Tradition is associated with giving small gifts or money to those who need it. There are several theories about the origin of the name Boxing Day. One of them derives it from the so-called Christmas Boxes - monetary gifts that were received in the past. To this day, this custom has been transferred in the form of giving small gift to e.g. to the postman, the dairyman that is, to the people who serve us daily and make our lives easier.

The British spend this day in different ways. It can be visiting friends, attending a sporting event, or simply relaxing. Shopping is becoming a modern and very popular custom. Shopping centers are already starting Christmas sales on this day.

31.december - New Year´s Eve

New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. Like in most parts of the globe, New Year festivities in the United Kingdom begin the day before onNew Year's Eveon December 31. Around the world, as well as in the UK, people host and attend New Year parties at home or celebrate in restaurants, bars, or on the street, counting down to the end of the year and wishing each other a happy new year with champagne and other sparkling beverages as the clock strikes twelve.