Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December in England, with a Christmas dinner for the whole family.

During the weeks before Christmas Day, we send cards, watch nativity plays and go to carol services. We also decorate our homes and churches with green leaves, paper decorations and colourful electric lights. copyright of projectbritain


What is a Nativity Play?
The Nativity Play recreates the scene of Jesus’ birth in the stable and tells of how Mary and Joseph were visited by the Shepherds and Wise Men. The parts of Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and the Wise Men are played by the children. In our school, the Year 3 children perform a Nativity to the whole school and to proud parents.

Caroling

(singing carols in the street) is one of the oldest customs in Great Britain, going back to the Middle Ages when beggars, seeking food, money, or drink, would wander the streets singing holiday songs. copyright of projectbritain.com

In the Middle Ages, carols were dances accompanied by singing. It is thought that they were introduced to England from France.

Over the years, the word 'carol' changed its meaning, referring only to certain kinds of songs, the word carol became known as Christmas songs.

I learned British people stay at home with familiy. It is little different with Japanese costom.

I didn't know the abbreviation for Christmas to Xmas is derived from the Greek alphabet. X is the letter Chi, which is the first letter of Christ's name in the Greek alphabet.

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of pictures are on the traditionally Christmas cards.I didn't know about that. because today, pictures are often winter pictures, Father Christmas, or jokes.

People send about 50 X'mas cards to friends or whoever in average in Englnad.