UNITED KINGDOM
In the UK, families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents!
Most families have a Christmas Tree in their house for Christmas. The decorating of the tree is usually a family occasion, with everyone helping. Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe are also sometimes used to decorate homes or other buildings.
Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, leaves presents in Stockings or pillow-cases. These are normally hung up by the fire or by the children’s beds on Christmas Eve. Children sometimes leave mince pies and brandy out for Father Christmas to eat and drink when he visits them. Now, some people say that a non-alcoholic drink should be left for Santa as he has to drive!
Children write letters to Father Christmas listing their requests, but sometimes instead of putting them in the post, the letters are tossed into the fireplace. The draught carries the letters up the chimney and Father Christmas reads the smoke.
In the UK, the main Christmas Meal is usually eaten at lunchtime or early afternoon on Christmas Day. It is traditionally roast goose (although it is more common to have turkey now), roast vegetables and ‘all the trimmings’ which means stuffing and sometimes bacon and sausages. Dessert is often Christmas Pudding. Mince pies and loads of chocolates are often eaten as well.