How to Celebrate Christmas in England

England is a wonderful place for celebrating Christmas. The English Christmas has many of the same as well as unique traditions to those in America. Here are some tips for celebrating Christmas in England.

The English Christmas is traditionally celebrated with an early morning unwrapping of presents, followed by a Christmas lunch. Some typical menu items for an English Christmas lunch include a roasted turkey, gravy, roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables such as parsnips and carrots. An English Christmas tradition for dessert is Christmas cake (fruit cake, often made with brandy, marzipan and white icing). The Christmas cake is often made a couple of months in advance to give it time to age. The flavours blend together for a rich, moist taste. Another dessert tradition for celebrating Christmas in England is Christmas pudding. It is made with dried fruits which are pressed into a bowl to create a round shape. The Christmas pudding is topped with brandy and lit so that a flame appears momentarily before it is served. For safety sake, this dessert should only be prepared by chefs who are knowledgeable and experienced with preparing it. Finally, traditional treats of an English Christmas are mince pies. They are made of a sweet blend of fruits and spices which are used to fill a small pastry crust.

A unique aspect of celebrating Christmas in England is the Christmas cracker. These small wrapped toys are placed on the Christmas table before lunch. When pulled apart, they make a loud 'pop' sound - hence the name Christmas cracker. Inside there is usually a paper crown and some type of toy or gadget. Everyone puts on their paper crown to enjoy the Christmas lunch.

An idea for celebrating Christmas in England is to book reservations at a pub or restaurant which provides a traditional Christmas lunch. Many English pubs and restaurants provide a special meal at Christmas or Christmas Eve. However, book well in advance, because it is a popular option.

Also, many families take a vacation during the Christmas holidays in England. Hotels and Bed and Breakfast options tend to get booked up quickly, so plan ahead.

Celebrating Christmas in England means a few days of celebrations. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is also a holiday. Families might enjoy a meal together or enjoy a walk by the seaside.

Celebrating Christmas in England is a fun way to learn about different traditions. Just keep in mind that most businesses are closed for the holiday so buy any supplies you need well in advance for your English Christmas.