10 Things Britain Does at Christmas That Would Confuse an American Family
If you’re from the US and find yourself in Britain during the festive season, you might see some things that seem pretty odd. From special TV messages from the Queen to football games right after Christmas, let’s explore these unique British customs that light up their holiday season!
1. Pantomime Villains
Ever heard of a Christmas show where the audience shouts “He’s behind you!”? That’s a British pantomime. These shows are a huge part of Christmas in the UK and are known for their loud, interactive performances where villains from fairy tales or popular stories stir up trouble, and the audience gets to join in. Kids and adults love it because they get to boo, cheer, and even talk to the characters. It’s a fun, festive way to get everyone into the spirit of things.
2. Christmas Crackers
Picture sitting down for Christmas dinner and seeing a colorful paper tube next to your plate. That’s a Christmas cracker. You and the person next to you pull on each end until it pops open with a small bang. Inside, you’ll find a paper crown, a small toy or gadget, and a joke to read aloud. It’s a little thing, but it adds a lot of laughs to Christmas meals in Britain.
3. Boxing Day Football
While Americans enjoy football on Thanksgiving, the British have their big games the day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day. This isn’t just any football; it’s soccer. Almost every team in the league plays, making it a packed day of sports that pulls everyone back to their TVs or to the stadiums, possibly to shake off the Christmas dinner from the day before!
4. Mince Pies Everywhere
Imagine a tiny pie filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices. That’s a mince pie, and in Britain, they’re everywhere during Christmas. People enjoy them with tea, give them as gifts, and might even leave one out for Santa instead of cookies. They’re a sweet part of the festive tradition that has been around for centuries.
5. Christmas Adverts Becoming Events
In Britain, the release of Christmas adverts from major stores is a big deal. These aren’t just ads; they’re like short, heartwarming films that tell a story. Families often watch their favorite ads together, and talking about which ones were the best is a common topic around the water cooler. It’s all about getting into the holiday mood.
6. Eating Pigs in Blankets with Everything
Forget about just having turkey. In the UK, ‘pigs in blankets’—sausages wrapped in bacon—are a must-have at Christmas dinners. They’re so popular that people start adding them to every meal during December. Whether it’s a breakfast treat or a dinner side, these little guys make every meal feel like Christmas.
7. Watching the Same Festive Films Every Year
Just like many Americans, the British love rewatching their favorite Christmas films every year. Whether it’s classics like ‘A Christmas Carol’ or family favorites like ‘Home Alone’, these movies are a big part of getting into the festive spirit. It’s a cozy, comforting tradition that brings families together.
8. Christmas Jumpers at Work
Imagine everyone at work showing up in brightly colored sweaters with reindeers and snowmen on them. That’s what happens in the UK. Wearing a Christmas jumper to work is not just accepted, it’s encouraged! It’s a fun way to make the workplace cheerful and a bit silly during December.
9. The Queen’s Christmas Message Tradition
Every Christmas Day at 3 PM, families across the UK tune in to watch the Queen give her annual Christmas message. This tradition started with her grandfather, King George V in 1932. It’s a moment where everyone slows down to reflect on the year and look forward to the new one, together as a nation.
10. Eating Leftovers for Several Days
After the big Christmas feast, Brits typically enjoy leftovers for several days. This means creative dishes from cold turkey sandwiches to bubble and squeak made from mashed potatoes and vegetables. It’s a tasty way to keep the holiday spirit alive and well even after Christmas Day has passed.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.