Berlin (Parliament Politics Magazine) – In England, all the families spend Christmas together. They exchange precious gifts with each other to show love and gratitude. The best part is that they want to watch each other open presents. Most families like to decorate and have Christmas trees (sometimes more than two). Interestingly Christmas Trees were introduced by Prince Albert in the UK. It is the perfect family occasion where you can spend time with each other perfectly. Even though Prince Albert was German but he felt that celebrating Christmas in England is more like a necessity. Let’s know more about the celebrations of Christmas in England.
7 Fun Facts About Christmas Celebrations In England
If you want to know how Christmas is celebrated in England here are some fun facts:
1. Was Christmas Banned?
You will be surprised to know that in 1647, Oliver Cromwell passed a law regarding Christmas. He believed that Christmas celebrations should be illegal. However, the law was changed after 13 years. In January 1645, Parliament came up with a new suggestion. Accordingly, all festivals including Christmas should be celebrated keeping respect intact. People should not make it a habit or get self-involved in it.
In 1965, few laws were enforced to make sure that Sunday is celebrated only as a holy day. It is more like the ‘Lord’s day keeping the other things aside. Surprisingly, all the shops and markets are prominent places that remain open on Christmas day. All the soldiers are commanded to patrol the stress all day and night. If any food is made for celebrating Christmas it should be confiscated right away.
2. Christmas Is Called ‘Boxing Day’
During the Medieval period in the UK which is around 800 years ago, everything started happening for a reason. It was the first time that alms and collection boxes were introduced for the poor. These boxes were found in most churches. Everyone would open the boxes and distribute many contents among poor people. Several churches in England are still celebrating Boxing Day.
All the servants were allowed to take a day off on Christmas and celebrate everything. As Christmas is popularly known as ‘Boxing Day’ all families are allowed to celebrate it. Much before world war two, milkmen and butchers would make door-to-door deliveries to get a tip or Christmas boxes.
3. Christmas Meals
In England, there is a major Christmas Meal course. However, it is eaten at lunchtime or early after Christmas Day. Normally people like roast turkey and vegetables. The stuffing at the top of these food items is carrots, peas, bacon, and sausages. Moreover, people like to serve it with cranberry sauce and delicious bread. Traditionally Turkey was available while roast beef and goose are the main courses of Christmas meals now. One of the most famous vegetables on the Christmas fay is Brussels sprouts.
4. Christmas Dessert
British people love to eat dessert on Christmas Day. The most popular dessert is pudding and everyone is in love with it. Whether it is the mince pies, chocolates, and more, it is eaten frequently. Many families like to decorate their homes and Christmas tree with lights. When it comes to the dinner table it is also decorated with a cracker for every person.
It is not surprising that the UK is famous for eating delicious cakes. However, some people love it while others don’t miss out. Many times the traditional rich fruit cake is covered with marzipan and icing. These cakes are decorated with Christmas-themed decorations most of the time.
5. Santa Clause & Presents
Just like many other countries all the children in the UK believe that Santa Clause arrives with presents. They believe that Santa will secretly leave presents in the pillows and stockings. When they wake up in the morning they find plenty of interesting things. Children love to mince pies and drink delicious beverages whenever Santa visits them.
6. Everyone Wants A White Christmas
In England, everyone calls this festival ‘White Christmas’. Usually, a single snowflake falls in the first 24 hours of Christmas Day. However, this is quite rare but is considered good luck for many. Snow falling on Christmas Day is like a dream come true for many people.
7. Hogmanay
In Scotland, many people like to celebrate New Year’s Eve more than Christmas. It is popularly known as ‘Hogmanay’. Sometimes it seems that this festival is even more important than Christmas. The word Hogmanay is introduced by an oat cake. This oatcake is traditionally distributed among Children on New Year’s Eve.