"Merry Christmas"

The preparations for the British Christmas begin in November with Christmas shopping trips. They have shining lights and beautiful decorations in the shops. There are Christmas trees in the streets and in the town centres with lights and decorations all over. People buy wrapping paper, presents and Christmas cards.

The 1st December is a very exciting day for boys and girls in Britain because it is the day when they open the first door of their Advent calendars. Some Advent calendars have pictures of Christmas scenes or Santa in his sleigh. Some calendars just have pictures behind the doors but many have a chocolate treat as well. Today Advent calendars with pictures of the Spice Girls or Barbie or even the Teletubbies can be bought.

Christmas cards were invented in this country and early in December millions are sent. They are sent to friends and family whether they live nearby or in another part of the country. They are also sent to friends and relations living abroad.

Christmas trees are put up in homes during December. They are brightly decorated with lights, ornaments and tinsel. The tree is topped with a star, fairy or angel. Garlands are hung from ceilings and evergreens such as holly and mistletoe are brought inside.

All through December children are taken to see Santa Claus (or Father Christmas). They sit on his knee and tell him how good they have been and what they would like for Christmas. On Christmas Eve a glass of sherry and a mince pie are left out for Santa and some carrots for his reindeer. The children then go to bed and hope Santa comes.

On Christmas Day children get up early to open their presents. Then in the afternoon the family get together for Christmas dinner. This is usually turkey with various vegetables followed by Christmas pudding. During the meal Christmas crackers are pulled which have things like jokes, puzzles, games and hats inside.

In Scotland there are some interesting Christmas customs. For example, it is considered bad luck to let the fire go out on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day some people light bonfires and dance around them playing the bagpipes. A biscuit made of oatmeal, called a Bannock cake, is eaten at Christmas.

In Wales the Christmas greeting is "Nadolig Llawen". The Welsh love music and choirs take part in carol singing competitions every year in the week before Christmas. Carollers sing from house to house early on Christmas morning and are invited in for refreshments.

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