| Christmas is the most popular holiday in Britain. It is celebrated on the 25th of December in the memory of Jesus Christ's birth. Christmas Day sees the opening of presents and a lot of families attend Christmas services at church. Carols - religious songs - are sung by children to their neighbours. |
|
|
Some days before Christmas families decorate their houses with mistletoe, holly and Christmas trees which are allways decorated with fairy lights, angels and small toys. In aditition, little packets with nuts, candies and special biscuits are hung on the tree. On Christmas Eve - the Day before Christmas - children hang their stockings, so that Santa Claus could put presents into them. |
| Santa Claus got his name from a man known as St. Nicolas, who lived in the fourth century. He gave his wealth to the poor and often to children. After he died, the Dutch brought this legend to America. Soon the Dutch name Sinter Klaus became Santa Claus. |
 |
|
Christmas dinner consists traditionally of a roast turkey, goose or chicken with stuffing and roast potatoes. After dinner family have a traditional Christmas pudding. Another Christmas tradition in the afternoon is the Queen’s Christmas Message to the nation, broadcast on radio and television. |
| The day after Christmas in Britain is known as a Boxing Day. People on this day give presents to milkmen, dustmen, postmen and other callers of good service at Christmas time. |
 |
|
©Никогосян Евгения Валентиновна, 2011 |
