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

Food in Britain

There are usually three main meals: 

• Breakfast: between 7 and 9 a.m. 
• Lunch: between 12 and 1:30 p.m. 
• Dinner (sometimes also called supper): This is the most important meal, eaten between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. 

• Breakfast:  

• Traditionally you would eat eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans and mushrooms (most people only have time for this at the weekend). 
• Many people have a bowl of cereals, toast with butter and jam/marmelade, orange juice and a cup of tea (some coffee). 
• In the winter many people also eat porridge (cooked oats). 

• Lunch: 

• Many children at school and adults at work take a “packed lunch” with them or buy it from a supermarket. This usually consists of a sandwich, a packet of crisps, something sweet or a piece of fruit and a drink. 

• Dinner/supper: 

• A recent survey found out that many people in the UK love curry! Rice or pasta dishes are also popular. 
• Vegetables grown in England, such as potatoes, carrots, peas, cabbage and onions are often served as a side dish. 

by Puntigam Nicole, 6dk

Coronation of King Charles III

On 6th May 2023, King Charles III was crowned as the new king of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London. This was a historic moment for the country and indeed the entire world, as the British royal family is so well-known and stands for stability and continuity in an ever-changing world. 

During the ceremony, King Charles III made a number of promises, to serve his country and to uphold the values of the monarchy: loyalty, duty, and service. The coronation also aimed at diversity, reflecting its diverse population and various faiths. Thus representatives from different faiths and all the Commonwealth countries had been invited to attend the ceremony. The Coronation choirs, orchestras and soloists had also been chosen to illustrate this notion. 

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After the ceremony, King Charles III went on a procession through the streets of London, where he was greeted by thousands of well-wishers. The event was marked by celebrations throughout the country, with people coming together in street parties to celebrate the new king and the traditions of the monarchy. 

Looking ahead, King Charles III will have to face many challenges as he assumes the role of monarch. One of the most pressing issue is the ongoing debate over the future of the monarchy in an era of changing social and political values. In addition to these debates, King Charles III will also have to find ways to handle the many complex issues facing modern Britain, including economic inequality, political polarization, and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite these challenges, King Charles III is widely regarded as a thoughtful and visionary leader, who is committed to serving his country and his people. With his coronation, he has taken on a weighty responsibility, but one that he is more than capable of handling. As the new king begins his reign, he will undoubtedly continue to draw on the traditions and values of the monarchy, while also embracing the changes and challenges of the modern world. 

In conclusion, the coronation of King Charles III was a historic event that marked the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy. It is a moment that will be remembered for generations to come, and one that is sure to have a lasting impact on the future of Britain, its realms and the Commonwealth. 

by Labugger Regina, 6ck