Celebrating the Season of Giving: Time-Honoured Traditions and Festive Delights
As the holiday season approaches, there’s an undeniable magic in the air. Christmas is not just a time to exchange gifts but also a season to cherish memories, share love, and indulge in heartwarming traditions. At Peexmart, we’re excited to help you create the perfect Christmas experience, no matter where you are in the world. It brings us to the topic of what a real British Xmas entails.
Christmas in Britain is a magical time of year, steeped in tradition, filled with festive cheer, and accompanied by delicious food. From hanging stockings by the fireplace to pulling Christmas crackers at dinner, the holiday season is a cherished celebration that brings families and friends together. Let’s take a look at some of the most beloved British Christmas traditions and what makes them so special.
The Advent Countdown
The Christmas season officially kicks off on December 1st with the opening of the first window on an Advent calendar. Whether it’s a simple paper calendar or a luxurious chocolate-filled version, counting down the days to Christmas adds to the excitement and anticipation.
Decking the Halls
No British Christmas is complete without festive decorations. Homes, shops, and streets are adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths, and garlands. The Christmas tree, a tradition introduced by Prince Albert in the 19th century, takes centre stage in many households, decorated with baubles, tinsel, and fairy lights.
The Christmas Dinner Feast
The highlight of Christmas Day is undoubtedly the grand feast. A traditional British Christmas dinner features:
Roast turkey (or goose in some households)
Roast potatoes—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
Brussels sprouts—love them or hate them, they’re a staple!
Pigs in blankets—sausages wrapped in bacon
Stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce to complete the meal
Christmas pudding, a rich, fruity dessert served with brandy butter or cream
Pulling Christmas Crackers
A quintessentially British tradition, Christmas crackers are placed at each dinner setting. Two people pull the cracker apart, revealing a small toy, a paper hat, and a joke (usually groan-worthy). Wearing the paper crown throughout dinner is an unspoken rule!
The King’s Christmas Speech
At 3 PM on Christmas Day, many families gather around the television to watch the King’s Christmas speech. This tradition dates back to King George V in 1932 and serves as a moment of reflection on the year gone by.
Boxing Day Festivities
The celebrations don’t end on Christmas Day! December 26th, known as Boxing Day, is a time for visiting loved ones, enjoying leftovers, and taking part in sporting events. Many Britons also indulge in the Boxing Day sales for post-Christmas bargains.
Mince Pies and Mulled Wine
Throughout the season, no British Christmas is complete without indulging in mince pies—sweet pastries filled with spiced fruit—and sipping on warm mulled wine, a comforting and fragrant festive drink.
Carolling and Midnight Mass
Music plays a huge role in British Christmas traditions. Carol singers can be found in town centres, spreading festive cheer with classics like “Silent Night” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Many also attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve to welcome the big day with joy and gratitude.
A Season of Giving
Beyond the food and festivities, Christmas is a time for generosity. Many people donate to charities, take part in Christmas jumper days for good causes, and ensure that no one feels left out during the season of goodwill.
Merry Christmas from Peexmart!
As we celebrate this wonderful time of year, we at Peexmart would like to wish all our customers a joyful and festive season. May your Christmas be filled with warmth, happiness, and cherished moments with your loved ones.
How do you celebrate Christmas? Do you have any favourite British traditions? Let us know!
