English Christmas Traditions
Differences Between Christmas in the United States and England
Christmas is an incredibly popular holiday in England and in all of Britain, in fact. In England, they celebrate Christmas somewhat differently than in the U.S., and many Christmas traditions that are an integral part of Christmas celebrations in England never quite made it to the United States.
What? Who? Where?
Pantomines are one such example of a Christmas tradition that is common in England but is virtually unheard of in the U.S. Children in England enjoy performing pantomimes during the Christmas season. The pantomimes include song and dance and often reenact popular fairy tales that the kids are familiar with.
A Message From The Queen
Another Christmas tradition that is exclusive to England is the Queen’s Christmas Message. England is a country of rich cultural tradition, and the Royal Family plays a central role in the lives of this nation’s citizens. We really don’t have this equivalent in the U.S. Christmas parades are certainly one annual occurrence that people eagerly anticipate each Christmas, and Christmas morning can be spent camped out in front of the television set watching a Christmas parade or attending a live Christmas parade. The anticipation people have for Christmas parades might parallel the enthusiasm people in England have for the Queen’s message.
A Lovely Place With Lovely Traditions
I’ve discussed in the past other Christmas traditions that are unique to England and have never quite made it to the States. Read our articles on eggnog, mince pies, and Christmas pudding if you are interested in learning more about food traditions unique to England.
I’m quite inspired by all of the descriptions I read about Christmas in England that someday I would love to actually spend one Christmas in England. I would love to take in the beautiful English countryside and shop in London. I’m definitely planning to implement the English Christmas tradition of pantomimes because they sound fun and entertaining, and my daughter loves to perform.