Christmas Story
What is Christmas?
Christmas is a Christian festival. People celebrate the birthday of Jesus. ⭐
In the U.K., the big day is Christmas Day on 25 December. Families are together, they open presents and eat a big Christmas dinner.
The four weeks before Christmas are called Advent. Many children have an Advent calendar with a little chocolate behind every door. 🍫
Christmas Eve – 24 December
On Christmas Eve, children hang a big stocking (a sock) on their bed or by the fireplace. 🧦
At night, Father Christmas (Santa Claus) flies in his sleigh with his reindeer. He comes down the chimney and puts presents in the stockings. 🦌🛷
Children leave a mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for the reindeer. 🥕
How do people celebrate Christmas in the U.K.?
Presents
On Christmas morning, children open the presents in their stockings and under the tree.
Christmas dinner
The family eats a big dinner in the middle of the day. Most people eat roast turkey.
Crackers
Two people pull a cracker. BANG! Inside there is a paper crown, a joke and a small toy.
Carols
People sing Christmas songs called carols in church, at school and in the streets.
Christmas jumpers
Many people wear a funny Christmas jumper. Schools have a Christmas Jumper Day.
Christmas cards
People send cards to family and friends. They put them up on the wall or on the shelf.
Christmas dinner 🍽️
Here is a typical British Christmas dinner:
- 🦃 roast turkey
- 🥔 roast potatoes
- 🥬 Brussels sprouts
- 🌭 pigs in blankets (small sausages in bacon)
- 🥕 carrots and gravy
- 🍮 Christmas pudding
The Christmas pudding is a dark cake with dried fruit. People pour a little brandy on it and light it – the pudding is on fire! 🔥
Boxing Day – 26 December
The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. It is a holiday. Many people go for a walk, watch football or go shopping. ⚽🛍️
Fun facts
- 👑 At 3 o’clock on Christmas Day, the King gives a Christmas speech on TV.
- 🎭 Many families go to see a pantomime – a funny Christmas play where the audience shouts and sings.
- 👼 At school, young children act in a nativity play about the birth of Jesus.
- 🌲 Every year, Norway gives London a big Christmas tree. It stands in Trafalgar Square.
- ✉️ The first Christmas card was made in England in 1843.
- 🇩🇰 In Denmark, families dance around the Christmas tree and eat risalamande. Do you know a British Christmas tradition that you would like to try? 🤔
Word list
| English | Dansk |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | juleaften |
| Christmas Day | juledag |
| Father Christmas | julemanden |
| present | gave |
| Christmas tree | juletræ |
| stocking | julestrømpe |
| reindeer | rensdyr |
| sleigh | kane |
| chimney | skorsten |
| angel | engel |
| snow | sne |
| Merry Christmas! | Glædelig jul! |