Christmas Day in United Kingdom

(25 Dec)

1. Christmas Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom on December 25.

2. It traditionally celebrates Jesus Christ's birth but many aspects of this holiday have pagan origins.

3. Christmas is a time for many people to give and receive gifts and prepare special festive meals.

4. What do people do?

5. Prior to Christmas Day, people decorate their homes and gardens prior to Christmas Day.

6. These decorations may include:

7. Christmas trees.

8. Small colored fairy lights.

9. Leaves and berries from holly trees and mistletoe bushes.

10. Various other decorations with rich colors that spark the Christmas mood.

11. In many towns and cities, the shopping streets are also decorated with lights and large pine trees.

12. In some places a Nativity scene is arranged.

13. This illustrates the story of Jesus' birth using statues or actors and live animals.

14. Many churches hold special services in the night before Christmas Day.

15. Many people spend Christmas Day with family members, with whom they exchange gifts and cards.

16. Many children wake up to find a sock or stocking filled with small gifts on their bed.

17. These have supposedly been brought by a mythical figure called 'Father Christmas' or 'Santa Claus'.

18. He travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and enters houses by climbing down the chimney.

19. He hopes to enjoy a small snack of mince pies and brandy at each house.

20. He supposedly travels so fast that he can deliver presents to all children in one night.

21. Although some in some stories elves help him with his work.

22. Later in the day, people may attend special church services, even if they do not usually go to church.

23. Nearly everyone prepares and eats a special meal.

24. This often includes roast turkey, potatoes and parsnips, and other vegetables.

25. After the main course, Christmas pudding is often eaten.

26. This is a heavy steamed, dense, cake-like pudding filled with dried fruit and nuts.

27. Burning brandy is often poured over it as it is served, giving a spectacular effect.

28. Mince pies are also popular on Christmas Day.

29. They are sweet pastry cases filled with a mixture of dried fruit, fat and alcohol.