British Christmas Traditions

Many of the Christmas holiday traditions in Britain are similar to ours (stockings, decorations, carols, Christmas trees, etc.) but there are also some uniquely British ones. Scotland becomes even more complicated since Christmas was almost entirely eliminated after the Protestant Reformation and did not completely resurface until the 20th Century (Hogmanay was instead celebrated -- more on that in another post.) The following are some typical British Holiday traditions.

Father Christmas

Since the late 1800s, Father Christmas has become almost identical to our Santa Claus. But because of the Catholic origins of Christmas (the Mass of Christ) and Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas, a Turkish priest), Britain turned away from some of the Christmas traditions after the Protestant Reformation. St. Nick became Father Christmas, a pre-Christian figure (sometimes called Old Man Winter) who wore green robes and had red hair. The Ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol (see above image) is the supposed to be Father Christmas. Incidentally Dicken's novel popularized the then radical idea of people getting off from work on Christmas.

The Queen's Christmas Message

Since 1932 with King George V, the reigning British monarch makes an holiday speech to the Commonwealth nations. It was started by the head of the BBC as a way to launch its World Service. Today, the message is given by Queen Elizabeth II. Originally presented on the radio, but since 1957 (see image below), it has been televised, and now is also webcasted. While often derided by the British as quaint and outdated, it is still considered a tradition to gather with one's family to watch it.

The queen's first message in 1957

Here is last year's Christmas message:

Christmas crackers

Begun by Thomas Smith in 1846, after seeing bon-bons in Paris, they originally were candies wrapped in colorful paper. In 1850, a poem/motto was added. In 1860, "bangers" were added so that it 'popped' when opened. (Hence the name "crack"-ers). In the early 1900s, paper hats (crowns) were added, and it is now common for holiday revelers to wear the crown around the Christmas dinner table (which may be a throwback to 12th Night celebrations, see below). By the 1930s jokes and games were added. I can tell you from personal experience that the British crackers have a bit more "bang" than those you get here.

Students wearing crowns from Christmas crackers

Mince meat pies

Made from fruit instead of meat (although shredded meat was used in the 1500s), these are 2" to 3" pastry pies. Ingredients include raisins, spices, apples, honey, apricots, candied citrus peel, and cherries. It is often left out for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Christmas TV shows

The BBC and many other TV channels in Britain often present special episodes of their hit shows, or premiere original films on Christmas. It is one of the biggest days of the year to watch TV. Hit show Doctor WHo hs had a Christmas show for the past 6 years. Below are trailers for this year's BBC Christmas shows, and for Doctor Who Christmas episode.

Yule log

Traditionally, a yule loge was a large log that was kept burning for the 12 days of Christmas. Sometimes wine was poured on it before being lit. The name comes from the Germanic winter holiday of Yule-tide, the start of their year. It has long since been a part of Christmas throughout Northern Europe. Today, the Yule log is usually represented as a chocolate cake rolled up into a "log".

Christmas Panto

A humorous play presented during the holidays (traditionally starting on Boxing Day, 26 December). Involving audience participation and cross dressing for humorous effects (often starring famous --or at least, once-famous -- actors, singers and other celebrities), it is usually a fairy tale (Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin). While aimed at families, the humor at times can be quite campy with lots of double entendres. It evolved out of the earlier Mummer's plays (the word refers to the fact they were once silent plays) involving masks and lots of humor. These plays go back over a thousand years. The mummer's plays were usually the tale of St. George defeating the dragon. (The English flag is the St. George cross).  These purposely silly plays were done during the 12 Days of Christmas. Today in London, a traditional mummer play is still presented.

Below is a video of the 2010 Mummer play on the River Thames in front of the Shakespeare's Globe theatre on the South Bank.

Here is Scottish actor John Barrowman talking about doing a panto and his Christmas traditions

And here is favorite Scottish comedian Karen Dunbar talking about doing panto in Glasgow

Twelfth Night

Celebrated on the night before the 12th Day of Christmas, which is Epiphany (i.e., 6 January). (Why night BEFORE -- back in the Middle Ages, the day ended when the sun went down. The next day did not start at midnight, like now, but rather at sundown. Hence, why we have so many "eve" celebrations).  This was when Jesus was visited by the wise men with their Gift of the Magi. As it is 12 days from 25 December, hence the Twelve Days of Christmas.  In Britain, this is when all Christmas decorations come down. It was also a feast day and time of celebration and entertainment. And that is what William Shakespeare's eponymous play was about -- a Twelfth Night entertainment. Part of the feast is spiced ale, ginger snaps, and a cake. If one gets the bean hidden in the cake, then one is king for the day (hence the crowns in the Christmas crackers above).

Candlemas

While Twelfth Night is now considered the end of the holiday season, traditionally it used to be 2 February with Candlemas (the mass of candles), when all of a church's candles were blessed. Candles were once not just for light, but also as a way to ward off evil spirits; Jesus was seen as a spiritual candle in the dark. Officially this was to celebrate the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Some churches and communities still celebrate it. Also, some argue it is a Christianization of the Celtic holiday of Imbolc (St. Brigid's Day).

Wassail and Wassailing

Wassail is a spiced ale with apples and honey from the 1400s. It was presented in a communal bowl (a "loving cup"). One passed it around or went from house to house, often while singing (origins of the modern caroling tradition). Comes from the Old English word "waes hael", which meant "be well." Ingredients can include eggs, cream, ale, sugar, spices, crab apples, and bits of bread on top. It is an essential feature of 12th Night celebrations, although it is enjoyed throughout the holiday time.

Here is a performance of a wassailing song:

 Boxing Day

Sometimes called The Second Day of Christmas, this is a secular holiday (although it is also St. Stephen's Day in Ireland) during which people traditionally gave money and gifts to the needy. It is a bank holiday (the British term for a public holiday, what we might call a Federal holiday like President's Day). In recent times, it is also the major shopping day.

Christmas pudding

A tradition going back to the 1400s, a dessert (which the British call pudding) served on Christmas. Usually a plum pudding (thanks to King George 1, the "Plum King" who preferred it). Traditionally has 13 ingredients. Made on "stir up" Sunday, the last church service before Advent. The term "stir up" comes from the 1549 Prayer Book: "Stir up, we beseech thee O Lord..."

Posset

A drink for Christmas eve that includes hot milk, ale, spices, lemon, sugar and oatcake or bread.