Celebrating Christmas seems like a lot bigger affair in England than it ever really did in America to me. Sure Christmas is a big deal, but the lead up wasn’t as exciting in America. England knows how to get you in the Christmas spirit, or make a lot of people mad for starting too early, just depends on which side of the fence you are on. Me, I’m all about Christmas cheer starting in November here!I’m linking up with Emma, Kelly, Rebecca and Samantha to share a few of my favourite things about celebrating Christmas in England.
::Christmas Markets::
I love everything about them (except maybe the massive crowds), the stalls selling all sorts of gifty items, the smell of the food stalls selling sausages and fried foods, and of course the mulled wine. Leeds is the one we go to every year, but last year I went to the Manchester one for the first time and it was incredible!
::Mulled wine/cider and Winter ales::Now I love having mulled wine at the Christmas markets, but pubs get on board this train too in December, and you can get mulled wine or cider, and all the delicious winter ales. It’s a good time to visit pubs too as they deck themselves out with decorations.
::Christmas crackers::I’m sure we have these in America, but my family never had them. I’m not talking about the kind you eat, but the kind you pull. Inside you’ll fine your paper crown for the evening, some sort of present and a joke. The jokes are always cringey and it’s fun reading them around the table at dinner time.
::Christmas jumpers::
English people LOVE a good novelty jumper (sweater for all my non-English readers). They are absolutely everywhere, and range from pretty cute and subtle, to full on garish. Take a guess which ones are my favourite 🙂
::Christmas pudding::So I’m aware it’s fruit cake, but covered in enough brandy and cream it’s pretty tasty.
::Family::
While I may be away from my family in America, Adam’s family has adopted me and is amazing. It’s so great being able to celebrate holidays with them. I also love having just Adam and I on Christmas morning, to open stockings with each other and watch the kitties open theirs too. This year I’m super excited my Mom is coming for her second Christmas in England as well, I only wish she could come earlier than Christmas day so she could experience all of the above!
What are your favourite Holiday traditions?
