Christmas in the UK

In the UK, most families have a Christmas tree. 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.  

Many villages, towns and cities are also decorated with Christmas lights. The most famous Christmas lights can be seen in Oxford Street, London. Every year they get bigger and better. Thousands of people go to watch the big ‘switch on’ around the beginning of November. 

Nativity plays and carol services are also very popular during the Christmas time. On Christmas Eve, the most famous UK carol service is held at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, at 3 p.m. 

Children believe that Santa Claus leaves presents in stockings, which are normally hung up by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. They also write letters to Santa Claus. 

In the UK, the main Christmas meal is usually eaten at lunchtime or early afternoon on Christmas Day. This is normally roast turkey, roast vegetables and ‘all the trimmings’, which means vegetables like carrots & peas, stuffing and sometimes bacon and sausages. It’s often served with cranberry sauce and bread sauce. Traditionally, and before turkey was available, roast beef or goose were served as the main Christmas meal. One vegetable that is often eaten at Christmas are Brussels sprouts. For dessert the Brits often enjoy Christmas Pudding. Mince pies and lots of chocolates are also eaten around Christmas!  

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by Schennach Jana, 3fk

Christmas around the World

Many countries celebrate  Christmas but the way they do this varies. Find out how these festive days are celebrated in the English-speaking world, namely in the USA, the UK, in Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  

 Christmas in the US  

Since the USA is a multicultural country, Christmas customs vary in different states and also from place to place, depending also on the heritage of individual families. However, in almost every town or city you will find a large Christmas tree with decorations.  

Typically, American families eat turkey for their main course, but there are many side dishes like cranberry sauce. The Italians in America usually eat traditional Italian food like lasagne, while families of Eastern European origin may opt for soups, cabbage dishes and sausages. 

Catholic communities attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and even those who do not regularly attend church often come along.  
In the southern parts of the country, traditions are influenced by their neighbouring country Mexico. 

With children believing that Santa Claus delivers the presents the night before, gifts are typically exchanged in the morning of Christmas Day (25th December). 

Christmas in the UK  

In the United Kingdom, Christmas celebrations  are usually fairly close to those in the United States. Streets in the UK are decorated with Christmas lights and these are often switched on by a celebrity or popular local person.  

Like in America, the main Christmas meal often consists of turkey. It is normally served with a lot side dishes like roast or mashed potatoes, four vegetables and stuffing. 

Churches offer Christmas carol services, where people gather to sing well-known tunes. In the countryside you may also see children going from door to door throughout December, singing Christmas carols to their neighbours. 

There is a strong emphasis on family, and gifts are exchanged on Christmas Day (25th December). The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day and this is a bank holiday. 

Christmas in Ireland  

Generally, Christmas celebrations in Ireland are close to how the Brits or Americans celebrate this festivity. Santa Claus is known as Saint Nicholas. 

Christmas meals are very similar to those served in the UK, although some families include spiced beef as the main part of their meal.  

In Ireland, Boxing Day is known as St. Stephen’s Day (since it is a Catholic country). Many people go to church, so Christmas is more religious in Ireland than it is in the UK. 

However, as far as other aspects are concerned, things are done in a similar way to the UK or US, eating leftover food, and spending the day with family. 

Christmas in Canada  

Christmas celebrations in Canada share many similarities with the United States. However, one widespread tradition in the English-speaking parts of the country is the use of real fir or pine trees, which is especially common in the eastern province of Nova Scotia, where huge trees can be seen in towns and cities. 

Many Canadian families choose to exchange their gifts on Christmas Eve, rather than on Christmas Day, while others open one present on Christmas Eve and the remaining ones on 25th December. 

As with the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is a recognised holiday in Canada and many people use it as a shopping day. 

Christmas in Australia and New Zealand  

Christmas occurs at the height of the summer season, in both Australia and New Zealand. There is no snow and you don’t need a coat to go outside. 

Like in other English-speaking countries, the Christmas tree is central to household Christmas decorations. Once again, the traditional Christmas meal consists of turkey. 

Both Australia and New Zealand recognise Boxing Day and workers in both countries usually get both Christmas Day and Boxing Day off.  

You will see Santa, of course, but he will rather be wearing shorts and a T-shirt. 

by Lea-Sophie Stockhorst, 5ck

Thanksgiving Meal

In Austria we do have a harvest festival but Thanksgiving is something truly. Let’s take a closer look at the delicious food that Americans typically enjoy during this special occasion. Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and coming together with family and friends for a hearty feast. 

At the heart of the Thanksgiving meal is the iconic roast turkey. Families often spend hours roasting this bird to golden perfection, as it is the star of the dinner table. Alongside the turkey, there are several side dishes that add a variety of flavors and textures to the meal: mashed potatoes, creamy and smooth, are a must-have, usually smothered in flavorful gravy. Stuffing, made from a mix of seasoned bread and herbs, is another classic dish that goes along with the turkey, adding a delicious savory component to the feast. 

Vegetables play a huge role too, for example in a green bean casserole. A sweet potato casserole, topped with gooey marshmallows, is a sweet dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the meal. Macaroni with cheese is also a popular , creamy side dish. 

To satisfy the sweet tooth, Thanksgiving desserts are a treat themselves. Pumpkin pie, with its spiced pumpkin filling and buttery crust, is a symbol of the season. Additionally, pecan pie and apple pie often grace the dessert table, offering a delightful end to the Thanksgiving meal. 

by Labugger Regina, 7ck