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Ah, Christmas in Britain! The time of year when the air is filled with the smell of mince pies, the sound of Slade blaring from every shop, and the sight of jumpers that are equal parts festive and ridiculous. Whether you're a fan of the season or just in it for the food, there's something undeniably special about the way Brits celebrate Christmas. Here are some quintessentially British traditions and festive foods that make the season merry and bright.
For Brits, Christmas doesn’t just happen on 25th December—it’s a whole season. It kicks off with Advent calendars, a daily countdown involving little doors that reveal chocolates, pictures, or even tiny bottles of whisky or gin if you’re fancy. Then there’s the office Christmas party, which typically features questionable dancing, awkward Secret Santa gifts, and someone inevitably photocopying parts of their anatomy.
By mid-December, homes are decked out with Christmas trees, fairy lights, and tinsel galore. And don’t forget the Christmas cards—a tradition so ingrained that the Royal Mail has to hire extra staff to handle the deluge.
Christmas Eve in Britain is often a quiet affair compared to other countries. Families might go to a carol service at the local church or snuggle up for a festive film like The Snowman or Love Actually. Children hang their stockings by the fireplace (or at the end of the bed if you’re short on chimneys) and leave a mince pie and a glass of something strong for Father Christmas, plus a carrot for Rudolph.
The morning of 25th December starts early, especially if there are children in the house. Stockings are opened with gusto, revealing satsumas, chocolate coins, colouring books and small toys. Optimistic parents hope these will entertain the kids so they can get another hour or two of sleep but it never works.
The highlight of a British Christmas is undoubtedly the dinner. The centrepiece is usually roast turkey, although some families opt for goose, beef, or possibly a nut roast for a vegetarian twist. It’s served with all the trimmings, which include:
Roast potatoes: which must be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Stuffing: Usually chestnut, though there are plenty of other variations.
Brussels sprouts: Steamed, roasted, or cleverly disguised with bacon to make them edible.
Pigs in blankets: Little sausages wrapped in bacon—arguably the best part of the meal.
Cranberry sauce and bread sauce: Sweet and savoury accompaniments that complete the feast.
Gravy: a rich thick gravy made with the meat juices and stock made from the turkey heart, liver and neck. The butcher puts these in a plastic bag inside the turkey, something that has tripped up many newbie cooks who later find the melted plastic when serving their bird.
No British Christmas dinner is complete without crackers—those festive tubes you pull apart to reveal a paper hat, a terrible joke, and a tiny toy or trinket. Wearing the hat is obligatory, no matter how ridiculous you look. And the jokes? The groanier, the better. Here’s a classic:
What do you get if you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite.
After dinner, there’s the Christmas pudding, a dense, fruity concoction soaked in brandy and set alight for dramatic effect. For those not keen on pudding, there’s often a trifle, mince pies, or a tin of Quality Street to fight over - who took all the green triangle ones?
At 3 pm, many households tune in to watch the King’s Christmas broadcast—a tradition started by George V in 1932. It’s a time to reflect on the year gone by, although for some, it’s the perfect excuse to have a nap.
The fun doesn’t stop on Christmas Day. Boxing Day, 26th December, is a more relaxed affair. It’s the day for leftovers, whether it’s turkey sandwiches or bubble and squeak made from all those leftover veg. Some brave souls head out for the Boxing Day sales, while others lounge on the sofa with turkey sandwiches, watching the football or a festive film.
What makes a British Christmas so special is its blend of tradition, indulgence, and just a hint of chaos. It’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughs over bad cracker jokes, and eating far too much turkey. Whether you’re devouring a mince pie by the fire or arguing over who gets the last Quality Street, there’s no place like Britain at Christmas.
So, pop the kettle on, slice up some Christmas cake, and enjoy the season—because as every Brit knows, it’s the little traditions that make Christmas magical. Cheers!
For Jodi Taylor fans there is also the joy of the Christmas Day short story. Here’s a list of each story for you to enjoy in chronological order.
Ships, Stings and Wedding Rings
And Now for Something Completely Different
So true! Happy Christmas all.