Families celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas all together by opening their presents together. Most families put a beautiful Christmas tree in their home that they decorate as a family, collaborating and helping to place the decorations. The Christmas tree was introduced to England by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. He was German and thought it was a good way to celebrate Christmas in England.
When decorating the home, as here in Spain, holly, ivy and mistletoe are also the protagonists in Christmas decorations. The streets are decorated with beautiful lights to enjoy all of these dates, but the most famous of all are the Oxford Street Christmas lights in London. Every year they are bigger and more beautiful lights, there are thousands of people who come every year to see how they are turned on at the beginning of November.
Christmas and its celebration in London
Christmas carols
On these dates the churches sing Christmas carols by candlelight and charity activities are carried out for the most disadvantaged.
Gifts for all children
Children celebrate Christmas by hoping that Papa Noel or Santa Claus will leave treats for them in their Christmas stockings that hang on the fireplace or in bed on Christmas Eve. Sometimes the children leave something to eat and drink on the table in the living room, near the tree for Santa to drink, but the drinks better not be alcoholic, Santa has to drive his sleigh!
Letter to Santa Claus
The children write letters to Santa Claus but instead of giving them to him they tend to throw them into the fireplace to burn, since Santa’s magic can make him read them thanks to the smoke.
Christmas menu
The Christmas meal is usually at lunchtime, at lunch or even in the afternoon. It’s usually a roast turkey, roasted vegetables, bacon, and sausage. Cranberry sauce is famous this time of year. Brussels sprouts cannot be missing. The family likes to get together on these special dates.