British Christmas Holidays

Advent (December 1–24)

Advent spans the first 24 days of December and celebrates the coming of Jesus. Some observe the month using interactive calendars containing a small treat for each day of December leading up to Christmas.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas in the UK is typically celebrated by giving gifts to friends and family and attending a special service at church. Many celebrate the tradition of "Father Christmas" by giving gifts that he delivered during the night. Some families also share in a Christmas feast that involves ham, minced pies, and Yorkshire pudding

At the beginning of the meal, each member of the family crosses arms, and together, they pull Christmas poppers that produce paper hats worn through the meal as well as other trinkets and jokes.

Boxing Day (December 26)

Traditionally, Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, was the day that servants were able to celebrate Christmas, as they were serving their masters the day before. In more recent times, people shop day-after-Christmas sales to celebrate the occasion.

New Year's Day (January 1)

The night before New Year's Day, many British citizens watch as the clock tower's minute hand finally reaches midnight. (The tower is popularly but incorrectly known as "Big Ben," which is actually the name of the large bell within it.) At this time, Big Ben (the bell) rings in the new year.

Many people celebrate either by having parties at home or by going out to pubs and partying with friends. Some people also make new year's resolutions, as is customary in the United States and many other countries around the world. In Scotland, it is a common tradition to sing "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight to bring in the new year. If you're unfamiliar with this classic tune, check out the video below.