1. Christmas

2. Christmas is the main public holiday in Britain
Christmas is the main public holiday in Britain. It is held on December 25 in honour of the birth of Christ.

3. People often see it as a time of merry-making and present-giving
People often see it as a time of merry-making and present-giving. In the days and weeks before Christmas the shops become very busy.

4. People usually decorate their houses and many have a Christmas tree with coloured balls or lights on it.

5. There is a tradition that children should put a long sock called a Christmas stocking at the end of their bed or by the chimney or hang it by the fireplace so that Santa Clause will fill it with presents.

6. Children are told that Santa Clause will bring them presents if they are good. Children sometimes write a letter to Santa Clause telling him what presents they would like for Christmas.

7. People also send Christmas cards to their friends usually containing the message “Merry Christmas”.

8. The most important meal is Christmas dinner
The most important meal is Christmas dinner. It consists of turkey with potatoes and other vegetables.

9. People sometimes go carol singing, which means singing carols in the street.

10. The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day and is also a public holiday. Traditionally, it was the day to open the Christmas Box to share the contents with the poor. And the tradition still continues today… it is customary for householders to give small gifts or monetary tips to regular visiting trades people.
Boxing day is the day when families get together for watching sports, playing board games and walking in the countryside.

11. The most favourite Christmas song