American Reacts to British Christmas Traditions

Hello! I'm an American on a quest to learn more about history, geography and the universe in general. In this video I take a look at British Christmas traditions, and learn about some of the differences about how Americans and the British celebrate the holiday: everything from stockings, to leaving snacks for Santa (Father Christmas), to Christmas dinner, to Boxing Day and Christmas crackers - it's all very different! If you enjoy this video, please like and subscribe!
Link to original video: • How to Have a British ...
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#britishchristmas #british #england #scotland #wales #ireland #northernireland #christmas #traditions #holidays #reaction #culture

[@SoGal_YT]

Let me know what other countries' Christmas traditions I should check out! Also, like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video 👍🏻

[@BaresEatBeats]

Pakistan!

[@samuel10125]

Want to clear something up the United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland N.I while on the Island of Ireland are part of the UK and consider ourselves British while everyone in the UK will individually call themselves Scottish, English, Welsh as collective nation we are all British all four nations make up the Union Jack 🇬🇧. United Kingdom=England and Scotland. The United Kingdom of Great Britain= England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland=England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland But as a collective we are all From the United Kingdom/UK and called British When you call someone British you are referring to them as a collective that isn't bad It can be very confusing but I hope this helped probably made it worse🤣 just be careful which nationality you call them especially in Scotland god forbid you call them English😬 We are made of four nations with extremely rich history and tradition Christmas in the UK is pretty much the same across all four countries on the surface but obviously each country has their own traditions they like to combine

[@robertpearson8798]

The Schmenge Brothers Leutonian Christmas (SCTV). Hilarious

[@drewfinlay3618]

I am Northern Irish you would say Northern Ireland when talking about us however we are British as well. We have British passports ergo we would be called British. Of what I know there are no real differences between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK

[@carlhartwell7978]

I sympathise with you trying not to offend anyone with regards to the nomenclature of the various places in the archipelago of the British Isles. You are close! But you ought to be aware (I'm sure you're slowly realising this), that you will always offend some anyway. As, though there are _correct_ terms legally and internationally recognised, people have their own opinions...the whole Ireland/N.Ireland situation is probably the best example, many have died and suffered in fairly recent history (I'm talking in the current generation) over that issue.

[@crazycatlover1885]

The sausage bacon things are called pigs in blankets, they're the best!

[@amandalewis3898]

The girl in the video was posh she has chipolatas wrapped in bacon not pigs in blankets like the rest of the U.K. 🤣🤣🤣

[@crazycatlover1885]

@@amandalewis3898 that's what I was thinking 🤣🤣🤣

[@tea7176]

Everyone should definitely try pigs in blankets, there great

[@kdog4587]

My partner has already eaten 40 since christmas.. one good thing about a small Christmas i guess! No food sharing! Hahaa

[@RamsFan93]

Can confirm. Pigs in blankets are the best thing

[@5hanesBoard]

As a Brit, I can say that neither I or anyone I know, want to be anywhere near shops or crowds of people on Boxing. Such a thing would be very depressing.

[@geordieboy8945]

Great reading all these comments about Christmas's gone by. Regarding coal fires; apart from the odd [and dangerous!] electric heater they were the only real focus of heat in most homes before central heating. An electric blanket was 'gracious' living! I remember as a child [60's into 70's] going to bed with thick socks on, lots of blankets and my dressing gown draped over the bed as an extra layer. You would often wake up to amazing frost patterns on the INSIDE of your window pane. Very little double glazing in those days. You also had to quite often defrost the pipes with salt and boiling water to get the water to drain from sinks. Fun days.

[@jamesbrighton1778]

terry's chocolate orange is a must for stockings

[@skasteve6528]

When I was a kid, we got a tangerine in our stocking, a few nuts, along with a lots of toys made in Hong Kong.

[@jemmajames6719]

and chocolate coins

[@jemmajames6719]

@@rmcwil398 Never heard of the nut ring, toffee with a hammer, I bought my Dad one last year and peanut brittle.

[@jaybatsford]

And the almighty Toblerone.

[@archieduckering7584]

Mine was Toblerone and then I have a peice for breakfast

[@jamespickersgill8416]

It’s nice to see an American that’s interested in the rest of the world. It’s a rare thing.

[@DavidSmith-ul4ns]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Jamie_D]

Even other Americans admit that a large portion of them are ignorant to the rest of the world

[@DavidSmith-ul4ns]

@@Jamie_D Get out your bubble and explore the world 😂

[@gwynedd4023]

@@EaterOfBaconSandwiches you a no sense of humour

[@MrChriscable]

I love British history but the history of the US is fascinating too.

[@sonyavincent7450]

I live in new Zealand and our Christmas is based entirely on the UK. I have never heard of burning letters to father Christmas. We wrote them and mum read them to check that father Christmas knew what we wanted! And in this country its very common to serve any combination of roast chicken, Turkey, lamb or ham. Also barbeques are common for Christmas here, as Christmas falls in the height of summer so a bbq is an easy way of catering, especially for larger groups. You can basically go as traditional or casual as you like.

[@marycarver1542]

Well, you will have an entirely different climate on Christmas Day to that in the UK. Same applies to Australia. I cannot imagine Christmas without frost, snow and cold somehow !

[@HalfWomanHalfHobNob]

Didn't mention advent calendars.

[@daviniarobbins9298]

Chocolate Advent calendars. Bit of a rip off really in money terms for what is in them.

[@HalfWomanHalfHobNob]

@@daviniarobbins9298 we don't have a chocolate one. My mum in law bought my son a wooden one years ago that has an ornament behind each door that you hang on the christmas scene each day. But we do put a chocolate behind each door.

[@davidhanmer82]

I'm British and I've never heard of the burning of the Santa letters. I vaguely remember putting the letter on top of the fire when we had an open fire years ago. The idea being that the draft of the fire would send the letter up the chimney - that's where the idea of Santa coming down the chimney comes from (I think). I would have put advent calendars on this list as well.

[@WreckItRolfe]

I think the letter burning is very old, but it's not something I've ever heard of happening irl.

[@tommcgrady6067]

when we used to have open fires you didn.t put the letters in a envalope or burn them you put them flat above the fire then let the draft take it up the chimney ,I can remember the orange sparks coming out of the chimneys on our street as a kid

[@heidihumbug]

This! There was a definite knack to getting it to catch the updraught!

[@Bob10009]

The stocking is left on the child’s bed by Santa, that way when the kids wake up, the first thing they are aware of is the rustle of wrapping paper and the weight of the stocking by their feet - best thing EVER - I still remember that excitement ! Best thing for the parents is that it keeps the kids busy for a while and gives the parents a lie in . We put the same stuff in them as you do.

[@Gingerprince521]

As an adult the stocking on the bed is something I really miss about Christmas. Falling asleep with an empty stocking and then waking up and feeling the weight of a full stocking by your feet was so exciting. It use to contain stuff like chocolate, and other small presents. We use to open them before going downstairs to open our main presents.

[@amandalewis3898]

That sounds exciting and so very special ❤️

[@raymondporter2094]

It is also a way of parents ensuring a little more time in bend on Christmas morning. If the sticking contains a number of small items ("stocking fillers"), the child can open the stocking, staying in the bedroom and buying time for the parents (otherwise the "little dears" will be sneaking downstairs at 5am....! Little things like some sweets, chocolate, traditionally something like a tangerine or an apple, maybe some nuts and small toys like a yo-yo, a torch (flashlight) etc.

[@thyop89]

We still do stocking as adults in our house. Everyone gets one. We take turns sneaking downstairs to fill each other stockings pretending we have "forgotten something" downstairs. it's all very nudge nudge wink wink but we love it.

[@janettesinclair6279]

We always had a sugar mouse (with a string tail) and other small presents. Magic!

[@JJBushfan]

Hence why the small presents which are added to bulk up the display are referred to as 'stocking fillers.'

[@kevincoakley3153]

the shock and confusion on your face sometimes is PRICELESS!!! thank you for making me smile...

[@seedhillbruisermusic7939]

Pantomime's are brilliant fun. They're essentially for children but are full of cross dressing and double entendres that only the grown-ups get. They're great. You can look up pantomime on youtube and find a few there. Not as good as seeing them in the flesh but the best you're going to get without coming to the UK and splashing out on tickets, even without the pandemic.

[@jefffranklin4894]

"HE'S BEHIND YOOOOOU" "oh no he isn't" "OH YES HE IIIIIIIS"

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

@@jefffranklin4894 OH NO HE'S NOT!

[@sharonm3474]

Back when we had coal fires, paper would sometimes get carried up the chimney. Santa comes down the chimney, the letters go up the chimney and magically to him.

[@johnmulligan7609]

We did that in my home.

[@sharonm3474]

@@johnmulligan7609 it was fun... Until people started to worry about fireballs going up the chimney 😂

[@CamcorderSteve]

I have to say that's a new one on me. How long has that tradition gone on for I wonder. I had visits from Santa back in the 1950s and I never ever wrote to him, so when did writing letters to Santa start?

[@sharonm3474]

@@CamcorderSteve I have no clue. I was born in 1984 and by that time my mum was careful what we sent up the chimney. I remember doing it once though and going out to watch the paper burn at the top of the chimney. Obviously know I know the physics of the hot air catching it and sending it up the chimney and that it was in fact dangerous. But as a child it looked magical. Then we got one of those electic fires everyone had and the magic was lost. I meant to write that I assume that it came from something like this but i was lost in magical memory and forgot to say that 😂 sorry I am dozey x

[@dlistey4923]

When I was a kid the rule was I could open the presents in my stocking (actually a pillow case) when I woke up but I wasn't allowed to go downstairs to see what Father Christmas had put under the tree until my parents were up. Now I'm grown up with a child of my own I understand that it was a ploy to distract me with some toys and give my parents a lie in! genius and a tradition that lives on in my house. Thanks for taking an interest in us. If you want to understand some of the differences between British cultures check out New Years Eve versus Hogmanay. x

[@stephkelly75]

I do the same with my daughter. I need some sleep to face Christmas day of cooking and the prepping on Christmas eve

[@kdog4587]

Same here! My son is 10 months, will be doing the same in the future! Hahaha hello tiny lie in

[@mikeman584]

Leeds Leeds Leeds MOT 👍

[@cameronjosephvideos5942]

Feels like my parents could've learned from that. Me and my siblings used to take the stockings into their bedroom and we'd jump on top of them like a bunch of savages before opening our stocking presents together.

[@markstott6689]

#MOT

[@stevehayward1854]

Pantomine's include audience participation where the star of the show comes on and asks where one of the other cast members are, then the kids shout out he's behind you, and then he says"oh no he's not" and the kid shout "oh yes he is", rinse and repeat, the kids love it

[@amandalewis3898]

When my kids were little I was the one parent the cast picked on😱🤣🤣

[@matthew-Williams]

Oh no its not!!

[@carysmali]

@@matthew-Williams OH YES IT IS

[@susanleeson1832]

I'm a child of the '50s and our stockings were always put onto the end of our beds. We were allowed to open the stocking but not allowed to disturb our parents until they were ready for us - they rarely got a lay-in as we made too much noise and were far too excited!! Normally included was at least one tin of something (normally toffee's) with a picture of a kitten on the lid.

[@hlund73]

Too right, knowing Santa could pop in at any moment also meant kids also had to be very quiet & at least pretend to be asleep.. We're no called perfidious Albion for nothing.

[@SoGal_YT]

I think that's a trait universal to all children on Christmas morning! Poor parents...

[@geordieboy8945]

Same here regarding the stockings [Which were our knee length socks!]. I shared a bedroom with my brother and it was great to reach out to the end of your bed and find the sock full of sweets and tangerines etc. ''He's been!!''.

[@posypoodle6034]

Or kitten shaped chocolates!

[@Kazza_8240]

Chocolate coins

[@martynnotman3467]

The crown is a reference to the three kings. And yes shopping on Boxing day is pretty new. In general growing up we used the day to visit relatives

[@baylessnow]

Or have leftover Turkey sandwiches/Turkey butties.

[@mrmessy7334]

@@baylessnow And nurse a hangover

[@jamescleary5198]

Or go to the footy ⚽️

[@mellonmarshall]

Shopping at Boxing Day has been big for sales for as long as I can remember and remember the shops closing on Sundays. So that is the early 90s

[@judithkelly2556]

Boxing day is football and drinking with friends in the pub

[@P5YcHoKiLLa]

Christmas isn't hugely different across the UK, some local dishes might be more traditional. New Year is something slightly different, it's called Hogmanay in Scotland and there are traditions like the "first foot", where the first person across a threshold (the front door) in the new year should come bearing gifts, traditionally coal and whisky or a clootie dumpling (a traditional scottish heavy af cake, kind of like a christmas pudding) and whisky. Husbands and sons or male relatives will usually be sent out of a Hogmanay party to re-appear after "the bells" (the countdown to the new year) bearing the gifts above (or anything similar) to ensure it's not an aggressor who comes into the house first in the new year (or a woman, sexist...right?). 6:50 "He's behiiiiind youuuuu!!!"

[@juliarabbitts1595]

The best thing on Christmas morning is waking up and feeling the weight of your stocking on the end of the bed; presents under the tree are only opened and Christmas lunch, the washing up and the Queen’s speech.

[@CRINOTH]

One year when we were kids my brother wrote his letter to Father Christmas and put it into the fireplace without telling our parents what was in it - on the grounds that it was private. So they had no idea what he wanted. :D

[@marycarver1542]

It is also traditional to leave a mince pie and a glass of sherry and a carrot on the hearth if you have an open fire. The mince pie and sherry for Santa The carrot for Rudolph the red nosed reindeer !

[@Ghhft33]

I live in Wales, growing up we had pillow cases at the bottom of our beds which father xmas would fill with presents but only if you slept through the night (one way of getting us to sleep on xmas eve) stockings were left by the tree with sweets, fruit and a small trinket to keep for the year as good luck, these were given out at the dinner table. The letters in the fire are a form of xmas magic, and to save on stamps.

[@anthonyleighton4754]

A British Xmas repeats on the telly - fights over sprouts in supermarkets arguments when the booze kicks in etc.....

[@goldandsilveruk3268]

Stockings in the bedroom is so the kids can open that first so parents can sleep longer (very true in all the households i know). Pantomimes are shocking but kids love them. I assume the paper crown is a jesus thing but I've always refused to wear them as I'm a Grinch.

[@jemmajames6719]

Pantomimes are great, even for adults, there’s jokes that only adults get! The kids have Christmas sacks.

[@neilbuckley1613]

I thought the crown comes from the alternative to the Wise men at Christmas, the three kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, bringing gifts to the baby Jesus..

[@jemmajames6719]

Isn’t it the bible that calls them wise men? I’ll have to look it up, I just thought they were wise kings! 🤔

[@marycarver1542]

Shame. Christmas is entirely a Christian festival devoted to the birth of Jesus Christ. Sorry you miss the point.

[@hlund73]

Burning letters is logical, Santa delivers your pressies via the same route. If you accept flying reindeer.... Boxing day is another day off to fill it's also used for shooting birdies, chasing foxes on horses, playing soccer. Ireland usually means ROI. or both: especially if rugby is involved. Northern Ireland can also be referred to as Ulster, or "Nor'n Iron"

[@amandalewis3898]

What’s soccer? 🤣

[@johnboy2562]

Quite a few American actors come over here to do pantomime, David Hasselhoff and Henry "the Fonz" Winkler among them. Winkler loves it so much he tried to get it going in the States, not sure if he had much luck.🧞‍♂️🎭

[@lesjames5191]

They are very well paid.

[@oz25]

We don't burn the letters to Father Christmas, the heat of the fire takes the letter up the chimney (unburnt), magically flying the letter to Father Christmas. Something not done very often these days as most people don't have open fires, but I remember my parents sending my letter to Father Christmas this way when I was a child. x

[@lordkabal2010]

We say Ireland and Northern Ireland that's it lol

[@jasonyoung7705]

The paper crowns are a reference to "we three kings"

[@freyjarichardson1519]

Why did I never figure that out wixnzuajxjdn

[@lewisdawson7222]

"... of orient are, one in a taxi, one in a car. One on a scooter beeping his hooter, smoking a big cigar."

[@gaylesmith5433]

No, they’re part of the pagan festival brought over from the Romans. 12th night that had the Lord Of misrule. Where one person who got the gift from the pudding became the Lord for the night and directed the fun and crazy fun. This person was crowned for the night as the Lord of Misrule.

[@jasonyoung7705]

@@gaylesmith5433 After a quick check, I see you're right. I feel a tad ashamed that I gave a 'bad QI' answer, by which I mean, commonly believed and wrong. Also cos I'm a pagan and should have known better.

[@gaylesmith5433]

@@jasonyoung7705 Not a problem. British culture is a mass melting pot that the old lore includes a lot of Roman & Viking ritual in it.also some Norman. But the Romans left a lot of ritual around what we now call Christmas.

[@markstott6689]

The Christmas sales used to start on the 1st January. Over the last 30 years more and more stores have drifted to Boxing Day. It's not a tradition to go shopping on Boxing Day but many retailers wish it were so. It's more a chilling out day. Eating leftovers of which there is much. Going for a family walk. Visiting relatives. Some see it as a day to have another party and drink themselves silly. I'd say it varies by family and social class. The upper classes traditionally went to a hunt (foxes, horses and hounds).

[@Grond789]

Boxing Day for some families is also an extension of Xmas where Christmas Day is for immediate family and Boxing Day is celebrated with extended family to exchange gifts, eat more food drink and play party games, typically ones received on Christmas Day 😊. Late response but just started following your channel

[@grizzlygamer8891]

The smoke from the burning letter travels to the north pole and Santa reads it in the smoke. You do realize that he is magical right? 😉

[@michaelhall8981]

Lapland.

[@robinparker8662]

I remember as a child my mun and dad got us the write a list of what we wanted for Christmas, and we put it on the fire, once it burt, the ashes floated up the chimney to father Christmas :)

[@mubbles1066]

Likewise..every Christmas Eve we’d go to my Grand parents and put our pressie lists onto the fire and leave out mince pies and whiskey for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolph

[@somniumisdreaming]

we still do but dont burn it you catch the updraft and send it to Santa

[@josephinedewar4469]

We also decorate the house with evergreens, ivy, holly and mistletoe. There are other things we eat at Christmas - mince pies, originally symbolising the manger filled with goodness, a Yule logs which is a Swiss roll. covered with chocolate. Dates, nuts and oranges used to be specially imported at Christmas time before transportation became easier,, but are available all the time now. However, they are still associated with Christmas goodies. There is a Ladybird book which explains the origins of Christmas traditions. I found it interesting and helpful when I was teaching. You might find that interesting too.

[@MuppetAlex1]

Ok. Stockings. You wake up and have the firs presents. These are usually small and are not necessarily expensive. Think of it as an appetizer before the main meal. I tend to do Yorkshire pudding and cauliflower cheese ad well. Some people will do midnight mass on xmas eve. After the main lunch we will have a cold buffet in the evening. Boxing day we do bubble and squeak with the leftovers, but a tradition is also the turkey sandwich.

[@CaptainAmercia]

I never realised that Americans don’t celebrate Boxing Day found out years ago when I was chatting to an American through Xbox Live and I mentioned it’s nearly my birthday it’s on Boxing Day (26th December) he had no idea what Boxing Day was or when we celebrated it.

[@mayloo2137]

Canada here. We have Boxing Day and Christmas crackers too. And I always put the paper hat on.

[@Freebttxcf]

I hugely respect your interest in British culture 🙌

[@benamos2878]

We also have carol singers, who unsurprisingly sing Christmas Carols, and Christmas films ( American: movies ) which are Bond films, The Sound of Music, and The Great Escape. There are also the The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures and Carols from Kings.

[@bevanfletcher6563]

In New Zealand we have Chrismas pudding and the Queen's message and Boxing Day, but other than that our Christmas lunch is usually different, as because it's the middle of Summer our lunch is usually more laid back.

[@iDarkBladei2]

Hey, new subscriber here :) 1. I admire you, really, for your honesty and sincerity and for your maturity in taking upon yourself such a goal. It's a sign of great character - to be able to admit and understand your weaknesses, and thus to be able to grow from them. Seriously, much respect. 2. I too learned and keep learning a lot from YT, and since you asked for recommendations for learning sources, here i go(i'll recommend channels, and maybe some more specific stuff with the hope that you'll find it helpful for you to find what interests you the most): - overly sarcastic productions: they have a ton of top notch material, but you asked for something about ireland, so look up the 'history summarised - ireland ' one. - BazBattles - more focused on specific battles of great significance, and thier tactics, touching a little on the historical ramifications. - Caspian report - very intriguing content that you wont find in a lot of other places. Focused on Geopolitics. As a Russian - Isreali with a huge interest in history geopolitics and ao on, i have to say that he is extremely fair and truthful (imo) in his vids. Since you said you're interested in learning about geography and such, i figured it won't hurt to suggest this one. - CGP Grey, because of course. - world war two - super great source in general (the have a sister channel about the first world war as well) AND, they have an episode about the enigma! It's called 'the battle to crack the enigma...' - extra credits - they have super informative and fun series on a top of historical events and periods. Very recommended! Also, great team and great vibes. They even do a 'lies' episode at the end of each series, to correct all the mistakes they made on the way. - Historia civilis - has some of the best work on battle tactics, wars, politics and great figures of the Roman city/republic/empire, Carthage, ancient 'Greeks'...but mainly Rome. - History Buffs - just great fun. Reviews historical movies and comments on how accurately they depict the historical era they are referring to. - HistoryMarche - a lot like BazBattles. Lots of content and very varied. You could diversify and do a piece about some civilization or war you know little about, or just enrich your understanding of the world :) - invicta - another great one. They have many different types of videos. Some about Rome and the day-to-day life of people from different backgrounds in the empire, a lot of battles and history. But also, for instance, a two parter on the history of Hong Kong! Ancient China, Aztec history and on and on... - Geography Now - I wouldn't say it's suitable for making reaction videos, but it's a great channel if you want to know a bit about wvery country on earth :) - the armchair historian - another great one about modern wars, mainly ww2. - Useful Charts - OMG. I don't know how to explain, but i think this one could be amazing for you! Try. - CRASH COURSE. A gold mine. Thanks again, and keep up the good work :) Hope you'll reach however much subscribers you wish for, and most of all, have funnn :)

[@SoGal_YT]

Hey, thanks so much! I’ll keep all your recommendations so I can refer to them. I don’t know if I really have any subscriber goals - I just started this channel as a fun way to learn and didn’t know if anyone else would be interested in it, lol. I’m glad others are along for the ride with me!

[@bouli3576]

For absolutely unknown details of WW2 I recommend Mark Felton : a genius !

[@christhorpejunction8982]

Father Christmas is an ancient character dating back to before the Romans probably As the god Sulis. He metamorphosed into the Green Man in Medieval mummer plays who eventually became Father Christmas. Traditionally wore a green cloak, red came later. You’ll have to look it up. Anyway the character got a Christian makeover which is how he got mixed up with St Nicholas (from Turkey) and became a jolly natured fat lad with white beard (before he’d been a personification of nature red in tooth and claw, nice sometimes but also with a dangerous side) oh try and watch Inside No9 the Grampus edition, Christmas special.

[@sidsnot6952]

Odin also has many similarities to father Christmas. One of his names was father Yule

[@gazlink1]

And then Saint Nicholas shortened as Santa Claus.

[@ajt22]

I'm loving these videos.

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks for watching :)

[@billy199191]

We always had small presents and sweets in our stocking. And always an orange right at the bottom for some reason. It was soo exciting waking up in the morning and feeling the stocking full of presents at the end of the bed, I don’t know how my mum never once woke us up doing it 😂

[@michaelbrear2214]

I'm in my 70s and as children we would write on a piece of paper what present we would like from Father Christmas, this would then be thrown up the chimney and the heat of the fire would carry it up the chimney and off to the North Pole to Santa. We didn't actually burn them. Merry Christmas to you and your friends and family.

[@SoGal_YT]

Merry Christmas!

[@lilyliz3071]

When I was a youngster in Scotland my dad got Christmas day off work and the main holiday was new year,or hogmanay,then he got two days off

[@roygrantham8314]

As a Brit, I've never heard of throwing letters to Santa in the fire. Shopping on Boxing Day is a new thing as shops never used to open. Traditionally a lot of outdoor sport happened (football matches, horse racing etc). A chance to get out of the house and maybe have a pint or seven with mates etc.

[@krisjohnson-proctor355]

Aw, loved this, thanks. Yep. Stockings are put at the end of beds (usually), filled with sweets, fruit and little presents to entertain the kids until a decent hour! I usually put one half-decent present in with the bits and bobs: this year i put a ‘Rare’ LOL Doll in my 7 year old stocking and I could hear her excited squeals from downstairs where I had sneaked to make a cuppa! Oh yes..the excited stocking opening generally wakes parents enough to quietly go downstairs to get a nice 1st cup of tea or coffee before the Christmas mayhem begins. Oh and Panto? Love it!! We try to go on Xmas Eve, the early show, as it’s a lovely way to build the excitement: panto, home singing, pj’s on, stockings out, bed 🎅!

[@andyward8336]

I'm 57 English had a fire almost all my life and I have never heard of burning letters. We would post letters to the North Pole or you would leave a letter next to the brandy and mince pie.

[@firebollocks]

I used to do it, but guessing since most houses don't have coal fires, it's died out.

[@stevegray1308]

We always used to put letters to Santa on the fire so the smoke would carry them to Santa. Most houses dont have fires now (mine does) so they are usually posted.

[@philiprawles6262]

I've never even heard of burning letters to father Christmas we always posted ours

[@geordieboy8945]

I'm 58 and do remember putting a list into the fire. However, not to burn but to let the hot air blow it up the chimney to Santa.

[@Gambit771]

I remember burning christmas letters.

[@malcolmross8427]

Brussels sprouts are gorgeous simply boiled. Too good to limit to one day a year!

[@marycarver1542]

I think those who "hate" Sprouts, have simply never had them properly cooked and prepared !

[@goggler2]

Worked for Royal Mail a few Christmas's and you do get letters from kids to Santa. They have a whole framework in place for them so that kids will recieve a reply either from our goverment or another country depending where its addressed to.

[@HighHoeKermit]

When I was growing up, everything was closed on Boxing day and for most of the week. The "January sales" used to start on New Years Day, but they now start on Boxing day, as businesses try to make the most of people being off work and school, maybe with some Christmas money burning a hole in their pockets. As well as Christmas pudding, we also have Christmas cake, which is a heavy fruit cake, often baked months in advance and soaked in alcohol such as brandy, every week until it gets a thick layer of marzipan and royal icing.

[@davidsmall2944]

Trust me our Christmas is nothing like she explains !!

[@ftumschk]

In South Wales, there used to be a popular custom called the Mari Lwyd ("Grey Mare"), where a horse's skull is dressed in a sheet and paraded through the streets on Christmas Eve. Stopping at each house, the Mari Lwyd's "handlers" break into a song, hoping for ale and food in return. The tradition faded out in the first half of the 20th Century, but has seen a modest revival in some areas. More info, and macabre pictures, here on Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mari_Lwyd

[@SoGal_YT]

Wow, interesting!

[@marionbanks-wilkinson8368]

Happens near me at Llangwdd

[@Tiger89Lilly]

@@SoGal_YT The Welsh Viking here on KZbin explains it in great detail. It sounds so weird but fun. I think he makes one too

[@daveturner6006]

In the British Armed Forces its tradition for the Officers to serve the Men (enlisted) their Christmas dinner. Also, on Christmas morning the senior NCOs (Sergeants and Warrant Officers) wake the men with 'Gunfire'. Gunfire is tea heavily laced with rum or brandy or whisky.

[@oz25]

Both Christmas Day/ 25th and Boxing Day/St Stephen's Day/26th December are Bank Holiday in the UK and if they fall on the weekend, we get a/the day/s off in the week as well. Boxing Day is often a more relaxed 2nd Christmas Day and involves eating lots of left overs. People will often visit family and friends they didn't get to see on Christmas Day (with another round of gift giving), go to the sales or go for a walk as a family. My family often went to the races (horse). Many just sit at home, drinking, eating, relaxing and watching telly and enjoying their new gifts xxx

[@davidburke2132]

Yes, over here when people say “Ireland” it would usually be understood just to be an abbreviation of the “Republic of Ireland” because we can’t be bothered saying the whole thing every time (the reason for any abbreviation I suppose 🤷🏼‍♂️). If we meant Northern Ireland we would say the whole thing, or, if it was clear we were already talking about the island of Ireland we might just say “the North”. By the way, one clarification about the word “British”. Despite the fact that Great Britain IS the United Kingdom without Northern Ireland (i.e. England, Scotland and Wales) anyone from the United Kingdom would be described as “British” in terms of their official nationality. In other words someone from Northern Ireland still has the word “British” in their passport even though they aren’t in one of the countries of Great Britain, officially. I guess this is just because there’s no adjective “UKish”! 😜 I know it sounds a little inconsistent and illogical but it’s true... if someone says they are British don’t rule out the possibility they may be from Northern Ireland. PS. Just to add... the whole brandy and mince pies vs milk and cookies for Father Christmas justification of “because he’s a grown up” is just about the most British “burn” of an American tradition I’ve ever heard!! 😜🤣🤣🤣 PPS. The mail in the fire... I mean, c’mon, it’s just magic obviously!! 😝 Who can explain magic?!! Father Christmas is just all-round magic - flying reindeer and sleigh, ability to know if you’ve been good or bad throughout the whole year without being there, and most of all being able to cover the whole world delivering presents to every house in just one night without being spotted?!! 🤔😛 I honestly think the mail in the fire is the least of the issues that needs explaining 😉

[@petejones7878]

As a postman for over 30 years ...... all letters to Santa are sorted to the north pole

[@_Sakidora_]

Why? He lives in Lapland, everybody knows that.

[@zombiehaiku7527]

My stocking was filled with little gifts and sweets (candies) and always had a satsuma (or similar, sometimes a chocolate orange) and some pennies. The pennies were for luck. The stocking was on the bed to keep the children in their rooms a little longer so that mum and dad didn't have to get up quite so early.

[@stephenlee5929]

Hi, The burning letters to Father Christmas (we also use Santa), was when most houses had an open fire, you might have seen it in some movies. Note that Santa would also enter via the Chimney, so makes some sense. The crown in the cracker I think is to do with the 3 kings at Christmas, its definitely not (UK) royal. 'Chrimbo' is recent, or I'm old. The cracker joke was less bad than most. Sprouts (Brussel sprouts) are a standard part of a Christmas meal, most/many people don't like them, they are rarely served any other meal, strange? Yes we leave a drink and mince pie for Santa, its often whisky, thee will also be a carrot for the reindeer. Present placing differs between families. The Boxing Day Sales are not that big. She got it reasonably accurate for England, the Scots seem to celebrate New Year, more than Christmas.

[@dmoore1688]

One of my traditions is to Invade my neighbour's garden,plant the Union Jack, and claim it for Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. Happy Christmas!

[@owenmills3517]

Best tradition around!

[@4svennie]

or knock on the front door and ask, 'do you have a flag?', 'no!', 'oh, that's awkward, I do, this land is mine now!'. Rules of the flag. Lol.

[@dmoore1688]

@@4svennie I intend to conquer India by opening a garden centre. If the equivalent of Walmart, the East India Company, can do it then I reckon I am in with a good chance.

[@4svennie]

@@dmoore1688 Maybe lean more towards spices.

[@SoGal_YT]

I think this comment has gone completely over my head, lol.

[@tonkadriver1752]

ive never heard of burning letters to santa, modern houses do not have fire places in them so no place to a hang stocking

[@Rar9866]

im in my 50's and lived in a house with coal fires in all the rooms (no fun getting up in morning) and we always burnt our letters in the fire on the 1st of December, ref stockings we did this also but it was filled with sweets (great fun wake up and eat a mars bar that is rock hard as it froze overnight)

[@fluffibuni8663]

Loved the complicated intro ... but you got it right, there are definitely some regional differences around the festive period, such as the Scottish celebrating hogmanay on New Year's Eve. As for the video you watched ... 01) Well I'm English in my 50's and NEVER heard of anyone throwing their letters to Santa into the fire (or setting them alight). 02) Stockings at the end of the bed is definitely a tradition here. Used to love waking up and checking my stocking (or pillowcase) at the end of the bed. 03) Leaving out a snack for Santa (and his reindeer) is definitely a tradition, but it can be anything from a mince pie (a traditional spiced fruit pie) and a glass of brandy, through to a glass of milk and a carrot for Rudolph. Whatever comes to hand is fine. 04) Christmas crackers vary widely in quality depending on where you buy them ... you can alway make home-made ones (using the cardboard tube of a toilet roll). I'm obsessed with wearing the hat from my Christmas cracker ... especially if it's red or purple, I'm just weird like that, lol. 05) Modern Christmas dinners are kind of an American import, as we used to traditionally eat roast goose for Christmas dinner, but during the late 19th - early 20th century, we drifted towards turkey imported from the US. However, while families in the US tend to have big family roast dinners mainly around Thanksgiving and Christmas, they are a regular weekly event for many British households, commonly known as the Sunday roast (be it chicken, beef, turkey, ham etc etc etc) ... it's not the size of an extravagant Christmas roast dinner, but it's fabulous. 06) Christmas pudding ... is becoming less and less popular I think. I'm not a big fan and only have it in small portions. I've never seen anyone set light to one (it happens if you're eating at restaurants, but I've never seen it done at someone's home), and tends to be served with fresh cream or English custard. 07) The Queen's Speech ... while the Queen still addresses the nation at 3pm on Christmas Day, my experience is that fewer and fewer people stop to pay much attention to it, and that it's an ageing tradition that has less and less importance to younger generations. 08) Boxing Day ... here in the UK, Christmas is celebrated over 2 public holidays, Christmas Day (where just about every shop and place of work is closed) and Boxing Day (shops open for people to spend their gift vouchers and cash gifts). So for many it's a second day off work, and for those who do work it's hopefully paid at an overtime rate or receive extra vacation time (if you're self employed and work, then you're screwed, lol) 09) Pantomime's are awesome and usually have broad appeal for kids and families, as well as some clever jokes for the grown ups. There are so many traditions inside the structure of pantomimes that you could have a whole separate video, lol. 10) Personally, I don't care about it being within 12 days ... I always take down the Christmas tree and decorations on the Saturday afternoon of the 3rd Round of the FA Cup (it's a soccer tournament), which is always on the first or second Saturday of the New Year, so frequently within 12 days of Christmas Day. I turn on BBC Radio 5 to listen to sports commentary and gradually take everything down ... this year, it'll be Saturday January 9th. Some people in my family take everything down as quickly as possible after Christmas Day, sometimes even on Boxing Day.

[@stephenhall9073]

In Australia WE put a pillow slip as a stocking on the foot of the bed. Christmas morning it was really cool to feel the weight of Father Christmas' visit on my feet.

[@copenhagen9675]

Amazed at the amount of people saying they have never heard of putting Christmas letter onto the fire . Another tradition that's dying out.

[@GrumpyGrebo]

Not true, we put the EU leaving deal into the fire this year. It wasn't very warm.

[@CamcorderSteve]

I'd never heard of it either, I was assuming that it was a relatively new thing, although not many houses these days have a fireplace, it's all central heating.

[@baylessnow]

Here's your first lesson in Panto. You shout to the hero He's/She's behind you! Refering to the villain usually. They will look and say Oh nooooo he/she isn't. You reply with Ohhhh yesss he/she is! This kind of interaction goes on throughout the performance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5XFZIacpMSSpKc

[@markjfannon]

Stocking fillers I've previously received are typically food based (sweets, chocolate, etc) or just smaller presents (clothing, woolly hats, etc)

[@gman7346]

I got my ex wife a false leg for Chrimbo. It wasn't her main present, it was a stocking filler.

[@innercircle341]

Never encountered the burning of letters stockings are pinned above the fireplace never ever worn a silly paper crown Xmas pudding is great!! has to be high quality though Boxing Day lunch, cold meats, mashed potatoes, pickles , leftovers from Xmas dinner - especially bubble n squeak

[@MrGremlin69]

In my part of old Blighty we have the tradition of black eye Friday

[@hermandadams]

yeh every friday outside the nags head😂

[@1oriss]

Us too un;ess you have no fear you don't go into the town on the last Friday before Chrimbo it's a war Zone. Perhaps this social disruption we are in at the moment will curtail it somewhat.

[@skasteve6528]

Many theatres would go bankrupt if it wasn't for the income from pantomimes.

[@SamuelBlack84]

They're rather difficult right now

[@karenblackadder1183]

As kids, most of of us enjoyed a ruddy big pillowcase of stocking fillers was left on our beds. Since our parents had been up until the early hours wrapping the presents for under the tree, the pillowcase of bits and pieces was designed to keep the kids entertained whilst Mam and Dad got to sleep until 7am.

[@marleyhunter3988]

I’m in Scotland. Up here it’s whiskey and a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph. And panto is the most wonderful tradition, I’ve really missed it this year. But you can find loads on KZbin.

[@johnhealy4233]

Whisky

[@ASHERZ7167]

I've always known kids to post their letters, never heard of burning them before now.

[@benlee8436]

Me too! And if you do that, you get a reply letter from Father Christmas! Even better than pyromania, for once.

[@andrewclayton4181]

We had open fires as kids and would send the letters up the chimney. Mother liked to read them before we burnt them for some reason

[@crystalkirlia4553]

Stockings are for oranges and walnuts in my family. The sausage in bacon is called pigs in blankets. I refuse to call them anything but pigs in blankets.

[@ectopudding]

My family call them willies! Not joking!

[@deezelfairy]

1) Burning letters to santa - Literally NEVER heard of anyone doing this. 😂

[@MarkmanOTW]

The letters to Father Christmas are not meant to be burnt in the fire. You're meant to hold the letter (with tongs) well above the fire and the up draft of the heat and smoke carry the letter up the chimney, out of the top and off to the the North Pole - that's the Christmas magic! BTW I saw this happen as my Dad used to do this for us every year (as small kids) as we excitedly watched. Bear in mind this was a common tradition well up to 1960/70s when most people had open coal fires. Less so now with gas fires and central heating replacing coal fired from the 80s onwards, although still can be done in older larger house that still have open fires (often logs) and a feature fireplace.

[@DasArab]

The little Sausages wrapped in Bacon are called "Pigs in Blankets".

[@pipercharms7374]

they are sooo nice!

[@SoGal_YT]

We have "pigs in blankets" too, but it's little hotdogs wrapped in crescent rolls.

[@DasArab]

@@SoGal_YT You should try them with bacon, we use Streaky Bacon to wrap them.

[@pipercharms7374]

@@SoGal_YT they aren't the same, you need to wrap them in bacon :o

[@sammygirl5835]

@@pipercharms7374 The trouble is they don’t have real sausages, let alone cocktail sausages. I can confirm that American ‘pigs in blankets’ are delicious but more a party nibble type thing.

[@dennetlane2870]

Just call the Republic of Ireland 'Ireland' for short and say 'Northern Ireland' for the bit that's part of the UK and everyone will know what you mean. Don't worry too much about it. Some people like to get overly sensitive but that's their problem not yours. At least you're trying :)

[@SoGal_YT]

That helps, thanks :)

[@keithrudd8003]

Or call it Ulster,

[@Donabate2]

@@keithrudd8003 3 county's of Ulster are in the Republic of Ireland is not part of the British Isles.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

You can say Eire for the Republic of Ireland, but that is a touch old-fashioned.

[@WJS774]

@@Donabate2 The _whole_ of Ireland is part of the British Isles, that's a geographic term rather than a geopolitical one. You mean not part of the UK.

[@ellen7135]

Ok from uk and haven’t heard of burning the letters. We normally post them too. My kids traditions consist of baking mince pies and Christmas cake or puddings before Christmas. Also when younger they would make reindeer food to sprinkle on the ground outside on Xmas eve. So they knew where to land. A visit to see father Xmas in December was a must an you would get a photo with him. Stockings have Terry’s chocolate orange in, an chocolate coins , and more sweets, and small presents. Xmas dinner , sprouts are a must even though loads of people hate them. The sausages in bacon are called pigs in blankets. Everyone here buys tonnes of food , tubs of chocolates , pate , cheese, alcohol ! And it’s very much a time for family to get together. Not so much this year though.

[@amandadavies..]

You're probably not old enough. Everyone used to have coal fires years ago. The idea was not really to burn them but for the draught to force them up through the chimney into the sky....and on to the North Pole

[@Lord_Williams]

New to the channel here, but glad to have found your content. The burning of letters to Santa is not true, not in my memory, the latter is put toward the fire and the heat takes it up the chimney to Santa. And yes we call him Santa here too. The paper crown inside the cracker I guess just makes you look silly. Boxing Day I believe was originally the day people started to ‘box’ up rubbish, or trash to put it out to be collected. I could be wrong but that’s where I believe the name comes from. Pantomime is a classic. For some reason it’s never crossed the pond but if you enjoy British humour then you will enjoy a pantomime. It’s totally interactive and so much fun. From my home to yours I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Loving the channel and content, thank you. Are you and Roger an item? If not could you please put in a good word for me as Roger looks pretty hot!! Love the channel and much respect. Stay safe 😷 and please keep Roger safe too.

[@DNW28]

Boxing day was when the wealthy fed their workers and the poor , it was put in boxes to give to them .

[@simonoleary9264]

Something that was missed out of that video. The period between Christmas and New Year is sometimes known as "Chrimbo Limbo".

[@SoGal_YT]

Haha.

[@jemmajames6719]

Never heard of that, did you just make it up?

[@simonoleary9264]

@@jemmajames6719 No, I picked it up from my wife's family, but I think it's pretty common in the West Midlands, maybe Birmingham too. Feel free to use it if you like it 🙂.

[@jemmajames6719]

@@simonoleary9264 Can’t say Chrimbo, without thinking I would sound like a Scoucer, no offensive Scoucers!

[@Re-tf8qf]

@@jemmajames6719 just makes me think of Ali G

[@GenialHarryGrout]

When referring to Ireland in a video about British tradition we assume you mean Northern ireland. I think the crown is reference to the 3 wise men

[@baylessnow]

I think most people in mainland Britain, when they refer to Ireland they generally mean Ireland as a land mass not two seperate countries. Unless they are talking about a specific part of Ireland such as, for example, Belfast in Northern Ireland or Limerick in Southern Ireland.The crowns are most probably a nod to We 3 Kings of Orient Square.. Selling knickers tuppence a pair! They're fantastic no eleastic. They're not fit to wear! X¬D

[@darrenreslis594]

No one I know would think that, including the people I know from NI and the ROI. Ireland is the Republic, Northern Ireland is the British part. Many, many mainland traditions are followed in both the ROI and NI but when talking about it the Northern Irish can get really stroppy if they think you are lumping them all together.

[@katiefitzpatrick1087]

Ireland is one country. The brits stole part of northern Ireland. As a resident of the republic of ireland I am Irish not British. Some of our traditions are similar because during the war everything was taken from us our land our homes our language and alot more. Ireland is not Britain.

[@darrenreslis594]

@@katiefitzpatrick1087 Learn some history, the first "cross Irish Sea" raids were by the Irish against Wales and Cornwall, everything after that was retaliation. If you think that the British stole Ireland then you may as well start pushing blame back through the centuries and blame the Romans or the Vikings. Ireland didn't exist as a unified country when the English invaded it and the Gaelic language developed by Kingdom building Celtic war lords had no word for "Republic" before we introduced it to them, go and look that up and prove me wrong. Ireland is still pi**ed with us because they have ended up as the laughing stock of the EU, betrayed by the EU during Brexit so that Brussels could keep us on side. A minor none entity player that has to revel in the success of a family in the US that left Ireland generations ago that, like the Kennedy clan, will weigh up what the UK can give them (UK is the biggest foreign employer in the USA, closest military ally both on the ground and in technological partnerships, joint contracts on Nuclear Weapons, US is the biggest foreign employer in the UK, US is the largest stock market share holder on the FTSE, UK is the largest foreign stock marker share holder on the DOW, Irish influence is restricted to mainly Boston and NY, UK influence is calculated at being 15 times that in the Mid and West states, the list goes on) versus a Facebook tax haven whose government harbored and supported Nazis during WW2, thank God that a large amount of your people rebelled against that and fought against Fascism anyway but then what did you do to them when they returned? Here's a hint because your country likes to ignore that bit when teaching history, it was not good, just because they had dared to stand up to Hitler. What exactly can the ROI offer anyone that they can't get anywhere else? Nothing, you are an irrelevant side kick that most people think are still part of the UK anyway. The irony is we would never want you.

[@skasteve6528]

When I was a kid, the only shops that could open on boxing day, were pubs & bookmakers. Boxing day is a big date in the sporting calender. Also, there were many fun events such as the Arun bath tub race & Pagham pram race. These events are usually some silly race, involving people in fancy dress. The starting point is the car park of pub A, the finishing line is pub D & you have to call in at pubs B & C on the way.Of course, it would be rude to call at these pubs & not have a pint.

[@maxcowell3920]

I'm loving your vlogs - what a lovely person you are - equally interesting AND entertaining Best wishes. The Christmas we celebrate was largely invented by Charles DIckens in A Christmas Carol...

[@kruandrew8930]

Father Christmas has his roots in pre-Christian pagan midwinter festivals. Most of Christmas is actually a pagan winter solstice festival. Gift giving, singing, the date, the tree decorating, mistletoe, holly, stockings... They're all pagan. Modern Christmas is just a mix of that with a Christian story tacked on and a whole heap of shopping.

[@neilbuckley1613]

I read Father Christmas traces back to Woden, Anglo-Saxon equivalent to the Norse Odin and German Wotan.

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

Panto's a great tradition. Oh yes it is.

[@sidsnot6952]

👍👍👍

[@hmcd4084]

Oh no it's not!

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

@@hmcd4084 Oh. Yes. It. Is!

[@davonuk1]

For me, Boxing Day is not a time of shopping, but rather an extra day off work (a bank holiday), and a chance to catch up with friends and family I didn't see on Christmas Day. I think people who rush to the Boxing Day sales are a bit silly, as the sales generally run until mid January and in some cases even start just before Christmas. What's the rush? There are also a number of sporting events that are traditional on Boxing Day, such as a soccer game, horse racing, and (and I am not happy about this one) fox hunting, although that has been heavily regulated in recent years to the point that it is almost outlawed.

[@TheAlmostace]

in stockings we have small inconsequential gifts like socks and pants, we have chocolates and fruits (oranges) and very tradistionally we used to put a silver sixpence in your stocking which harks back to St Nickolas from turkey placing money in socks and shoes.

[@RoyCousins]

Father Christmas / Santa's Claus was usually depicted in either red or green, but this became predominantly red in the early 1930s when Coca Cola used the character in big seasonal advertising campaigns as the red colours matched their corporate branding.

[@monza1002000]

@numbSKULLery Father Christmas is based or taken from an old pagan tradition and was green

[@RoyCousins]

@numbSKULLery But in the pagan myths he is often in green and the Viking version is blue, so it's not one myth, but the amalgamation of several cultural characters.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@numbSKULLery Yes. I am a pagan and there are as many types of paganism as there are pagans! Joking aside, yes the vikings were pagan, so were the Romans. When the Romans first came to England they were pagan and so were the locals, but with different traditions. Most of modern xmas traditions in the west came from pagan traditions. Nowadays in the UK pagans follow mostly the old English or the Nordic traditions. Some in the US follow some of the older Native American traditions. There is no 'right' tradition.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@numbSKULLery I put my faith where I want thank you. I don't think of it as a religion, and I think all religions are fake, but each to their own. The Romans did write of their Pagan practices and of the pagan practices of those they met. Anyhow, paganism never died out at all here in the UK. There has been pagans in my family line as far back as we can research. The beliefs have always been passed down. As for no way to properly ascertain their beliefs - ask a pagan. Sure, it has changed over time as all belief systems do, so it is different in different places, but it is still here and going strong. Blessed be.

[@johnbiggscr]

I make a traditional English xmas cake most years. My wife’s work mates actually ask her each year when she’s bringing it in because they love it. This isn’t your dry American version of fruit cake.

[@cutex24]

my Mum's Christmas cake has so much alcohol in it could fell an elephant! :-)

[@Tiger89Lilly]

Half a bottle of brandy half a bottle of rum in November the left overs other half a bottle a couple of weeks before Christmas day. Although if I'm making it it usually has an extra half a bottle of scotch in it

[@ianpark1805]

And a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you too! For me Christmas is not complete without a large chunk of Christmas Cake (very rich fruitcake, homemade and ‘fed’ with brandy) accompanied by a large chunk of cheese, preferably Wensleydale (this I believe is a northern tradition, but trust me on this one - we’ve fed it to more southerly based friends who have approached with incredulity and faint disgust, but who have radically changed their opinion once they’ve tried it...’OMG, that’s amazing!’). Complete with a small, no dammit, it’s Christmas, large glass of Sherry. Or Port.

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks, Ian!

[@ianpark1805]

@@SoGal_YT I’m fascinated by the Christmas custom of ‘The Hunting of The Wren’ which is still practiced in the U.K. but now without any actual wrens being killed. Quite a lot on it on Wikipedia and various other sources. There’s also one of the songs sung by the ‘Wrenboys’ which is beautiful but melancholy. Here it is by the Albion Christmas Band (who as the name suggests come together once a year for a Christmas tour packed with Christmas themed songs and carols): kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJCvp5KQndSVeac Lest it be thought that an ACB gig is a sombre affair there was once or twice a memorable sequence where Simon Care played the accordion blindfolded while Morris dancing over a number of raw eggs. The rest of the band may have sat a bit further back for that one!

[@ianpark1805]

And of course, the ancient custom of Wassailing which is one of the few instances where you might experience unrestrained gunfire in England.

[@chrisbodum3621]

Ah. Christmas pudding served hot with hot custard (a little brandy is often poured over the pudding and set alight before serving and brandy is also often added to the custard). Christmas pudding is different to a Christmas cake which is a full on heavyweight fruit (and nut) cake more likely covered with marzipan and icing (frosting). And you should have a look what the Japanese do with Christmas.

[@SoGal_YT]

Ooh...interesting suggestion, thanks.

[@istrysii]

dont hold " Christmas " after it was a take over from my belive as is " Winter Solstice " and it is called " Yule ". But i dont care what you holding, as long you happy with it :)

[@ulysses2138]

You must have seen Mary Poppins and the children’s letter for a governess, its the same principle, its magic.

[@mayloo2137]

I love Mary Poppins - the one with Julie Andrews, not Emily Blunt

[@ellenthorne8222]

31st December is Hogmanay in Scotland, Christmas decorations should come down by 6th January, 1st January is when the sales start with people queuing for several nights to get bargains such a £1500 plasma tv for £500, there is usually tv footage of this at Harrods in London. Some sales start Boxing day now as stores want to clear their stock to make way for Easter and Cadburys cream eggs start to appear.

[@jawsgo9840]

How you send a present list to Father Christmas. The idea is, you hold the paper list of desired Christmas presents in the flames of your fire with something suitably long enough as to not burn yourself. When the paper is burnt you then let it go, at that point the draft of the fire will send it up the chimney, never to be seen again. Not so mad as you may think, remember the Father Christmas comes down the chimney to deliver the presents. A little twist that we used to do is to secretly palm the list that our children had written there list on for another similar piece of paper. You then have their list not only to keep but also to actually know what to buy them for Christmas.

[@729613]

Putting a coin in the Christmas Pudding

[@SuperDancingdevil]

It was a Silver Sixpence when I was a kid, If I got it the sweet shop got it right after Christmas. 😁

[@SoGal_YT]

Oh! I remember that from a Charlie Chaplin film. Can't remember which one, but he swallowed the coin accidentally. 😆

[@SuperDancingdevil]

@@SoGal_YT I never swallowed it but I guess some did, He trick was to eat it slowly and carefully, It was too nice to rush anyway especially with Brandy sauce all over it, I loved it when mum set fire to it the blue flame fascinated me it seemed magical .

[@skasteve6528]

Whoever got the coin, would have good luck in the new year. The coin would usually be returned for use in next year's christmas pudding, silver sixpences don't grow on trees.

[@davidjones332]

My school used to do this on the last day of term, but the Christmas pud was always preceded by a health & safety warning from the headmaster!

[@cutthr0atjake]

Santa Claus is derived from the name "Saint Nicholas"

[@simonpowell1762]

I’m really enjoying your videos, a Brit here 😊 I love how you’re learning, and don’t take this the wrong way, but ‘an’ American stereotype here is that they are blind of things that are not American (hence I’m enjoying your new views 😊) Anyway keep the vids coming 🤗 I came to comment that the letters in the fire 😂 It is regularity taught that Father Christmas ‘is magic’ therefore numerous stories are told of his abilities 👍🏼 He can literally do anything

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks so much! Unfortunately, there's truth to that stereotype. I think part of the issue is that we're more isolated from other countries than Europeans are, so we have less incentive to learn about things outside of our own country. Our own culture/society consumes us, leaving very little room for exploration outside of our borders. Not saying that's a good thing, but that's the reality. However, I think it's a shame to remain ignorant of the rest of humanity, so I'm enjoying learning about the rest of the world :) Frankly, it's a little overwhelming by how much there is to know.

[@simonpowell1762]

@@SoGal_YT you’re more than welcome 😊 Stereotypes are stereotypes, so do your own thing as I’m sure you know you should. Please share your journey in the channel, I think it will blossom very quickly, and rather much faster than you think too 😉 I look forward to your coming content 😁 Give me a shout if you need any help or support 👍🏼

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks! I appreciate the support.

[@billgiles3261]

A pillow case for presents at the end of the bed for the kids keeps them in bed because they will wake up really early. And we will have gone to midnight church the night before (or the pub). Boxing Day for lots of people is a day for sports or outdoor activities. And you need to find the song “the Twelve Days of Christmas”.